Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise of the Na Pali Coast is one of the top things to do in Kauai.
On a nice weather day, the sun’s rays light up the fluted cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, making the colors come vibrantly alive.
Afternoon is the best time of the day to photograph the world-famous coastline, so if you are looking to capture memorable photos and videos of the majestic cliffs, clothed in rust, lime green, and brown, book a sunset cruise!
Best Na Pali Coast Tours in a Nutshell
Activity Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)Aerial Views Helicopter, doors-off helicopter, airplane Boat cruise & snorkel Catamaran, raft, super raft Sunset tours Sunset & dinner, snorkel & sunset More options Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Kauai
As you cruise and enjoy the views, don’t forget to scan the water for playful dolphins, or whales in the winter.
A colorful sunset over the Pacific Ocean makes for a dramatic climax to your afternoon Na Pali boat tour.
Afternoon cruises usually have a full bar, and you can sip a mai tai or enjoy a champagne toast on your sunset Na Pali Cruise.
While some afternoon cruises offer snorkeling, most sunset Na Pali cruises focus on sightseeing, photography, and sunset. (If snorkeling is a priority for you, consider a morning snorkeling boat tour instead!)
Sunset cruises of the Napali Coast run year round from Port Allen on Kauai’s south shore, weather permitting.
In the summer months, sunset cruises of the Na Pali Coast run from Hanalei on the island’s north shore as well. In the winter, dangerously high surf on Kauai’s north shore precludes cruise departures from Hanalei.
While sunset cruises offer fantastic photo ops, note that the ocean tends to be choppier in the afternoon than in the morning. Although the larger catamarans are the most stable of the options for viewing the Na Pali Coast from the water, you should take motion sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness.
Best Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruises
You can pick from a morning or afternoon departure on the Amelia K, a smaller boat that allows you to get closer to the coastline than a larger catamaran and even cruise into the sea caves. In the summer, the afternoon tour offers snorkeling!
This popular Na Pali sunset cruise features a local guide that will regale you with fascinating legends and stories. The crew gets rave reviews!
There is no bar, but soft drinks and water and provided.
>>> Check price and availability for the Na Pali Coast tour on the Amelia K now!
This popular sunset cruise aboard a luxury catamaran allows you to cruise past the jaw-dropping beauty of the Na Pali Coast while you listen to insightful commentary from your captain.
The catamaran usually cruises with less than 50 passengers, so you have plenty of room to move around, or sit topside or in the cabin. There’s a full-service galley and bar, and you will be served dinner on the return leg as you enjoy the sunset.
>>> Check price and availability for this deluxe Na Pali Coast sunset cruise now!
This sleek 50-foot catamaran tour is the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon taking in the beautiful scenery of the Na Pali Coast.
Enjoy a champagne toast at sunset, look for humpback whales in the winter and dolphins and turtles year round.
Dinner featuring Hawaiian delicacies like kalua pig is included, with tofu for vegetarians.
>>> Check price and availability for this Na Pali Coast sunset cruise now!