Na Pali: Haena to Polihale Tour at a Glance…

Price: $310 per Person
Tour Time(s): Offered April thru October:
Tuesday: 6:00 a.m.
Thursday: 6:00 a.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m.
Fitness Level:
Physically Demanding: Be prepared for an 18.6 mile paddle with wind and swell.
Rough Water:
Rough Water: We’ll be paddling “down-wind,” but you should expect rough seas and strong currents throughout the trip. If you’re prone to sea sickness, we recommend opting for a river-based kayaking tour instead.
Duration (12 HRS.):
Full-Day Adventure: Including transport and paddling time, this is a full-day adventure.
Distance (Paddle): 18.6 miles
Time (Paddle): 6 to 8 hrs
Restrictions: Sea kayak tours are limited to participants 16 and older. Exceptions may be made with approval from our Head Guide. Younger adventurers are welcome to join us on one of our family-friendly river tours.
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Na Pali: Haena to Polihale

The “Mount Everest” of sea kayaking!

Take on the ultimate sea kayaking challenge: an 18.6-mile journey along Kauai’s breathtaking Na Pali Coast. This rigorous adventure is not for the faint of heart—it’s designed for the select few who are experienced, physically fit, and ready for a true test of endurance.

As you paddle this iconic coastline, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and cascading waterfalls. The Na Pali Coast is raw, untamed, and deeply rewarding for those who are up to the challenge. Along the way, you may encounter playful spinner dolphins, graceful green sea turtles, and a variety of seabirds soaring overhead.

This demanding tour requires paddling five to six hours intermittently over open ocean waters. Participants must be in excellent physical condition, comfortable in the water, and prepared to face unpredictable sea conditions. For safety, solo paddlers will share a tandem kayak with a guide or another guest.

If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure that will push your limits and reward your efforts with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, the Na Pali: Haena to Polihale paddle is the ultimate experience.

Detailed Tour Info…

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What’s Included?

  • State certified guide(s). CPR, First-Aid, and Water Safety.
  • Double sit-on-top kayak with foot-controlled rudder
  • Personal Flotation Devices (life preservers)
  • Water-resistant bags
  • Deli lunch + chips, tropical fruit and cookies
  • Variety of tropical juices and flavored sparkling waters

What to Bring?

  • Sun protection
  • Light, long-sleeve shirt
  • Sweatshirt or light jacket
  • Shorts
  • Bathing suit
  • Footwear: aqua, or tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. No flip flops.
  • A water bottle (or two) to fill up at our purified water station — we also have reusable water bottles for sale
  • Waterproof camera
  • Towel and change of dry clothes (leave in vehicle for your return)

Frequently Asked Questions

How challenging is this tour?

This is an extreme adventure, covering 18.6 miles of paddling along the rugged Na Pali Coast. Participants must be in excellent physical condition, comfortable in the water, and prepared for rough seas and strong currents.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Sea kayak tours are limited to participants 16 and older. Exceptions may be made with approval from our Head Guide. Younger adventurers are welcome to join us on one of our family-friendly river tours.

What if I get seasick?

This tour involves paddling in open seas with rough conditions and strong currents. If you’re prone to seasickness, we strongly recommend considering a river-based kayaking tour instead.

What kind of kayaks do we use?

We use double sit-on-top kayaks which are equipped with foot-controlled rudders — designed for stability and ease of use in rough waters. Each kayak can comfortably handle up to 500 pounds.

Will we land on beaches?

We land at Milolii beach for lunch, and Polihale beach at the end.

How long does the tour take?

This is a full-day adventure lasting approximately 12 hours, including about 6 to 8 hours of intermittent paddling over 18.6 miles.

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

Some prior kayaking experience is recommended to ensure participants are comfortable with paddling techniques and endurance. Ocean paddling experience is not required, as guides will provide instruction and support throughout the tour.

Can I meet at the staging area if I’m staying on the North Shore?

Yes, we can meet you at Haena County Beach Park. However, at the end of the tour, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation back to the North Shore from our Wailua River Marina.

Map / Location

Meeting Location

Kayak Kauai Headquarters at the Wailua River Marina :: Google Map

Tour Map

Check-in is at 6:00 a.m. at our Wailua River Marina location.

  • Free shuttle for pick-up points North of our location
  • The tour starts and ends at the Wailua River Marina
  • If picked up by the free shuttle, you are responsible for arranging transportation from the Wailua River Marina back to your accommodation once the adventure has ended.

Haena to Polihale Kayaking Map

Before You Sign Up

Cancellation Policy

We have a strict 48-hour cancellation policy for Na Pali tours regardless of group size. Outside of this window there are no refunds.

Weather Cancellations

Cancellations made by Kayak Kauai due to inclement weather are 100% refundable.

Tours are Non-Refundable

If for any reason the paddle is not accomplished by individuals (even if an individual is holding back a tour and is sent back by our guides), there is no refund.

Safety is First

Kauai weather can be mild or wild, and change quickly. If deteriorating conditions prevent us from safely reaching our destination, depending on progress made, there may be a slight discount.

You Might Not Get to Paddle with Your Partner

Occasionally, in the interest of safety or tour-timing, our guides will assign a stronger paddler to partner with a weaker paddler. We paddle as a team so everyone has a good time.

Maximum Weight Per Kayak

Our double kayaks can comfortably handle up to 500 pounds. If participants surpass this weight limit, we encourage a motor boat alternative.

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