Booking choice: The sea caves raft and snorkel, from $255 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Kauai's north and west shores take the brunt of the winter swell from the North Pacific. That swell decides whether the rafts can enter the caves, whether the snorkel stop happens and, some days, whether the boats go out at all.
Timing your trip by season, and by time of day, makes a bigger difference than which operator you pick.
The quick answer
For the sea caves, go from about May to September, on a morning departure. For humpback whales, go from December to April (peak January and February), accepting that caves and snorkel stops are often skipped. Book early in your stay so a cancelled day can be moved.
What is the best month for a Na Pali boat tour?
June to August for the calmest seas and the best odds of entering the caves; May and September are close behind.
In summer the winter swell settles, fewer tours are cancelled and the water is clearer for snorkelling. Na Pali Riders only runs its caves-only trip from mid-May to late September for this reason.
Visiting in summer? Morning raft departures are the calmest of all.
Check dates for the sea caves raft and snorkelIs winter a bad time to go?
Not bad, but different: bigger swell, fewer cave entries, more cancellations, and humpback whales from December to April.
The 4-hour Na Pali Riders trip runs all year, and in winter whale watching is part of it. Treat the caves as a bonus rather than the plan. See the sea caves guide.
Morning or afternoon?
Morning. Na Pali Riders recommends its 6:30 or 7:00 AM departures for calmer seas and more wildlife.
Afternoon trade winds build chop on the way back, which makes for a wetter, wilder ride. Some operators market afternoon raft trips as the thrill option for exactly that reason.
When can you see whales?
December to April, with the peak in January and February.
Humpbacks come to Hawaii's warm water to breed and calve. Na Pali Riders also lists dolphins year round and has reported melon-headed, pilot and false killer whales on its trips. Boats keep a legal distance from whales and from turtles.
Prefer whale watching from a steadier deck? Makana's catamaran switches to whales in winter.
Explore the Makana catamaranWhat about sunset cruises?
They are for views and dinner, not caves or snorkelling, and they are not calmer.
Sunset trips usually skip snorkelling, and afternoon seas are often rougher. If you get seasick, a sunset cruise will not solve it.
Do tours leave from the North Shore in summer?
A few small permitted boats use Hanalei in summer, but most Na Pali tours leave from Waimea or Port Allen all year.
Commercial boats in Hanalei Bay need permits and are limited in size and passengers, and winter surf shuts north-shore departures. Plan on driving to the west or south side: about two hours from Princeville.
Are tours running after Hurricane Lowell?
Partly. In September 2026 the state listed the Kikiaola and Port Allen small boat harbors as closed until further notice after storm damage.
By late September some operators reported departures running again from Kikiaola, and several catamarans resumed from Port Allen's commercial harbor. Check with your operator the day before, and remember every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours ahead.
When should you book?
Early in your trip, and a few weeks ahead in summer and holiday periods.
Morning departures sell first. Booking for one of your first days leaves room to rebook if the captain cancels for conditions.
Pick an early date in your trip: cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the sea caves raft and snorkelFrequently asked questions
What is the calmest time of year on the Na Pali Coast?
Summer, roughly May to September, when the North Pacific swell drops.
Can you see whales on a Na Pali raft tour?
Yes, from December to April, peaking in January and February.
What time of day is best?
Early morning: calmer water, softer light and more wildlife.
Ready to book
Choose your boat
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Na Pali Sea Caves Raft & Snorkel Expedition
- Guided Zodiac raft tour along the Na Pali Coast, sea caves when conditions allow
- Snorkel stop with mask, snorkel and fins (conditions permitting)
- Fruit, chips, juice, water and Gatorade; dry bag; optional life jackets
Na Pali Riders 3-Hour Sea Caves Raft
The sea caves without the snorkel stop, summer only
Makana Charters Na Pali Catamaran Tour
- Shared catamaran trip along the Na Pali Coast, sea caves when conditions allow
- Snorkel gear in season; whale watching in winter
- Sandwich lunch, snacks, water and soft drinks
