We took an impromptu boat ride down the Na Pali Coast. Usually, in the winter, it’s the rainy season in Kauai, but during our visit it was mostly sunny. The ocean was fairly calm and safe to take a small boat out onto the ocean.
The Na Pali Coast stretches fifteen miles along the north west coast of Kauai between Ke`e Beach in Haena State Park to Polihale State Park in Mana. The pali (or high cliffs) rise as high as 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Along the way are sea caves, green valleys, and cascading waterfalls that journey to the shores from from thousands of feet above.
Our boat captain was an excellent driver. He managed to keep us a safe distance from the shore while also giving us an unforgettable experience. But there was this one wave that took me by surprise…
Anywho, there were crazy boats who managed to go into caves, but the swells were a bit too much for my comfort. I was happy enough to sit further out in safety while others chanced getting their heads clobbered on a cave ceiling.
Photos just don’t do the Na Pali Coast justice. It’s definitely worth a sea or boat tour.
Another highlight of our boat ride were the dolphin encounters we had. We saw a few schools of dolphins, which had to add up to more than 50 in total.
We also saw 7 whales, which included a mother and baby. My favorite was this close encounter I happened to get on video:
If the weather is good and the water is safe, I highly recommend a boat ride up the Na Pali Coast. Whales are not near Kauai year round, so take advantage if it’s safe to do so.
Mahalo to our captain! This experience was wonderful.
Rory, Tea & Me 