Kauai & the Na Pali Coast
Mar 26th, 2008 | 08:10 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8
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Kauai & the Na Pali Coast
Hi All,
My husband and I have booked a week the end of May staying at Haena on the northern coast of Kauai. We would like to do 2 activities.
One is a snorkel sail to the Na Pali coast so would like to leave from the north side.
I have read about Na Pali Catamaran (formerly Whitey's) that leaves from Hanalei. It is supposed to seat 16 and power sail.
Another outfit is Capt. Sundown's Sailing Catamaran which sails instead of motoring. (would rather enjoy the time snorkeling and perhaps exploring sea caves).
Another is Capt. Zodiac Raft Expeditions. These are rafts that you hold a rope and brace.
I do like the smaller size crafts (less people to crowd you) and would like to stop at a beach and snorkel but also would like to bring our digital camera and perhaps small video camcorder so don't want to ruin either of them. Any recommendations?
The second activity would be either a helicopter or plane tour.
There is a sunset Heli tour from Princeville (Heli USA Airways).
Another is Air Kauai based from Lihue Airport (which a AM flight was recommended since clouds begin to form in the warming day which may obscure views). These are helicopter tours and are quite expensive.
An alternative is Wings Over Kauai that offers a nice view by plane-in particular a 60 minute flight (Pali Mist Excursion-for $100)that again departs from Lihue.
I don't know if any of the charter boats or plane/helicopters take Auto club discounts (doubt it) but the plane fee is an internet discounted fee.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks much! Can't wait for the wonderful weather and views of Kauai!! Mahalo!
Sandy
My husband and I have booked a week the end of May staying at Haena on the northern coast of Kauai. We would like to do 2 activities.
One is a snorkel sail to the Na Pali coast so would like to leave from the north side.
I have read about Na Pali Catamaran (formerly Whitey's) that leaves from Hanalei. It is supposed to seat 16 and power sail.
Another outfit is Capt. Sundown's Sailing Catamaran which sails instead of motoring. (would rather enjoy the time snorkeling and perhaps exploring sea caves).
Another is Capt. Zodiac Raft Expeditions. These are rafts that you hold a rope and brace.
I do like the smaller size crafts (less people to crowd you) and would like to stop at a beach and snorkel but also would like to bring our digital camera and perhaps small video camcorder so don't want to ruin either of them. Any recommendations?
The second activity would be either a helicopter or plane tour.
There is a sunset Heli tour from Princeville (Heli USA Airways).
Another is Air Kauai based from Lihue Airport (which a AM flight was recommended since clouds begin to form in the warming day which may obscure views). These are helicopter tours and are quite expensive.
An alternative is Wings Over Kauai that offers a nice view by plane-in particular a 60 minute flight (Pali Mist Excursion-for $100)that again departs from Lihue.
I don't know if any of the charter boats or plane/helicopters take Auto club discounts (doubt it) but the plane fee is an internet discounted fee.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks much! Can't wait for the wonderful weather and views of Kauai!! Mahalo!
Sandy
Mar 26th, 2008 | 08:33 AM
#2
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,348
Likes: 0
Reply to denof4, In our experience, on power catamarans and raft expeditions from Kaua`i and Hawaii, our 
and video have survived with minimal precautions.
However, do recommend Bonnine the night before if prone to
amp; motion sickness.
and video have survived with minimal precautions. However, do recommend Bonnine the night before if prone to
amp; motion sickness.
Mar 26th, 2008 | 10:53 AM
#3
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
We have done both excursions more than once but out of Port Allen since we stay in Lihue.
Our catamaran trips have been with Kauai Sea Tours. We did the snorkel cruise with them a few years back but we have done the sunset cruise recently and it was fantastic. We go to Kauai in April so it is still whale season and we always see whales and dolphins when we go out. They put on a great buffet for the sunset cruise and lots of mai tais to go with the food.
If you go out on a cat your camera should be ok. I wouldn't chance it on a zodiac though I did take my 35mm with us when we did the trip on Oahu a few years ago.
If snorkeling is why you want to go out sailing, I wouldn't make that a priority as there are so many beaches on the island to snorkel at and it is free to do so. I do agree that a cruise along the Na Pali coast is a must but I do not believe that any company stops at a beach along there.
I can't explain in words how fun the helicopter flight was. You get to see places on the island that you cannot see any other way. The one we took on two different occassions was with Inter Island and we did the waterfall tour which lands at a remote waterfall that is only accessible by helicopter. You get to swim in your own waterfall and enjoy a nice lunch while there. If you would choose to do this trip, I suggest taking a sweater or jacket with you as being wet and flying with the doors off on the helicopter can be a bit cold.....but so much fun!
Enjoy whatever you do on the island...we leave in 11 days!
Our catamaran trips have been with Kauai Sea Tours. We did the snorkel cruise with them a few years back but we have done the sunset cruise recently and it was fantastic. We go to Kauai in April so it is still whale season and we always see whales and dolphins when we go out. They put on a great buffet for the sunset cruise and lots of mai tais to go with the food.
If you go out on a cat your camera should be ok. I wouldn't chance it on a zodiac though I did take my 35mm with us when we did the trip on Oahu a few years ago.
If snorkeling is why you want to go out sailing, I wouldn't make that a priority as there are so many beaches on the island to snorkel at and it is free to do so. I do agree that a cruise along the Na Pali coast is a must but I do not believe that any company stops at a beach along there.
I can't explain in words how fun the helicopter flight was. You get to see places on the island that you cannot see any other way. The one we took on two different occassions was with Inter Island and we did the waterfall tour which lands at a remote waterfall that is only accessible by helicopter. You get to swim in your own waterfall and enjoy a nice lunch while there. If you would choose to do this trip, I suggest taking a sweater or jacket with you as being wet and flying with the doors off on the helicopter can be a bit cold.....but so much fun!
Enjoy whatever you do on the island...we leave in 11 days!
Mar 26th, 2008 | 07:26 PM
#5
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 0
There currently are no heli-tours departing from Princeville Airport. Heli-USA pulled out in February. Sooooo nice not having buzzing helicopters over our neighborhood now!
Not sure if snorkel tours will be departing Hanalei Bay before June -- check with the tour companies involved. Word of caution about the zodiac boats -- the return trip to Hanalei is bone-jarring, because you're going against the current. It's not for anyone with neck/back issues, small children, or pregnant women.
Not sure if snorkel tours will be departing Hanalei Bay before June -- check with the tour companies involved. Word of caution about the zodiac boats -- the return trip to Hanalei is bone-jarring, because you're going against the current. It's not for anyone with neck/back issues, small children, or pregnant women.
Mar 26th, 2008 | 08:09 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 921
Likes: 0
I prefer airplanes with wings 
Done enough on the other kind to last a lifetime.
On Kauai you have, I believe, a choice of two (is the red biplane still flying?)
I've read nothing but good reports about the guy that offers a Cessna flightseeing trip, there's a very recent report here on Fodors that agrees.
Done enough on the other kind to last a lifetime.
On Kauai you have, I believe, a choice of two (is the red biplane still flying?)
I've read nothing but good reports about the guy that offers a Cessna flightseeing trip, there's a very recent report here on Fodors that agrees.
