Ni'ihau and Na Pali Coast Snorkel Boat Tour

From$361.31
8 hours
Kauai, USA

About this activity

Experience an unforgettable 8-hour snorkeling adventure exploring the pristine waters of Ni'ihau and the breathtaking Na Pali Coast, encountering diverse marine life along the way.

Highlights

  • Explore the Forbidden Island of Ni'ihau
  • Snorkel in the pristine waters of Lehua Crater
  • Witness the stunning Na Pali Coastline
  • Encounter diverse marine life including dolphins and monk seals
  • Enjoy a comfortable and spacious boat ride

Full description

Dive into an unforgettable 8-hour snorkeling adventure that takes you to the pristine waters of Ni'ihau, known as the Forbidden Island, and the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. Glide through crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs and encountering diverse marine life, including dolphins, monk seals, and a variety of tropical fish. The tour offers comfortable round-trip boat transportation, ensuring a relaxing journey as you witness the stunning coastal landscapes and secluded beaches. With guided snorkeling excursions and provided snacks and beverages, this tour promises a day of adventure and relaxation in one of Hawaii's most beautiful settings.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided snorkeling excursions
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Round-trip boat transportation
  • Hotel accommodations

Meeting point

Start Location

Holo Holo Charters, 4353 Waialo Rd #5a, Eleele, HI 96705, USA

Important information

Know before you book

  • Check the weather forecast for the day of the tour
  • Confirm the departure time and location
  • Review the cancellation policy in case of unforeseen changes

Know before you go

  • Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen
  • Wear comfortable clothing suitable for a boat ride
  • Consider bringing a waterproof camera to capture marine life

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed

Good to know

  • 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.

Traveler reviews

4.7
481 reviews
5
406
4
34
3
24
2
9
1
8

Good Time Despite Conditions

This was our 4th trip over the years with Holoholo and we enjoyed the trip. The weather impacted our ability to travel to Ni’ihau, so we were able to travel farther up the Na Pali coast; we were given a 20 % discount upon our return due to the travel adjustments. The weather was windy and the ride was choppy heading into the wind but smooth coming back down with the wind. We saw several pods of spinning dolphins. Drew was our captain and did a great job describing the scenery. Noah was excellent at making sure everyone was waited on. Lexi and Kamala also provided good service.

ChaChaDadSep 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great Day on the Water

This was an adventure that was well prepared for with a crew that was in sync with each other and the guests. This full-day on the water is not for everyone but those that can handle the potential rough waters to get to the amazing snorkeling spot at Nihau. The boat made the trip fun and enjoyable - I would not want to be in one of those rubber boats on these seas. We spent an hour snorkeling and another hour admiring the Napali Coastline. There's covered and uncovered areas to sit and the crew is incredibly helpful to each and every guest. I especially liked how the crew proactively took pictures of the guests along the Napali Coast - they were great. Highly reco Holoholo Charters and this trip if you want something you will never forget.

KellieBlissAug 31, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A real adventure

We chose the Niʻihau & Nāpali Snorkel Expedition because we had never been to Ni'ihau. It was totally worth the time and the money over a Napali-only tour. The boat is a little smaller than some of the others and a lot more powerful. It needs to be because we crossed the channel from Kauai to Ni'ihau in addition to cruising up and down the Na Pali coast. The snorkeling was fantastic - the best I've seen in the islands. A large, healthy coral reef covered with fish, and a curious Monk seal swimming around. The crew were all friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. The captain, Nate, was informative without talking too much. Be aware though that the tour goes out to sea. The waves are much bigger than those near the coast that you experience on a Na Pali tour, and a few of our group got sea sick. There is lots of spray - you'll get wet unless you ride in the cabin, and that's where you're more likely to get sea sick... So, its an adventure, and a good one!

LoveToTravelBostonAug 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Super tour in Kauai

Amazing tour. The crew Lexie, (Tamalo(?) and co. were very nice and attentive. Nate the captain did an impressive job of maneuvering the boat while providing uss with a commentary on history and legends. The snorkeling was very good. The tour of the Na'Pali Coast is as gorgeous as advertised. As a bonus we went to an area where a pod of spinning dolphins, adults, teenagers, and babies came to play around with the boat for quite a while. We were 3 adults and loved it. Warning: take your Dramamine with you, even if you don't usually get seasick. This boat goes fast!

Dreamer02865240457Aug 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR

We will be so glad you booked this!

Outstanding day on the water. This was the best snorkeling every one of us have experience. Captain Drew, kalama. Olivia and the final crew member were absolutely wonderful. So attentive and the bonus trip up the coast was so worth it. We have picture and memories to last a lifetime. Who can say they drove a boat through a waterfall and saw reef sharks, monk seals, goats and spinner dolphins...just to mention a few... all in one trip?! Very appreciative of the moments and memories that will last a lifetime!!! Highly recommend to anyone considering this adventure!

148leanntAug 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Passenger Policy 1. 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). 2. Not recommended for individuals who have/had back problems, recent injuries or surgeries, or suffer from severe motion sickness (no refunds are given for seasickness). Seasickness is best prevented with an over-the-counter remedy. 3. No expectant mothers. 4. Children must be 5 years or older. 5. All tour routes and destinations are subject to change without notice. Ocean conditions can and will sometimes turn rough. Snorkeling depends on ocean conditions. 6. Cancelled tours by Holo Holo Charters are fully refundable or gladly rescheduled. 7. "No shows" or any cancellation within 24-hours or 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. We reserve the right to refuse service. 10. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. are not allowed on board. 11. We do not land on shore. 12. Non-swimmers are not allowed in the water. 13. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed; guests are required to use traditional two-piece snorkel and mask sets. 14. If you do not have your prescribed medication with you, i.e. Inhalers, EpiPens, diabetic medication and/or any other daily medications, you must reschedule your tour for another day. 15. No smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes. 16. You should bring your own towels, sunscreen, a light jacket and camera. We will provide everything else. 17. All tours are "Bare-Foot". Passengers will remove their shoes prior to boarding. Only orthopedic/diabetic exceptions will be made at captain's direction. 18. In accordance with our liquor license, guests may not bring their own alcohol and IDs are required for age verification. Intoxicated guests will not be served any may be denied boarding. Alcohol will be served only after snorkeling on applicable tours. 19. No coolers or drones/unmanned aircraft allowed on-board. 20. Spray-on/aerosol sunscreen is a safety hazard and may not be used on-board the vessel. 21. Our vessels are equipped with sensitive marine heads (toilets) that clog easily. Do not flush anything other than what your body produces and the toilet paper provided. 22. Please use Holo Holo parking lot only or your car will be towed. 23. All complaints or incidents of harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault will be reported to the proper authorities. As a company that puts sustainability at the forefront of goals, we request you bring your own reusable water bottle with you on tour.