Disclaimer: This is an adventurous ocean activity and it is not appropriate for everyone. All passengers must be in good general health. Ocean conditions can vary a great deal, even during the course of a tour and it can be rough. Passenger safety is our primary concern, as a result, the tour route is subject to change if conditions require it. Snorkeling and sea caves are dependent upon the conditions when the boat is in the area and cannot be guaranteed ahead of time.
Reservations
Reservations
How do I make a reservation for a group tour of the Na Pali Coast?
You can make a reservation on our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no additional charge. You can also call us at (808) 828-1379. Due to call volume, we recommend utilizing the on-line reservation system as much as possible.
When your reservation is complete, you will receive a detailed email confirmation. Please keep the email for future reference. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please let us know right away by either emailing us at northshorecharters@msn.com or call (808) 828-1379.
Please note that tour schedules are sometimes affected by the tides at Anini. If your tour schedule changes, we will contact you via text (if you opted in for text messages and are using a U.S. based phone number) and email.
The maximum capacity per tour is 18 passengers. If you make a reservation for a group tour and purchase all seats that are available at the time of your reservation, but less than 18 seats, this does not ensure that no one else will be added to the tour.
How do I make a reservation for a private charter of the Na Pali Coast?
You can make a reservation on our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no additional charge. You can also call us at (808) 828-1379.
When making an online reservation, please be sure to select a “private charter”. Please indicate the number of people in your party, when prompted. The pricing is a flat rate, up to 16 passengers however the exact number is important for lunches and general stocking of the boat. If you would like to add a 17th or 18th passenger for an additional fee, please indicate that when prompted during the reservation process.
When your reservation is complete, you will receive a detailed email confirmation. Please keep the email for future reference. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please let us know right away by either emailing us at northshorecharters@msn.com or call (808) 828-1379.
Please note that tour schedules are sometimes affected by the tides at Anini. If your tour schedule changes, we will contact you via text (if you opted in for text messages and are using a U.S. based phone number) and email.
Why do I need to provide a phone number and email address when I make a reservation?
If we need to contact you regarding your reservation, we will send a text message (if you opted in for text messages and are using a U.S. based phone number) and an email to the contact information that you provided when the reservation was made. Please use a phone number that you can be reached at while you are on Kauai. We do not use the information for solicitation and we do not share the information.
How do I make changes or cancel a reservation?
If you need to make changes or cancel a reservation please call (808) 828-1379. If you leave a message after hours we will return your call as soon as possible. Leaving a voicemail does not confirm a change to your reservation, or cancellation. Cell phone coverage varies a great deal here. If you do not receive a call back in response to your voicemail, please assume that we did not receive the message and call us again.
What is the cancellation policy?
All reservations are subject to a 5% cancellation fee for reservations that are cancelled by the guest or their representative.
Please note that if we have to cancel your tour, you will receive a 100% refund.
- Group tours, 48 hours notice prior to the check-in time is required to receive a 95% refund.
- Private charters, 96 hours notice prior to the check-in time is required to receive a 95% refund.
- Not showing up for a tour, or reservations that are canceled, or changed, with less than the required notice, will result in a charge equal to the total amount of the reservation.
- Refunds will not be issued to people who do not meet the minimum physical requirements or have exclusionary factors.
What is the Ocean Stewardship User Fee about?
In June 2021, a bill was passed resulting in state law [§187A-52] Ocean stewardship user fee. This law mandates that operators of commercial vessels, water craft, or water sports equipment collect an Ocean Stewardship User Fee of $1 per person for every passenger they carry or service. The money collected is forwarded to the state where it will be deposited into a state special fund. The money collected in this special fund is designated to help the Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR) and the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) more effectively manage the State’s marine resources.
The collection of the user fee started January 1, 2024.
Why does the website show the Winter Schedule but does not let me make a reservation?
During the winter months, the north shore of Kauai can experience very rough ocean conditions. As a result, there are many days that are too rough to offer tours. During the winter season, we use a call back list in place of advanced reservations. People who are interested in being on the call back list provide the dates that they may be interested in going on tour, as well as their contact information. If the forecasted conditions look favorable for a specific day, we will contact the people who are on the call back list to see if they are interested in moving forward with a reservation. People are typically contacted at least a couple of days in advance. Being on the call back list does not obligate anyone in any way.
Wait List
We strongly encourage wait listing if your desired tour date is not currently available. Is space becomes available, we will contact people on the waitlist, in the order that their request were received. In order to waitlist, you will need to provide your first and last name, cell phone number, email address and the number of people in your group. You will not be asked to provide any payment information to be on the waitlist. Being on the wait list does not obligate you in any way but it may help you get your desired tour date.
Tour information
Is there food on the tour?
We provide a complimentary lunch, soft drinks and bottled water. If you are in need of dietary accommodations please email us at northshorecharters@msn.com at least 48 hours prior to your tour time and we will do our best to accommodate you. We apologize that we are not able to accommodate all dietary requests. You are welcome to bring your own food on board however glass containers are not permitted. Please note that due to health regulations, any food that you chose to bring on board must be stored in your dry bag.
What is the minimum age required to participate in a tour?
The minimum age is 7 years old.
Are there any physical restrictions to participate in a tour?
Yes, due to the nature of the activity:
- Participants must be at least 7 years old.
- Passengers must be able to climb stairs to board the boat without assistance.
- Passengers who choose to snorkel or swim must be able to climb a ladder without assistance to re-enter the boat.
- Passengers cannot have any of the exclusionary factors that are listed below.
Exclusionary Factors:
We cannot take anyone on tour that has any of the following conditions or circumstances:
- Under the age of 7
- Poor general health
- Neck problem
- Back problem
- Pregnant
- Recent surgery
- Any pre-existing condition that will be exacerbated by this activity.
How do I provide a gratuity to the captain and crew?
There are several options, you can bring cash with you on tour and hand it directly to them after the tour, or you can use a credit card in our storefront where you check-in for the tour, or add it to your reservation. They appreciate it!
Where do we check-in for the tour?
All tours check-in at North Shore Charters’ office located at 4270-G Kilauea Road, Kilauea 96754. Free parking is available at our office. If you will be riding the bus to our office, the closest bus stop is at the Kilauea Gym.
Please do not rely solely on GPS navigation systems to locate our office, they often take people past our office, not to it. Instead, look for the street numbers when you are on Kilauea Road.
Do you go into the sea caves?
Yes, as long as the conditions permit, we do go into the sea caves. Entry into the caves is dependent upon the conditions and it is not guaranteed.
Can we park at Anini Beach?
Parking at Anini beach while on tour is not permitted due to County and State regulations.
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 4 hours.
Will the tour go out if it is raining?
It rains here almost every day so the rain does not stop a tour. Please do not be discouraged, the rain comes and goes and it does not typically rain all day.
Does the tour include snorkeling?
Yes, the usual area that we snorkel at is Nualolo Kai. This location may change if the captain feels that a different location would be better for that particular day’s conditions. Snorkeling is dependent upon the conditions and it is not guaranteed. Non-swimmers are not permitted to enter the water.
Do you provide snorkel gear?
Yes, we provide all of the gear that you will need to snorkel. Please note that we do not provide prescription, or corrective lens masks. Full face masks are not permitted on tour. We do provide "noodles" that can be used to assist with flotation while snorkeling, if desired.
Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
If you would like to bring your gear we ask that you please limit it to being your mask and snorkel. You can use our fins. Full face masks are not permitted on tour.
Will I get seasick?
The ocean conditions can vary a great deal and will affect people differently. If you are prone to motion sickness, please take what ever measures that you would normally take to prevent it.
What do I need to bring?
If there is any possibility that you may require medication while on board, you MUST bring it with you. That includes items such as Epi-pens, diabetic medication etc. Please come to the check-in, dressed and ready for the tour. We recommend that you wear a swimsuit under your clothing even if you are not planning on entering the water. Please bring a lite weight jacket or cover up. Apply your "reef safe" sunscreen prior to check-in and bring extra to reapply during the tour. Please do not bring spray sunscreen on the boat. You may want a towel. We provide the use of individual dry bags (20 L) while on tour so your belongings will stay with you. We will collect your footwear as you board the boat, please wear something that you can slip off and on easily.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages on tour?
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on group tours.
Can you pick us up or drop us off along the Na Pali Coast?
Picking up passengers, or dropping off passengers along the Na Pali Coast is prohibited due to state regulations.
When is the payment collected?
Payment is required to secure a reservation. We collect a partial payment at the time the reservation is made. The balance will be collected within 48 hours of the tour check-in time, using the same credit card that the reservation was made with. Refunds are given in accordance with our cancellation policy. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
The Boat
What kind of boat is it?
The boat is a state of the art, custom built 32 ft. power catamaran. It is powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower four stroke engines.
How do we board the boat?
You will walk into the water and board from the front of the boat. Depending upon the tide, and a person’s height, the depth of the water ranges from ankle deep to thigh high. All passengers must be able to climb stairs to board. If you choose to snorkel or swim, you must be able to climb a ladder to re-enter the boat.
Is there shade?
There is some shade on the boat. We encourage everyone to prepare for the outdoors by wearing sunscreen and bringing a t-shirt or something to cover up with. When the boat is anchored we utilize a retractable sunshade to increase the amount of shade on board.
What is the seating like on the boat?
Passengers sit on seats with backrests.
Do you have life jackets on board?
Yes, we are required by law to have all necessary safety equipment. We provide life jackets in both adult and children sizes that are U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, there is a toilet on board.
Is there a shower on board?
Yes, there is a fresh water shower on board.
Sunscreen
We ask in an effort to help protect the reefs, please use “reef safe” sunscreen. As of January 1, 2021 the sale or distribution of over-the-counter sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, is prohibited in Hawaii. The chemicals might also be labeled as benzophenone-3 and octyl methoxycinnamate.
Those chemicals cause bleaching, deformities, DNA damage and ultimately death in coral when they are washed off beach goers, or discharged into wastewater treatment plants and deposited into bodies of water as found by Haereticus Environmental Laboratory. (Downs, C.A., Kramarsky-Winter, E., Segal, R. et al. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol (2016) 70: 265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-015-0227-7)
Sunscreen that is used even while hiking, or laying by a pool can affect the reef. When sunscreen is washed off in the shower, the chemicals go into the wastewater treatment plants and the water is eventually released with those chemicals still present.
We look forward to touring with you!
If you have any questions, please either fill in the contact form, or email us at northshorecharters@msn.com