Our Flagship Adventure
The Niʻihau & Nāpali Snorkel Expedition
Kauaʻi’s Only Daily Boat Tour to Niʻihau. Set out along Kauaʻi’s legendary Nāpali Coast toward the remote “Forbidden Island” of Niʻihau for an extended half-day offshore adventure. Snorkel in one of Hawaiʻi’s most pristine marine environments, where the visibility can feel like swimming through an aquarium without walls.
Along the way, pass towering sea cliffs, watch for dolphins, green sea turtles, monk seals, and seasonal humpback whales, and experience some of Kauaʻi’s clearest offshore waters. You’ll travel aboard Holoholo, our custom-built 65-foot power catamaran designed specifically for crossing the open waters of the Kaulakahi Channel.
From
$315 / adult
Ages 13+
From
$295 / child
Ages 5-12
+ taxes
Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing along the legendary Nāpali Coast, Lehua Crater, and the remote island of Niʻihau
- Snorkeling in some of Hawaiʻi’s clearest, most vibrant offshore waters
- Opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, monk seals, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales (Dec–Apr)
- Custom-built 65-foot powered catamaran designed for offshore ocean crossings
- Continental breakfast, deli-style lunch, snacks, and fresh-baked cookies
- Complimentary nonalcoholic beverages all day, plus local beer, wine, and hard seltzers after snorkeling
- Snorkel gear, flotation devices, and in-water crew support
- Captain narration featuring local history, geology, wildlife, and Hawaiian legends throughout the journey
Surprising Flexibility
Out here, nature is in control. That’s part of the adventure, and part of what makes Kauaʻi so special.
If weather or ocean conditions require us to change routes, you’ll always have a choice: join us for plan B, or reschedule or cancel at no cost. Because conditions can shift minute-to-minute, our captains make route decisions the day of the tour based on real-time ocean conditions.
And if Holoholo cancels for weather, ocean conditions, or operational reasons, you’ll receive a full refund.
Comfortable Boat
- The Holoholo is our custom-built 65-foot power catamaran designed specifically for Kauaʻi’s offshore waters
- Spacious open-air layout for a more comfortable experience
- Stable catamaran design engineered to reduce side-to-side rolling for a smoother ride
- Fast cruising speeds get you to Nāpali and Niʻihau quicker, maximizing time on the water
- Multiple seating areas, shaded cabin space, onboard bar, and panoramic coastline views
- Easy-access swim step, onboard freshwater rinse, and convenient deck-level restrooms
- Experienced crew focused on comfort, safety, and an enjoyable day at sea
Sustainability
- Kauaʻi’s only boat tour company certified by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi (STAH)
- Complimentary reef-safe sunscreen available onboard to help protect Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs
- Reusable tableware and reduced single-use waste across onboard food and beverage service
- Locally sourced ingredients used whenever possible to support Kauaʻi businesses and producers
- Crew and captains committed to marine stewardship, environmental education, and responsible tourism
- Sustainability reports published annually to track and improve environmental practices
The snorkeling was unforgettable. We were surrounded by a massive swarm of beautiful tropical fish, creating one of the most incredible underwater experiences our family has ever had. It felt like swimming inside an aquarium.
Kayla N.
The One Day in Kauaʻi You’ll Talk About Forever.
What sets this offshore expedition apart from any other Kauaʻi boat tour.
Nāpali Coast
Towering emerald cliffs. Hidden sea caves. Waterfalls tumbling thousands of feet into the Pacific. There’s a reason the Nāpali Coast is considered one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world. And there’s no better way to experience it than from the water.
Ride alongside 4,000-foot sea cliffs aboard Holoholo while your captain and crew share stories, history, and local knowledge about this remote side of Kauaʻi. Every day on the coast feels a little different depending on the ocean, light, and weather, but the feeling is always the same: wild, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Offshore Adventure
Most Nāpali boat tours turn around at the end of the coast. This expedition keeps going, crossing 17 miles across the Kaulakahi Channel toward the remote island of Niʻihau and the crescent-shaped cliffs of Lehua Crater.
The open-ocean crossing is part of what makes this experience so memorable. You’ll travel far beyond the typical Kauaʻi sightseeing route into waters few visitors ever explore, surrounded by endless Pacific views, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the feeling of true offshore adventure.
Wildlife Encounters
The waters off Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are alive with marine life, and no two days on the ocean are ever the same. Along the way, it’s common to encounter Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, soaring seabirds, and — during winter months — migrating humpback whales breaching offshore.
Because the waters around Lehua Crater and Niʻihau see very little boat traffic, they can also attract more elusive species like manta rays and Hawaiian monk seals. Our captains and crew approach every encounter respectfully, giving wildlife space while helping guests experience the excitement of seeing these animals in their natural habitat.
Snorkeling & Swimming
After exploring the coastline and offshore islands, we’ll stop in one of the region’s best snorkeling areas to swim, float, and explore beneath the surface. The waters around Niʻihau and Lehua Crater are known for exceptional clarity, vibrant reef ecosystems, and the chance to encounter marine life rarely seen closer to shore.
Rather than dropping anchor on sensitive reef systems, we typically secure to strategically placed moorings that help protect the marine environment below. We provide all snorkeling equipment, flotation devices, and basic instruction, and one of our crew members joins guests in the water while the rest of the team prepares lunch and keeps the operation running smoothly onboard.
Food & Drinks
An extended time on the water calls for good food, cold drinks, and plenty of time to relax between adventures. You’ll start the morning with a continental breakfast as we journey up the coast, then enjoy a fresh deli-style lunch with snacks, sodas, juices, and fresh-baked cookies later in the day.
After snorkeling, complimentary beer, wine, and hard seltzers are served for the ride back. Swap stories with new friends or simply soak in the views from the deck – the atmosphere onboard stays lively relaxed, welcoming, and distinctly aloha.
Custom Catamaran
Holoholo isn’t just the name of our company. It’s the custom-built 65-foot power catamaran designed specifically for these offshore expeditions between Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, and Lehua Crater. With a wide, stable stance and powerful twin diesel engines, the vessel delivers a smoother, faster ride across open ocean waters than many traditional tour boats.
Onboard, you’ll find plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the journey. The deck features open-air sightseeing areas. The shaded cabin offers seating and panoramic coastline views. We intentionally limit guest capacity below the vessel’s Coast Guard certification for a more comfortable experience throughout the day.
Local Crew & Stories
Our captains and crew have spent years exploring these waters, studying them, and sharing them with guests from around the world. Throughout the day, you’ll hear stories about Kauaʻi’s history, geology, marine life, and Hawaiian culture from people who genuinely love being out on the ocean.
Beyond keeping the day safe and running smoothly, the crew helps create the atmosphere of aloha that makes this experience memorable: relaxed, welcoming, adventurous, and deeply connected to place. They’re here to help first-time snorkelers in the water, point out dolphins off the bow, and help you experience this side of Hawaiʻi the way locals do.
Kaua‘i Private Charters
Wedding events, family trips, celebrations of life, company outings, birthday celebrations. Kaua‘i is just better with the whole group on board.
Plan Your Charter
Frequently asked questions
Totally Worth the Early Wake-Up Call
What's the difference between the Niʻihau Snorkel Expedition and the Nāpali Coast Snorkel Excursion?
The Niʻihau & Nāpali Snorkel Expedition is our longest offshore adventure, taking you across the Kaulakahi Channel to snorkel near Lehua Crater near Niʻihau. You’ll travel aboard Holoholo, our custom-built 65-foot power catamaran designed specifically for crossing the open waters of the Kaulakahi Channel. It offers more time on the water, a more remote snorkeling experience in clearer water, and additional opportunities to encounter rare offshore marine life, such as false killer whales, rough-toothed dolphins, manta rays, and Hawaiian monk seals, creating a wildlife experience distinctly different from snorkeling along the Kauaʻi coast.
The Nāpali Coast Snorkel Excursion stays closer to Kauaʻi, combining snorkeling, sightseeing, and possible sailing into a shorter outing that’s a great fit for many visitors. You’ll be aboard Leila, a 50-foot motorized sailing catamaran designed and built right here on Kauaʻi. Leila also gives guests the chance to experience something increasingly rare on commercial tours in Hawaiʻi: real sailing along the Nāpali Coast.
Are we going to be able to swim with dolphins?
No, swimming with dolphins is not allowed. While Holoholo does not offer swimming with dolphins, seeing dolphins is very common, particularly on the morning tours.
It is illegal to approach or swim with dolphins under federal law, as these protections are in place to prevent disruption to their natural behaviors. While we love encountering dolphins on our tours, we observe them respectfully from a distance and never pursue them.
On rare occasions, if you are already in the water snorkeling and dolphins choose to approach you on their own, that can happen—but it’s entirely up to them.
We follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines and are committed to protecting marine life. Respecting these boundaries helps ensure these incredible animals can thrive for generations to come.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes—all snorkel gear is included at no additional cost.
We provide masks, snorkels, and fins for every guest, along with prescription masks for those who need corrective lenses (ranging from +1.5 to -7.0). We also carry snorkel equipment for kids.
Our goal is to make your experience easy and comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the water.
What do you do if the weather is bad? Do you cancel tours due to weather?
Ocean conditions, such as wind and swell, are the primary factors that may lead to a cancellation or route adjustment. If conditions require a change to the route or experience, our Captain will clearly communicate this at check-in, and you’ll have the option to continue, reschedule, or receive a full refund.
If we cancel your tour due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
We do not cancel tours due to rain alone unless there are safety concerns, such as active lightning on the water. It’s common for it to be raining on land while conditions remain clear out on the water.
Safety is always our top priority. Ocean conditions in Hawaiʻi can change quickly, so our team continuously monitors forecasts and real-time conditions. If adjustments to the route or experience are needed, we believe in full transparency so you can make the best decision for your day.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is always here to help.
What can I do about motion sickness?
If you’re prone to motion sickness—or unsure—it’s best to take preventative medication before your tour.
If you regularly experience severe seasickness, a Holoholo boat tour may not be the best fit.
Our tours take place in the open ocean, where conditions can vary and movement is part of the experience—even on calm days. While many guests manage well with preventive medication, it’s not guaranteed, and tours range from 3 to 7 hours, with no option to return early due to seasickness.
There are many over-the-counter and natural remedies available, and some should be taken a few hours in advance, so be sure to follow the directions. We also offer motion sickness remedies for purchase at check-in if needed.
If you begin to feel unwell during the tour, let our crew know right away—early intervention makes a big difference. We can help reposition you on the boat and provide items like ginger ale, crackers, and ginger candy to help ease symptoms.
To prepare, we recommend getting a good night’s rest and avoiding alcohol or acidic drinks (like coffee or orange juice) before your tour, as these can make symptoms worse.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, all of our vessels are equipped with onboard restrooms. Our marine heads are compact but fully functional, providing what you need while out on the water.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy depends on your group size. For parties of 9 or fewer, we require at least 24 hours’ notice for a full refund. For parties of 10 or more, we require 72 hours’ notice. Cancellations made outside of these timeframes will receive a full refund.
Within the cancellation window, reservations are non-refundable and charged in full.
If we cancel your tour due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
Ocean conditions, such as wind and swell, are the primary factors that may lead to a cancellation or route adjustment. If conditions require a change to the route or experience, our Captain will clearly communicate this at check-in, and you’ll have the option to continue, reschedule, or receive a full refund.
We do not cancel tours due to rain alone unless there are safety concerns, such as thunder and lightning. It’s common for it to be raining on land while conditions remain clear out on the water.
Our goal is to be transparent and give you the information you need to make the best decision for your day.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is always here to help.
Our Boats Are Built on Kaua‘i For a Reason.
The Nāpali coast demands experience. Our custom-built boats and award-winning crews know how to read the water and safely adapt to changing conditions along one of the wildest coastlines in Hawai‘i.
Learn More About Our Vessels & Crew
Holoholo Stays With You.
Holoholo is a Hawaiian word that means to go out for pleasure––a walk, a stroll, a sail. We think that’s a pretty good way to describe a day on the water.
Out here, the ocean makes the rules. Our job is to help you experience it safely, comfortably, and with the kind of care that lets you stay fully present in the moment.
If you step off the boat feeling a little more connected to this place than when you came aboard, we’ve done our job. Our goal is for you to remember more than the views. We hope you'll remember how it felt to be out here.
Mahalo,
The Holoholo Team
Find Your AdventureMahalo,
The Holoholo Team
We’re Guests Out Here Too.
Operating boats in the waters around Kauaʻi comes with responsibility. We work hard to reduce our impact, protect marine ecosystems, support local community organizations, and operate with deep respect for this place we call home.
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Reviews
“Highlight of Our Trip”
