Na Pali Coast - Summer Sea Kayaking Tour

Posted By : 231bethanyd
The Maverick (custom/overnight Na Pali tour) with Kayak Kauai was so great I had to come back for seconds! This review will be long but hopefully thorough to answer some questions I had going into it.

The Maverick route is the same as the Haena-to-Polihale route, but you are able to break it up over multiple days by camping at the beautiful Na Pali beaches along the way. Your guide drops you off each day and paddles home, then paddles back out to meet you the following morning.

On my first trip I camped 1 night at Kalalau and 1 night at Miloli'i. On the second trip I spent 2 nights at Kalalau - I recommend the latter itinerary just because there is so much to explore and experience at Kalalau that 1 night is not enough. Camping at Miloli'i does help to break up the distance of the return trip, but you will stop there for a rest either way. Miloli'i campsite has slightly more amenities (e.g. showers) but personally I still preferred extra nights at Kalalau to explore the valley and trail or simply just to take in the magic.

Micco + Kayak Kauai provided me with every customization and comfort for an epic trip - if you provide the camping permits (and the wherewithal to handle the ocean conditions), they will take care of everything else. Micco is very responsive and patient with answering any questions and shields you from all the logistical complexities - just fill out the form and he will handle it! It was a luxury not to worry about coordinating the equipment, launching and landing, driving over all the bumps at Polihale, etc. I highly recommend renting a soft-pac cooler as part of your package to take your camping food to the next level.

Kayak Kauai took such excellent care of me that it made the guiding fees worthwhile. My trips were not without some hiccups (man-o-war stings inside the boat, choppy seas, bumpy landings, etc.) and this is where I felt very secure having a guide with me vs. trying to DIY the trip - the guides handled all of these issues calmly and professionally. They were able to radio when our kayaks were entering the different sea caves so that other boat/zodiac captains on the water don't zoom into the caves or create a large wake. I also learned way more about the history, geography, flora and fauna than I would if I had been on my own.

Finally, I want to shout out Mike R for his excellent guiding on both trips. He made my experience more special by highlighting the significance of each area along the coast. The time and effort will fly by as he teaches you about Hawaiian history, wildlife, contemporary issues, etc. He also kept me calm as I watched kayak after kayak capsizing ahead of us in the choppy water - he bent over backwards to keep his promise that we wouldn't capsize and that sets Kayak Kauai apart to me. His enthusiasm on the water is contagious and something you should experience for yourself!

If I could do this paddle every weekend I would. I've toured the coast via zodiac, catamaran, small boat, hike, helicopter, etc. and the Maverick trip is really something else. If you're in the right physical shape to take it on, you should absolutely prioritize this trip.
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Posted On : 2023-09-13 06:35:58

Posted By : BTB70
On June 1, we went on the Na Pali Coast tour with Mike as our guide, and Jay as our driver. My husband and I are in our 50's, and have both kayaked before, him more than me. Overall, it was very challenging at times, but well worth the effort. We had a fantastic time, and Mike was an excellent guide. He took us in to sea caves, which was an experience we will never forget, and we had a nice relaxing lunch on the beach. This was the trip of a lifetime! Mike and Jay, thanks for taking good care of us, and sharing your expertise and guidance throughout our trip.
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Posted On : 2023-06-08 15:59:35

Posted By : 628zo_h
Na Pali Coast as you can only see it from the sea (from Ha’ena to Polihale), in silence and great company. The tour is just the right mix of thrills and contemplation. Though we’re far from expert paddlers, we felt safe at all times. Mike and Jay are not only professional and patient, their love for the island is palpable and they share the best stories about Kauai. We felt like we were among long-time friends. Possibly my most cherished memory of Kauai and traveling full stop.
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Posted On : 2022-07-28 17:45:17

Posted By : bilberrymom
My husband and I (both 65) and our best friends (both 61) took the Traditional Na Pali Coast sea kayaking trip. Jay was our guide. Another couple, probably in their 30's, were also on our tour. Jay's girlfriend, Kathryn tagged along in Jay's kayak. When I was researching this trip, I was in contact with Mikko, one of the owners. He was extremely responsive. He determined that the traditional trip would be good for us to take. One of my concerns early on was getting back in the kayak if our kayak capsized. Mikko made it sound like it was a piece of cake. They use sit-upon kayaks, so you just climb back on I was told. It just so happened that the south coast of the islands was experiencing the roughest seas in 25 years when we went on our trip. Perhaps it also somewhat affected the northern coast. Jay told us that on a scale of 1-10 he'd rate the waves a 2-3 before we left the shore. He also mentioned several times that the other sea kayak tour the day before abandoned their kayaks at a spot that you weren't supposed to land on, and that it had never happened before. He just couldn't understand how or why they did that. We even saw the kayaks being towed back to the beach while we were kayaking. Before we left the beach we were given lots of directions - how to paddle, what to do "not if, but when" our kayak capsized while at sea, what to do if our kayak capsized while landing, how to keep the boat steady, etc. In other words, about 5-10 minutes of lots of instructions. It was also stressed that the number one biggest concern was sea sickness. I have never been sea sick. I have been on numerous boat trips. My husband and I did a sea kayak trip to a glacier in Alaska. I can ride any ride - spinning, upside down, etc - without being bothered by motion sickness. My husband was in the navy and spent a summer on a submarine. He grew up spending summers at a lake, and he had ample experience paddling and rowing on a lake. I had never in my life taken dramamine. However, since it was so deeply stressed, we took a dramamine pill the night before the tour as well as another pill the morning before we left. (We do know how to follow instructions, and we do do as we are told.) I can't say one way or another whether the dramamine made a difference. I just know that we weren't bothered by sea sickness at any time during the tour. Before we left Jay told us that he's a good judge of people, and that if we get sea sick or capsize our boat three times before the first checkpoint, we will be removed from the tour. We reached the "point of no return", and we all were up for completing the trip. Somewhere along the next stretch of paddling a wave came, and maybe with the help of a wind gust, our kayak was the first to capsize. It took me completely by surprise. The current was fairly strong, and when I landed in the water the current pushed me under the kayak. I swallowed a mouth full of ocean water. I came up on the other side of the kayak. We all had whistles in case of a problem, and apparently someone blew their whistle. I remembered that the first thing to do was for the stronger paddler to right the kayak. He did that. I remembered that it was the job of the weaker paddler to make sure to retrieve and hold onto each paddle, so I did that. I misremembered that my husband was supposed to be the first person back into the kayak. I thought I was supposed to get in first. It was not easy to do for someone who has had no experience climbing back into a kayak when there is a current pulling on you! I was told to keep my legs up and swim into the kayak. Easier said than done. I was having a hard time getting my legs up. My husband was able to help hold my legs up, and I was able to get back into the kayak. I took the paddles from my husband, and he got back into the kayak. It was not an instantaneous process. Once we both were in Jay made the comment, "if people would only follow directions." I'm sure it was a criticism of how we handled the kayak capsizing, but I let it go. Kathryn did point out that we can straddle the kayak with our legs on the outside to help stabilize it, and she again demonstrated it. (Amidst all of the other directions we were given at the beginning, I had completely forgotten that one.) That bit of information was a big help a little later on when I felt that our kayak was about to capsize again. I put my left leg over the side of the boat (it always seemed to be the right side of the boat where we tipped over. Perhaps because my husband told me periodically that "my right arm is getting weak again.") Thankfully I was able to prevent a capsizing when it did that. It was within the next 5-10 minutes of continued paddling after our boat capsized when the younger couple capsized their kayak. They have experience kayaking and capsizing, and they were pretty quick in getting back in without help. Once we were back in the boat after capsizing, I was on high alert. I kept repeating to myself, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Ph 4:13". I eventually regained a little bit of confidence. My husband asked Jay how high the waves were, and he said 2 feet. My husband thought they seemed higher than that. We eventually paddled into a cave for a short time, and then we continued on down the coast. While in the cave my husband made a comment to our friends about them being the only one not to capsize. (They have MUCH experience kayaking on rivers and lakes, and they had recently been on a sea kayak trip in the Channel Islands in California.) It was probably within the next 10 minutes after making that comment that their kayak capsized. The wife also had a difficult time getting back into the boat, but at least they followed directions and got back in the kayak in the correct order! I was amazed that after capsizing we lost nothing! My sunglasses remained on my head. (They were held by an eyeglass strap.) My sun hat remained on my head. My water bottle remained in the bungee cord in front of me. My husband's glasses (without a retainer strap) remained on his head. His sun hat remained on his head. Even though his bungee cord broke, his water bottle remained in the boat. His cell phone, which was in a waterproof case which we had purchased on our Colorado River raft trip, and used again on our sea kayak trip in Alaska, and when we hiked the Narrows in Zion NP had never actually been proven to work. It remained around his head, and it remained free of water damage! Pretty amazing to me. The young couple did end up losing their water bottles when they capsized. After more paddling we stopped in another open ceiling cave. Jay told us we were right on schedule at that time. The three kayaks kind of took turns as to which was pulling up the rear, and there was at least one time when my husband was a little concerned that our friends were a fair distance behind us. They did catch up. Our female friend said that she hurt her back when she climbed back into the kayak, and she requested some ibuprofen. Jay suggested that she get out of the kayak and rest her back, which she did. He also gave her some kind of pain medication. She later said that it helped. We did see a couple of sea turtles while we were resting in the cave. When it was time to continue on, our friend needed Jay's help in getting back into her kayak. We continued paddling on to our stopping point for lunch. Jay told us that there is a very narrow area for landing the kayaks because of the reef. He had us go in one at a time. We were to jump out of our kayak when he told us and go to shore. Our kayak was the first to land after Jay's. Once I jumped out, I had much difficulty getting to shore. The waves at the shore were pushing on me, and I couldn't get up without putting a hand down. (Due to a knee problem, I don't just "pop up" when going from a kneeling position, or a position on the ground, to a standing position.) I finally asked my husband for a hand to help me up. The sand/little rocks were very thick, and my feet kind of sunk into it. At that point we were about 15 miles into a 20 mile trip and only had about 2 hours of paddling left to do. Jay assured us that we were all strong paddlers, and that we were right on schedule. My arms between my shoulder and elbow were really bothering me, so I asked Jay for some ibuprofen. He gave me some kind of pain pill, and I took it. It wasn't necessarily that I was not paddling correctly, although maybe I wasn't. I'm sure I was not paddling efficiently, and I'm sure I was the least experienced and least efficient paddler in the group. I knew I was supposed to have good posture and sit up straight. I did remember that from our beginning of the day instructions. However, the waves were pretty choppy, and our kayak was constantly bouncing. My seat kept sliding forward, so I'd be leaning back. Periodically I'd have to purposely right myself, because I knew that was the ideal paddling position. Anyway, my arms were bothering me at night even before the start of the kayak trip. It had nothing to do with how I was paddling, although how I was paddling might have added to the pain. I had even taken a couple of ibuprofen the morning of the trip to try to "ward off" any pain I might experience. Perhaps it was after my surfing lesson three days earlier when I started feeling my arms aching. Whatever the reason, my arms were aching, and it wasn't just because I was not paddling correctly. (Those comments are for Jay, who probably thinks that was the reason why.) As for the lunch, it was WONDERFUL! The turkey sandwich we had requested for the trip was loaded with turkey and was very good. Jay did a beautiful job cutting a fresh pineapple, and each couple had a quarter of the pineapple to share between them. The pineapple was very juicy and tasty! We were also given a very tasty chocolate chip cookie and a selection of various flavors of chips of which to choose a bag. There was also an assortment of cold cans of juice to select from. We rested there for about an hour. No one went into the water to swim except maybe Kathryn. (I had enough trouble getting out of the water when we landed - there was no way I was going back in!) The water temperature was comfortable. Not cold at all. My husband reapplied sunscreen while we were at lunch. At lunch Jay mentioned that the waves were probably more like a 4. He said you don't go out when it's 10. (I'm not sure what number actually constitutes when you don't go out.) Jay also mentioned several times along the way that he "was barely paddling". We were told when we left there that the ocean would be quite bouncy for a while, and it was! The pain pill Jay gave me didn't really do much if anything to help my arm pain. At one point my husband said that he had applied too much sunscreen at lunch, and it was getting into his eyes and stinging them. He told me I'd have to solo paddle for a short distance while he tried to clear his eyes. In the meantime, the other three kayaks were a significant distance ahead of us. My arms were aching, and I was doing the best I could to paddle. As hard as we tried to catch up, we kept falling further behind. It was discouraging. I'm not even sure anyone realized we were that far behind them. I wonder what would have happened had our boat capsized - would anyone even notice? Blowing our whistle, once we came up and tried to find it, get it in our mouth, and blow it sounds unlikely. Anyway, my husband finally decided to forget it. It wasn't worth the extra effort to try and catch up. The waves weren't too bad at that point, we could see everyone in front of us, and we could see the beach where we'd be landing. Slow and steady wins the race. We continued to paddle at a rate that was comfortable for us. No point in causing additional pain to already sore arms. The other kayaks finally stopped at the next check point/resting point, and we eventually got there as well. I mentioned to Jay that it would be nice if he slowed down a little so that we could better keep up. He mentioned that we were never more than 1/4 mile behind everyone, and that if we needed help, he could be there in seconds (assuming he noticed we needed help). He then said, "If we went at your speed it would be after sunset before we made it back." Jay, in my opinion that was a totally inappropriate comment to make to a couple who you are responsible for their tour and their safety. So as not to delay the group, and since we could see the final destination in sight, I asked if we could get a head start and continue on rather than rest. His reply was, "You're going to do what you want anyway." Jay, I just want you to know that that comment was completely untrue and uncalled for. We are obedient adults. We took our dramamine even though we weren't sure it would be necessary. We kept up with you for the first 2/3 of the trip. The pain I was feeling was not entirely due to inappropriate and inefficient paddling. It was discouraging paddling and paddling, falling behind, and NO ONE (including our best friends) even seemed to notice or care. We didn't need the rest, but if you would have said it's not a good idea, or that you have to always be in the lead, or that there is an unsuspecting difficult spot that you need to guide us around, or whatever, we wouldn't have "done what we want anyway". My husband and I continued paddling, and I'm sure we both continued seething at the inappropriate comments directed at us. My husband began feeling like he wasn't going to even give Jay a tip. I assumed the group was following behind us at some point, but it was difficult for me to just turn my head around to look behind the kayak. My life jacket wasn't the most comfortable thing to wear (although it was much appreciated and needed) or maneuver my head to look behind me. I just kept playing the role of the tortoise - slow and steady wins the race. I did realize that eventually we'd need to be coached into shore. Finally we stopped to wait, and while we did we saw the tails of a couple of spinner dolphins. (We were the only ones to see the dolphins, but they did see a turtle or more turtles on their travels.) At first the group was no where to be seen, but eventually they came into view. They were much closer to the shore than we were. Eventually we joined the group, or the group joined us, or we joined each other. I commented to Jay that "I wanted to be sure we'd be back before sunset." He mentioned that there are certain check points and times he wanted to make. I reminded him that he'd have to wait for us anyway, since I'm sure he wouldn't leave without us, and all I wanted was to be closer to the group. He mentioned that it's really hard to unload the kayaks in the dark. We weren't in any danger of being that late, especially since we ended up waiting for them at the end, but at least I didn't have to worry about holding up the group. I did know that there could be good surf when we land at Polihale Beach, and Jay had reminded us a couple of times about how a boy on another tour (not with Kayak Kauai) capsized his kayak landing there, went under and the kayak landed on him and knocked him unconscious or something like that. Anyway, when it was time to land, Jay assured us that if we follow his directions we would not capsize our boat. He said all directions would be hand signals, and he proceeded to show each one and what it meant. I did tell Jay that it will be difficult for me to get up when we land, as it's not an easy job for me to just stand up on land let alone in water with waves. Jay listened to me this time. It was a "picture perfect" landing. God is good! (No, God is great!) Our kayak was the first kayak to land after Jay. He gave hand signals, and we followed. He had told us that when he gave the signal, our job was to jump off the kayak, grab our paddle, and swim to shore. When he told us to jump off, we did. Jay told me to give him my paddle, and I did. (Thank you, Jay!) I started swimming to shore, and his girlfriend, Kathryn, came out to help. (Thank you, thank you, Kathryn!) She took my hand and helped guide me to shore - as the waves came in. She told me at one point I could probably stand, but it was still too soon. I couldn't touch the bottom. She continued to walk holding my hand and shoulder while I continued to swim to shore, and a little bit later she asked if I could stand yet, and I could. She continued to hold my hand and guide me until we reached shore. Polihale Beach was just beautiful! Our job was to then help in groups of four to carry the kayaks back to the van. We helped with 2 kayaks, one at a time, switching sides so that each arm had a turn and each arm had a break. I did tell my husband that we had to give half the tip we were going to, because Jay finally came through at the end. (Jay, I'm sorry, but we had to "dock your tip" for the inappropriate comments. Please be a little more considerate with your comments with your future guests.) We did give a small tip to the driver (who was Jay's brother). It was a pretty bouncy ride back out to the main road from the beach, and he also helped with guiding people to land and carrying kayaks. He probably actually deserved more. I don't know if people normally consider tipping the driver. I will make a few final comments. First, if I would have done this trip BEFORE the sea kayak trip in Alaska, that trip never would have happened (although it was wonderful, and no problem at all.) On that trip our group was always fairly close together. The guide (alone in his kayak) even had a camera and took several pictures of each couple in their kayaks in front of the glacier. A nice touch. Mikko, you might want to consider having your guides do something like that. Jay was obviously very experienced with the kayak. I'm sure he could have managed a camera and some photos at one of the caves or rest stops in the water. If you are taking snacks/extra water in a dry bag for use on the water, think again. You will be too busy paddling to stay upright to get into your dry bag to get anything out. We had a 2 liter camelback drink bottle which was plenty for the trip since we were provided a can of juice at lunch and then again on the van leaving the beach at the end of the trip. Also, if your boat capsizes, don't expect the things in your dry bag to stay dry. We didn't have anything but rain jackets, extra water, and snacks in our dry bag. Nothing important that we didn't want to not get wet. Water did get into our dry bag, and everything did get wet. Water did not get in the dry bag of our friends. Water did get into the dry bag provided by Kayak Kauai of the younger couple who actually ended up capsizing twice. They also had a dry bag of their own, and they said the things in it did stay dry. Would I go again? Probably not, unless the weather/seas are much calmer. Am I glad I went? Yes. Why did I go in the first place, given all of my concerns? Because the other three people in my group wanted to do it, and I've learned from experience that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Ph 4:13." I knew I had people praying, I knew we'd all make it, and we did. I did not do it for a "feather in my cap", or to say that I completed the Mt. Everest of sea kayaking. I could not and would not have done it without Christ and without the prayers of our Christian friends and family. All praise and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for helping me to successfully complete this trip! If you read this far, I hope you found the information useful.
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Posted On : 2022-07-21 19:25:14

Posted By : EkimmyS
What a great tour for people looking for a unique experience and a physical challenge! Mike was our guide and his passion and pride for Kauai was contagious. Positive energy like that is so appreciated on such a hard trip. We left more knowledgeable, a little exhausted, and mostly very thankful for such an amazing experience. Kayak Kauai came highly recommended over their competitor and we saw first hand the difference in experience- go to with them!
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Posted On : 2022-07-07 02:35:36

Posted By : lauralcd
We did the Polihale to Miloli'i tour. It was AMAZING. I have done many guided kayak tours and this was, by far, the best one. Our guide Mike added knowledge of local culture and history, was clever, witty and personable. He has a love for kayaking, the islands, where he offers respect for people and the environment. We highly recommend Mike as your guide. We saw turtles, monk seals, spinner dolphins, sea birds...priceless.
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Posted On : 2022-06-03 22:46:15

Posted By : ChrisBookwood
we did the tour (kayak the NaPali, day trip) yesterday, 30th May 2022. Mahalo nui loa Jay for the great experience. you got us safe through the day and the pounding waves at our landing point (the other group with the other company did not so well because of their guide). it was a tough day but a great experience that s for sure. Jay gave us a lot of inside information about the hawaiian culture and the different places we visited. you want to do the trip? your choice has to be Kayak Kauai, period :-) ask for Jay
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Posted On : 2022-05-31 13:31:49

Posted By : thisistough
This trip is NOT for beginners! This fact people learn at the end of the first mile (the only opportunity to bail once you begin). One couple was exhausted at this point and luckily chose to leave (a very expensive..$500 mile). I felt they should have been vetted prior to paying for the trip...they had never paddled. This is not a right way to run business! It is long for people who do not paddle the sea regularly. Heck, it is long if you have lots of experience! Compare it to a 20 mile hike or biking up hill with wind in your face for 8 hours. Sea conditions can be tough if you have not experienced them before. I was given a strong impression that you are pretty much on your own if you have issues such as sea sickness or stamina. They do not "baby" someone who has chosen to sign on! Don't go if you don't have experience!!!

BUT...This is a wonderful trip if you have experience!!! It is a beautiful coastline. The caves are great. A joy to paddle in warm water (I usually have to paddle in a dry suit). I had wanted to do this paddle on my own but could not find a kayak to rent without a guide so I chose this company. I had a great time. Paddling a double, sit on top was an interesting experience for me. My daughter and her sweetheart were pretty beat at the end. They are strong and active, but have only a bit of paddling experience. They were left way behind most of the day. They enjoyed seeing the coast and going in the caves.

Since I have a lot of sea kayak experience and also lead trips, I may have a more critical eye to safety issues. I felt the space between kayaks was much too great to respond if someone had issues.The guides were fun and knowledgeable. Not sure why they do not wear PFDs. They did a good job of getting people safely through the surf for the beach landings.
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Posted On : 2019-09-28 16:57:53

Posted By : Christine M
The staff and equipment provided were great. There is no better way to enjoy the Na Pali coast then by kayak. Guides made surf launches and landings smooth. We saw dolphins, turtles, seals, goats etc. the picturesque setting is not to be missed. Loved the small group and getting to a place most people only see from noisy catamarans.
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Posted On : 2019-09-02 11:10:00

Posted By : BreeanPojunas
Unforgettable trip along the Na Pali coast! We did the Maverick trip that departed Haena on Aug 2 and returned to Polihale on Aug 3. Just know - this trip is no joke! You have to be mentally and physically prepared for this journey. We found Micco and his team at Kayak Kauai to be extremely knowledgeable and articulate when it came to the weather and ocean conditions. We also had a fantastic guide, Mike, who was born and raised in Kauai and had spent his life surfing, kayaking and hiking around the island. We couldn’t have done this trip without him! Mahalo Mike!
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Posted On : 2019-08-07 19:47:28