We're leaving for Kauai in less than two weeks and have been steadily researching what boat to take to the Na Pali coast. I'm expecting our first child and wouldn't want to endanger the pregnancy in any way. Capt Andy's, Liko and Blue Dolphin seems good, but can anyone share with me their personal experiences. Is their a particular boat that is more smooth than another? Does anyone know what the difference is between Capt. Andy's catarman vs. power cat?? Thanks so much!

Hi Kristin -

You definitely want to avoid catamarans if you want the smoother ride. Go for Captain Andy's powercat - it's a larger boat than the catamaran, and it'll definitely be a smoother ride. However, as I think about it, your ride to the NaPali coast at this time of year should be generally smoother than when we go, which is during the winter months when the surf up there is much choppier. Have a great time and best wishes on your impending motherhood!

Anyone been on the Napali Coast Hanalei boat "UFO"? They say they depart from Hanalei, but I've heard that everyone has to depart from Port Allen now.

There are 1 or 2 that depart from Hanalei, but becuase of the tight restrictions that have been imposed, for your purposes you'll be much better off witht the ones that depart from Port Allen, because that's where you'll be able to catch the larger and more comfortable power crafts.

We loved Hanalei Tours at Hanalei, but now they are called Kaui Sea Tours at Port Allen. The catamaran ride was great. They now have a better boat so you don't have to stay in your seat. I would probably stay out of the zodiacs, probably too uncomfortable for you. You may want a shorter ride, but we wished the 5 hour had been longer. It is so beautiful.

I took Captain Andy's powercat and we loved it. However, the ride was EXTREMELY rough. Before we left we were chatting with other passengers who noticed we were wearing the motion-sickness patches. Many of them said they had considered getting the patches and decided not to because even though they heard the ride was rough, they had never been seasick before and didn't think they needed them. Well, about 25-30% of the passengers on the boat were throwing up throughout the trip -- and it is a mighty long ride, with no respite for those who are seasick. I would say about another 25% of the passengers were nauseated but never actually threw up. We were SO glad we had the patches. It was a great trip, but even with the patch I was a little iffy at times. Gorgeous scenery though.