The Niʻihau & Nāpali Snorkel Expedition

4.7 (481 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

481 reviews

4.7

Hawaiian monk seal — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Lehua Crater off Niihau — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Go big or go home on one of the most ambitious tours Kauai has to offer—a 90-mile ocean adventure up the Napali Coast and across the Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua Crater and the “Forbidden Island” of Ni’ihau. We’ll experience Kauai’s sacred and breathtaking northwest coast and then head offshore into the deeper and more remote waters of Lehua and Ni’ihau where there are superior wildlife viewing opportunities and world-class snorkeling conditions. Snorkeling gear and instruction are provided, and our sleek and comfortable Kauai-built 65’ power catamaran is the vessel to take you and your loved ones there and back safely and in style. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included in this beautiful, exciting, informative, and valuable 7-hour ocean experience that’s very likely to become the highlight of your visit to Kauai.

Day Cruises Day Trips Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Lunch Cruises Brunch Cruises Catamaran Cruises Water Tours

At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 49 people
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

Ages: Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: The chance to see humpback whales (Dec-Apr)
Included: See and snorkel with dozens of fish and see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, monk seals, manta rays
Included: Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Sautéed Veggies, Cheese), Bakers Choice (Danishes, Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls, Croissants, etc.), Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Medium Roast Coffee, Oatmeal, Tea & Hot Water
Included: Lunch: Fresh bread, deli meats, cheeses, veggie toppings, pasta salad, veggie crudités with ranch dressing & hummus, cookies. Drinks: Water, island juices, soft drinks, beer, seltzers, & wine.
Included: Free beverages all day — with beer and wine served after we snorkel
Included: Spend the day in comfort and style on our sleek, Kauai made 65’ power catamaran
Included: Learn interesting facts, history and legends about the land and its people

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

3 hours

1. Breathtaking Sightseeing—With her 4,000’ cliffs, cascading waterfalls, emerald-green valleys and secluded beaches, the Napali Coast is an absolute must-do on any Kauai vacation. And while most tours stop there, this adventure continues on to Lehua Crater (a Hawaii State Wildlife Sanctuary) and the mysterious Ni’ihau Island.
Niihau - The Forbidden Island

3 hours

2. Excellent Snorkeling and Wildlife Viewing— The snorkeling conditions around Lehua Crater and Niihau are some of the clearest and most prolific in all of Hawaii. Going offshore to Lehua and Niihau, we increase our chances of seeing more elusive ocean species such as pilot whales and rough-toothed dolphins in addition to the spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and humpback whales (seasonally, December-April) that frequent the waters of Kauai.
Kauai

Passing by

Satisfying Food and Beverage Service—The meals we serve are colorful, delicious, and prepared fresh every morning using whole ingredients. In the beverage department, you’ll be offered water, coffee, juices, soft drinks and a creative selection of craft beer, wine, and hard seltzers.
Polihale State Park

Passing by

Get a Sense of the Cultural History—Kauai’s Napali Coast is uninhabited today but was once home to thousands of people and to this day, there’s a private colony of Hawaiian people living on Niihau! We’ll share the history, legends, and stories of these lands and their people, leaving you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Kauai and Ni’ihau Islands.
Kauai

Passing by

Hospitality with Aloha—Your friendly crew members will be at your side all day long, making sure you’re comfortable, hydrated, well-fed, your snorkel mask fits right, your drink is topped up, and that you’re having a fabulous time.
Kauai

Passing by

A Safe and Original Experience—Taking into consideration the day’s weather and ocean conditions, your experienced Captain will use their discretion to show you as much as possible in the time we have, while always prioritizing your comfort and safety. Specific stops and snorkeling locations will vary, and we’ll always do our very best to impress. Splashes can happen--bring a light jacket!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Port Allen

Address: Port Allen Marina Center

4353 Waialo Road

Ele'ele HI 96705

End point

Departure Point: Port Allen

Address: Port Allen Marina Center

4353 Waialo Road

Ele'ele HI 96705

Using your ticket

You must contact Holo Holo Charters upon receipt of confirmation to provide your in-destination contact information so that we may contact you in the event of weather delays or cancellations. Failure to contact us with this information may result in the cancellation of your tour without refund. (808)335-0815

Port Allen Address: Port Allen Marina Center 4353 Waialo Road Ele'ele HI 96705 Directions: https://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/contact-us/port-allen/ Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point "

This is an adventure. Ocean conditions can vary and may turn rough at times. It may not be suitable for some folks (all physically challenged individuals are subject to Captain’s discretion).
All tour routes and destinations are subject to change without notice. Ocean conditions can and will sometimes turn rough. Snorkeling depends on ocean conditions.
No expectant mothers or children under the age of 5 are permitted to join our tours. Child rates apply to ages 5-12, and adult rates apply to ages 13 and above.
Not recommended for individuals who have or have had back problems, recent injuries or surgeries, or suffer from severe motion sickness (no refunds are given for sea sickness). Seasickness is best prevented with an over-the-counter remedy.
We are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
We reserve the right to refuse service.
You should bring your own towels, sunscreen, a light jacket, and a camera.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Passenger Policy
1. This is an adventure. Ocean conditions vary and may be rough. Participation may not be suitable for everyone; boarding of physically challenged individuals is at the captain’s discretion.
2. Not recommended for guests with back, neck, knee, hip, or other joint problems, chronic pain, recent injuries or surgeries, or severe motion sickness. No refunds for seasickness; prevention is best with over-the-counter remedies.
3. No expectant mothers.
4. Children must be 5 years or older.
5. Routes, destinations, and snorkeling are subject to change without notice due to weather and ocean conditions.
6. Cancelled tours are fully refundable or gladly rescheduled.
7. “No shows” or any cancellation within 24-hours of check-in time is subject to a 100% charge of the total fare including tax.
8. We are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.
9. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. are not allowed on board.
10. We do not land on shore.
11. Non-swimmers are not allowed in the water.
12. Full-face snorkel masks are prohibited. Only traditional two-piece masks and snorkels may be used. For safety, please avoid snorkeling within 24 hours after arriving from a flight over 5 hours
13. If you do not have your daily or prescribed medication with you, i.e. inhalers, EpiPens, diabetic medication, you must reschedule your tour for another day.
14. No smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes.
15. You should bring your own towels, sunscreen, a light jacket and camera. We will provide everything else.
16. All tours are barefoot. Shoes must be removed before boarding, with orthopedic/diabetic exceptions at the captain’s discretion.
17. Per our liquor license, guests may not bring alcohol. IDs are required for age verification. Intoxicated guests will not be served and may be denied boarding. Alcohol is served only after snorkeling on applicable tours.
18. No coolers or drones/unmanned aircraft are allowed on-board.
19. Spray/aerosol sunscreens are prohibited as a safety hazard. Please use reef-friendly lotion sunscreens instead.
20. Marine toilets clog easily. Only flush human waste and the toilet paper provided.
21. Please use the designated gravel parking lot.
22. All complaints of harassment or assault, and any suspected illegal activity, will be reported to the proper authorities.
23. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not meet health, safety, or policy requirements.
As a company that puts sustainability at the forefront of goals, we request you bring your own reusable water bottle with you on tour.
Child rates apply to ages 5-12, and adult rates apply to ages 13 and above.
No expectant mothers are permitted to join the tour