Makana Charters and Tours, a Native Hawaiian family-owned business based in Waimea on Kauai's west side, is offering Na Pali Coast tours that maximize time along the coastline by launching from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha and Port Allen. This strategic positioning reduces transit time compared to operators departing from other parts of the island, allowing guests to spend more hours exploring the dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and snorkeling spots.
The company traces its heritage to the early 1800s, when the family first guided visitors along the Na Pali Coast aboard double-hull sailing vessels. According to Makana Charters, it was the first to guide a foreign visitor along the coast, a legacy that continues today through its fleet of five custom-built power catamarans. The company's history includes roles in island governance, founding of schools and churches, and contributions to Kauai's early economy, as documented on its website.
Makana Charters emphasizes cultural captains who connect the geography to Hawaiian history and the family's lineage. Rather than treating the coastline as a mere backdrop, these local guides narrate place names, history, and cultural meaning, a feature guests frequently cite as a reason for choosing the company. The 4.5- to 5-hour Na Pali Coast tours include snorkeling, sea cave exploration, and wildlife viewing, with snorkel gear, a deli lunch, and refreshments provided. Sea cave entry and snorkeling are weather- and ocean-condition dependent.
The company's reputation is reflected in more than 15,000 combined five-star reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, a 4.9-star rating on both platforms, and Tripadvisor recognition every year from 2017 through 2026. Makana Charters continues the legacy of Liko Kauai Cruises and operates from an office at 4516 Alawai Road in Waimea, the historic west-side town that serves as the gateway to Waimea Canyon and west Kauai.
