Welcome to Na Pali Explorer, the very first tour operator permitted by Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to operate commercial tours along Kauai’s famed Na Pali Coast. We are located in Waimea at Kauai’s westernmost point of departure, Kikiaola Harbor, just around the corner from our destination. In our high-powered rigid-hull inflatable rafts, we arrive at the remote Na Pali Coast quickly, so we can spend more time getting to know the legend and lore associated with each cliff and valley; more time playing with dolphins, green sea turtles, monk seals, flying fish and, in season, humpback whales; more time exploring sea caves; and more time snorkeling at the Na Pali Coast’s best snorkel destination, Nualolo Kai, a fringing reef that extends 600 feet offshore and is home to more than 50 species of fish. After all, the Na Pali Coast is our playground, too, so we like to spend more time on this famous coastline and less time trying to get there.  

Maluhia
Majestic. Breathtaking. Awesome. There aren’t enough superlatives in the English language to describe the beauty of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, so we find it only fitting to turn to the metaphor-rich Hawaiian language to help us. The saying ua la‘i ka nohona i kea lo pali translates to there is tranquility before the face of the cliff. Our boats are perfectly sized, so we can snuggle right up to this coastline of cliffs, even dip into a sea cave or two, and feel the tranquility—practically touch the tranquility—of the Na Pali Coast. It’s powerful, yet calm. You could say the Na Pali Coast is a place of perfect peace. It’s definitely a place to forget the demands of daily life. We like to add that the Na Pali Coast is a place of perfect beauty, too. In our minds, the Na Pali Coast ranks right up there with the likes of the Grand Canyon, Niagra Falls and the Rocky Mountains.

‘Ohana
There’s another saying at Na Pali Explorer that is at the core of our company’s values.   It goes ‘ike aku, ‘ike mai, kokua aku kokua mai; pela iho la ka nohona ‘ohana. It translates to recognize and be recognized, help and be helped; such is family life. Yes, it’s the concept made famous by the movie Lilo & Stitch and, no, it wasn’t some trumped up Hollywood gimmick. Ohana—family—is central to all life in Hawaii. But Hollywood forgot one part: Everyone we meet is a member of our ohana. The concept originated in ancient Hawaii where surviving on isolated islands in the middle of the ocean required cooperation and sharing. The concept of extended family continues today. We consider everyone who joins us in exploring the Na Pali Coast guests of our family. Not customers. Not tourists. Not clients. And as guests—family—you’ll hear all our favorite stories, visit all our favorite nooks and crannies—above the water and below—and join in our enthusiasm for our backyard playground—the Na Pali Coast.