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Na Pali Coast Kayak Tours from Kauai's North Shore

Sixteen miles of Kauai has no road. You reach it on foot, from the air, or from the water — and only the water gets you into the sea caves. Five trips, one coastline, summer only.

Na Pali Kayak tours compared by price, distance, duration, departure point, group size and season
TripFromDistanceTimeDepartsGroupSeasonBest for
Na Pali Day Trip — Ha'ena$32017 miles, one way7 hrs paddling · 12+ hr dayCheck in Hanalei, launch Ha'ena Beach Park2–12Apr 15 – Oct 15The entire coast in a single day. The classic.
Na Pali Day Trip — Polihale$27010 miles, out and back8 hrsWest side — Pa'ula'ula, Waimea or Polihale6–12May 15 – Sept 15, Tue & ThuLess experienced paddlers, and groups of six or more.
Na Pali Coast Campingfrom $575Multi-day2–7 daysOur Hanalei shop2–12Permits May 15 – Sept 7Nights on a beach with no road to it. You hold the permit.
Private Tourfrom $2,100 per groupYour call8 hrsArranged with you2–8SummerPrivate groups
Camping Equipment RentalAsk us1–7 daysOur Hanalei shop2–13May – SeptYou have the permits. You need the gear.

Prices are per person, except the private tour — that is $2,100 for up to four guests, plus $450 per additional guest. Conditions decide, not the calendar: any trip can be moved for weather, and the state closes this coast for storms and trail work without much warning.

Which trip is yours?

First time in a sea kayak?

Either day trip works — no experience is required on either. Choose on fitness, not skill. Beginner paddlers do this every day.

See the Polihale trip

Want the whole coast?

Only one trip paddles all of it: Ha'ena to Polihale, 17 miles, west with the trade winds, every valley and sea cave on the way.

See the Ha'ena trip

Got a Kalalau permit?

Then you need a way in and gear that a backpack cannot carry. We guide the paddle and outfit the trip — you keep your own permit.

See the camping trip

Celebrating something?

A private trip is the whole boat and your own guide, on your schedule rather than ours.

See private tours
5 out of 5 stars
DON'T BE SCARED BY THE DISTANCE, YOU CAN DO IT.
Kaden E. · Google

All five trips

Napali Day Trip – Hā'ena - Main image
Duration7 hours
Group Size2 to 12 people

Napali Day Trip – Hā'ena

Embark on the most popular Napali Day Trip from Hā'ena to Polihale, a 17-mile paddle that takes you along the breathtaking northwest coast of Kauai. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life of the Na Pali Coast. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a first-timer, this trip promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and excitement.

from
$320
Napali Day Trip – Polihale - Main image
Duration8 hours
Group Size6 to 12 people

Napali Day Trip – Polihale

Experience the beauty of the Na Pali Coast with our exclusive Napali Day Trip to from Polihale to Milolii and back. This trip is designed for groups of 6 to 12, offering a personalized adventure along one of Hawaii's most stunning coastlines. Enjoy the tranquility of Polihale Beach and the thrill of kayaking through crystal-clear waters, all while being guided by our experienced team. This is considered the mini NaPali coast trip, better suited for less experienced kayaker.

from
$270
Na Pali Coast Camping - Main image
Duration2 to 7 days
Group Size2 to 12 people

Na Pali Coast Camping

For the adventurous and daring explorers, our Na Pali Coast Camping trip offers a unique opportunity to camp in the remote regions along the secluded beaches of Kauai. This experience combines the thrill of camping with the excitement of kayaking, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Na Pali Coast.

from
$575
Private Tour in Na Pali - Main image
Duration8 hours
Group Size2 to 8 people

Private Tour in Na Pali

Escape the crowds and enjoy a personalized kayaking experience with our Private Tour in Na Pali. Perfect for honeymooners or those seeking a unique adventure, this tour offers the only private-guided experience along the Na Pali Coast. Customize your journey and explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life at your own pace.

from
$2,100
Tandem and single sea kayaks above a row of rental camping gear: tent, pack, sleeping bag, dry bags, mess kit and stove
Duration1 to 7 days
Group Size2 to 13 people

Camping Equipment

NaPali Kayak's Camping Equipment Rental package provides top-quality gear for multi-day adventures for all of Kauai whether you are camping our of your car, hiking, or paddling the NaPali Coast. Available Gear: 🔹 Osprey Multi-Day Pack – A lightweight, ergonomic backpack with ample storage for carrying essentials on land. 🔹 Mess Kit – Compact and durable cookware, including a pot, pan, utensils, and plate for easy campfire meals. 🔹 Dry Bags – Keep your belongings safe from ocean spray and rain with waterproof, roll-top dry bags in multiple sizes. 🔹 Cooler – A portable, insulated cooler to keep your food and drinks fresh throughout your journey. 🔹 First Aid Kit – Safety first! Includes essential medical supplies for minor injuries and emergencies. 🔹 Sleeping Bag – Lightweight and warm, designed for coastal camping comfort. 🔹 Assorted High End Tents – A lightweight, weather-resistant, two-person tent with excellent ventilation and easy setup. 🔹 Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad – Provides extra cushioning and insulation for a restful night's sleep under the stars. 🔹 Superfly Camping Stove – A compact, high-performance stove for quick and efficient meal preparation on the go.

What’s included

  • Ruddered sit-on-top tandem kayaks — stable, and built for open water
  • Lightweight carbon-fiber paddles and comfortable seat backs
  • Dry bags and top-of-the-line life jackets
  • A catered lunch on the beach — turkey, ham or vegetarian — and cold drinks
  • Van shuttles at both ends of the Ha'ena trip
  • Guides who have paddled this coast for years, not weeks

What’s not

  • Transport to the meeting point on the Polihale trip — you drive yourself to the west side
  • Seasickness medication. Take it anyway; take it the night before
  • Camping permits, which only Hawaii DLNR can issue, directly to you
  • Gratuities

Why book with us

The only Na Pali kayak outfitter based in Hanalei

You check in on the North Shore, fifteen minutes from the launch, instead of starting your day with a pre-dawn drive to the other side of the island.

On the state's permitted list

Hawaii DLNR publishes the kayak companies permitted to land passengers at Miloli'i Beach, May through September. There are three names on it. We are one of them.

Owner-operated since 2004

Josh and Ivan opened Na Pali Kayak in 2004, after eight years already guiding this coast together. The people who run the company are the people who run the trips.

Ranked by National Geographic

National Geographic Adventure ranked kayaking the Na Pali Coast the second-best adventure trip in America, behind only rafting the Grand Canyon. The coastline has not changed since.

Read what guests actually say →

Before you book

Planning guides

Not sure which one? Call us.

Someone who has paddled the coast will pick up.

Book Your Adventure.

Experience the Thrill of Na Pali