I am trying to figure out which Na Pali boat tour/company is the best. I am mostly interested in the half day option, but saw the combo that went to NaPali/Niihau that looks interesting. Can anyone share experiences or recommendations?

We took a great Trimarin tour out of Pt. Allen - with Andy's was it? You can dive or snorkel - at your option.

And we wanted to go diving at a small island by Niihau -but some dang wedding party chartered the whole boat.

If you could combine the two - and it's a calm day/and you like riding on the beautiful ocean with dolphins, etc - I would try to combine the two, but if it's "just" up the Na Pali Coast - that is spectacular in it's own right.

Have Capt'n Andy's several times and love it. Book early - before you get over there as you might not get on...

I've done at least 7 Na Pali boat trips (all from the west shore) and one year we booked the Holo Holo trip that included Niihau, it was a great trip, the boat goes about halfway up the Na Pali coast, then heads over to Niihau (they go very fast and the channel can be rough if you are prone to seasickness) where we snorkeled, I saw a monk seal, turtle, lots of fish, etc. then we ate lunch and returned (again, they cross this channel VERY fast, I sat down the whole time). It was a great time.

That being said, Captain Andy's has a nice new sailboat called Southern Star that is getting rave reviews over on Trip Advisor, they actually serve a hot meal rather than sandwiches, chips and salads. They do a morning snorkel tour and a sunset tour. They do not go to Niihau however.

I have been on Napali Catamaran on two occasions and really enjoyed the trip. There boat is a little smaller (about 12 passengers) than some of the others. Take the morning tour as the afternoon swells get really rough and, if you are prone to seasickness, be sure to take some Bonine at least an hour before.

Oops - meant to say "Their boat" instead of "There boat".

Amen to always go early to avoid the waves/chop kicking up.

Never have tried sea-sickness stuff - but some swear by it.

seasickness....I use wrist bands as they don't make me sleepy like some meds. bands work great. can get them at most drug stores or travel/luggage stores. def. take morning tours - less swells adn since you r going against the wave ction, it gets very rough.....

TRIP REPORT!

We chose Capt Andy's and it was fabulous. Left Port Allen at 9am, they provided coffee, juice and soft cinnamon pastries for breakfast. We went down the Napali coast before lunch because the crew was worried about the winds. After seeing the gorgeous coast we sailed (without the motors) for about 20-30 mins - this was very nice. We stopped near the coast and were served a sandwich buffet. This was delicious and it was so nice to be able to make your own sandwich instead of have it prepackaged. We went snorkling after lunch - not a great variety of fish, but it felt good to get in the water. As we crusied back to Port Allen, the beer/wine was served and they were very generous - I never finished a beer and was looking for another...it was already in my hand! Captain Kurt was our guide for the day and he is very knowledgeable and lots of fun. I would highly recommend Capt Andys!

We have been on Capt. Andy's twice. Once in the morning. Fabulous. Spinner dolphins, the works. Once in the afternoon. The worst ever. Choppy water and everyone was sick. Highly recommend the morning, and take the crew seriously when they talk about wind.

Amen dos about going early. The best time.

Jamie99- totally agree about the rough return trip from Ni'ihau, and I don't get seasick. It just beat up my body. So that makes me want to make my pitch here- no one goes out just to Ni'ihau that I know of (if I am wrong, let me know and I'll book it when I am there in September). As beautiful as the coast is, I'd love to skip that (especially since I've done it several times and Holo Holo didn't make a snorkeling stop on the coast)and just go out to Ni'ihau for additional snorkeling, a much shorter trip, and maybe, just maybe, a less jarring ride back.