The Cave Boat Tour You Can Only Take In Hawaii Will Bring Out Your Inner Adventurer
Kauai’s rugged Na Pali coastline is said to be one of the most unspoiled natural beauties in all of Hawaii: thousand foot cliffs are eroded to create vaulted valleys and hidden beaches. This captivating slice of paradise is also home to some of the world’s coolest sea caves, many of which you can only check out on an incredible boat tour with Na Pali Riders. Let’s dive into this epic adventure, shall we?
The most spectacular caves on Kauai can be found along the Na Pali Coast, where dramatic sea arches and caves have been formed over thousands of years as a result of the relentless, pounding surf you’ll find here in the winter months. In the summer, though? The waves calm down enough to take a boat tour of these natural wonders.
With more than 20 years of experience navigating Kauai’s waters, as well as skilled and knowledgeable captains, your ride aboard a rigid-hull, inflatable raft with Na Pali Riders will be safe, fun, and jaw-dropping!
Why embark on such an adventure in such a small boat, you ask? Kauai’s sea caves are often narrow and difficult to enter, and the inflatable raft allows you to experience more of these beautiful wonders than you would get to with a larger vessel.
Tours operate year-round, but if you want the best opportunity to enter the caves, visit in the summer when the smaller surf makes entry into these caves easier. Now, who wants to take a look at the incredible sea caves you might get to experience during your four-hour sightseeing tour?
This geological formation is surrounded by high rock walls and features an open ceiling that was formed when a former lava tube collapsed. The light from the cave's open ceiling penetrates the water and creates an ethereal blue hue that changes colors with the moving sun.
Next up, the largest sea cave on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, the Waiahuakua Sea Cave.
Measuring in at 1,155 feet long, this is not only the longest sea cave found along this stretch of coastline but the second longest sea cave in the entire United States! Translating to "sacred water," in Hawaiian, the Waiahuakua Cave is most commonly referred to as the Double Door Cave because it has a separate entrance and exit. Approximately 200 feet into the cave, "a littoral sink allows a perennial waterfall to gush down the cave’s western wall," according to the Na Pali Riders website.
Once utilized as a fishing destination for ancient Hawaiians, Ho’olulu Sea Cave features a freshwater waterfall over the entrance. Guests looking for a quick refresher on the tour will love traveling under this waterfall, and the cave is pretty cool itself!
Nicknamed "Pirate’s Cave," but officially translating in Hawaiian to "great blowhole," this cave is truly one of a kind. In the winter months, the crashing surf turns the entire cave into a powerful blowhole, spewing water straight back to the sea.
You might also get to experience striking sea arches up close.
When the conditions are right, Na Pali Riders might travel through this sea arch with guests being sprayed by the striking Pohakuao Falls in the background. Here, you will also find unparalleled panoramic views of the entire Na Pali Coast.
In addition to all of these striking sea caves, you will also get to experience the vast beauty of the Na Pali Coast, one of the most rugged stretches of shoreline in the entire world. Trust us, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss this summer!
To learn more about Na Pali Riders and the ocean raft tours they offer, check out their website or give them a call at (808)-742-6331. If you’ve been on a tour with Na Pali Riders, share your experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
Looking to explore other magnificent sea caves in Hawaii, some of which are slightly more accessible than these? Click here!
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
