Story
Mission
Explore the Untouched Na Pali Coast
At Napali Kayak, our mission is to provide unforgettable sea-kayaking experiences along the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. We are dedicated to sharing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kauai with adventurers from around the world. Our team of experienced guides is passionate about ensuring that each guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for this unique and pristine environment. We strive to offer not just a tour, but a journey that connects you with the spirit of Hawaii and the wonders of the ocean.
Meet The Founders
Our Dedicated Team
Josh Comstock | Owner
Josh paddled into Anahola, Kauai, 25 years ago. An experienced leader, Josh has been on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast for over 20 years. He worked his way up the not-so-corporate ladder from kayak washer to adventure company owner. The crew at Napali Kayak appreciate Josh’s light-hearted banter and skilled approach to leadership. Josh has an abundance of energy that is generally endearing, if only occasionally too much.
Josh and his amazing partner, Jenn, have a lovely little family with their eight year old daughter, Tula. During the off season, Josh can be found spending time with his family, traveling to far off places, surfing the north shore of Kauai, or cruising Hanalei. His other job is on the family Neem farm. Neem? Whats Neem? What do you mean? …google it.
Contact Josh via email: jnapali@yahoo.com
Ivan Slack Owner
Ivan permanently anchored on the North Shore of Kauai in 1993. He spent years paddling and exploring the coast independently and then became a kayak guide. In 2004, after eight years of leading sea kayak tours on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast together, Ivan and Josh opened Napali Kayak and became business partners. Together, they make the most experienced team on the coast. Ivan shares his humor and enthusiasm with customers daily. When not managing Na Pali Kayak, Ivan enjoys exploring the island by motorcycle, boating, camping, and hiking. No one on our staff knows the trails and valleys of the Na Pali Coast better.
Contact Ivan via email: kauaiadventures@yahoo.com
Crew
Hannah
Hannah Joined Nā Pali Kayak Tours in 2024. Hannah Loves being out on the ocean and sharing the unique adventure of paddling the coast with our guests. Before Kayak Guiding, Hannah worked for the U.S. Forest service as a Wildland Fire fighter. Hannah would split her time between Kauai and Utah, but got tired of being away from the water in the driest of dry deserts, so you can mostly find her on Kauai. Unless she’s meandering on some adventure elsewhere, which is likely. During the Off season Hannah is digging holes and revving her chainsaw, but is mostly surfing and cruisin’ the North Shore.
I spent most of my life working and recreating outside. passionate about conserving the environment that sustains us, inspires us, and nurtures us.
I spent 11 years with the US Forest Service, based out of Oregon and Idaho. My career culminated with 5 years working as a Smokejumper, parachuting into remote areas to battle blazes all over the western US.
I took the plunge and moved to Hawaii in 2016 to work in the scuba industry. I soon realized that If you want to see the wild side of kauai, there is no more rewarding way to do it then by kayak.
When I'm not working I can be found at surf breaks or hiking trails, or training with the Kauai Search and Rescue ropes team where I volunteer.
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!
Mitchin
Mitch Craig. Aka, Mitchin.
Our in house marine Biologist researching Hawaiian Monk seals ('iilo holo i ka uaua), Hawaii's native Hoary bat ('Ōpe'ape'a), various local endemic and endangered sea birds in addition to our local Nene geese.
Over the past 33 years a hawaii resident Mitch has been downloading information to share with our guests. In addition to Mitch's awesomeness.
He is a proud father of Captin Naia. Who drives tour boats along Na Pali coast and an avid golfer.
Ignacio
Born in Ecuador, Ignacio grew up amongst the wild landscape of the Amazon and The Galápagos Islands. When he moved to Maui at the age of 16, Ignacio became an avid surfer, fisherman, and waterman.
His passion for the ocean lead him to fall in love with Kauai and the Napali Coast.
Ignacio will confidently guide you standing by his 3 pillars of a perfect day on the coast: safety, education, and fun!
Why choose us?
Experience the unparalleled beauty of the Na Pali Coast with our expert-guided tours. Our commitment to safety and adventure ensures an unforgettable journey. We provide the only private-guided tours on the Na Pali Coast, perfect for those seeking a personalized trip. Enjoy the highest quality sit-on-top tour kayaks with rudders, Werner paddles, and cozy seat backs. Whether you’re kayaking, spotting wildlife, or exploring waterfalls and sea caves, you'll see the beauty of Kauai like never before.
Quality Equipment
We provide only the best gear for your adventure. Our sit-on-top kayaks are equipped with rudders for better control, high-performance Werner paddles for smooth navigation, and comfortable seat bac...
We provide only the best gear for your adventure. Our sit-on-top kayaks are equipped with rudders for better control, high-performance Werner paddles for smooth navigation, and comfortable seat backs to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience on the water.
Educational and Fun
Our tours are not just about kayaking—they’re about learning too! Along the way, you’ll gain insights into Hawaiian history, local geology, and the unique marine life that inhabits the Na Pal...
Our tours are not just about kayaking—they’re about learning too! Along the way, you’ll gain insights into Hawaiian history, local geology, and the unique marine life that inhabits the Na Pali Coast. It’s an adventure that’s as educational as it is fun!
Highly Rated
Napali Kayak Hawaii has earned national recognition, being selected by National Geographic™ as the second-best adventure in the U.S. in 2000 and the top weekend adventure in 2009. Consistently ra...
Napali Kayak Hawaii has earned national recognition, being selected by National Geographic™ as the second-best adventure in the U.S. in 2000 and the top weekend adventure in 2009. Consistently rated as one of Kauai’s best activities, our tours offer a world-class experience in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Location
Discover the Napali Coast Kauai, Hawaii
Nestled on the stunning island of Kauai, Napali Kayak offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the majestic Napali Coast. Known for its towering cliffs, lush valleys, and pristine beaches, this region is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Our tours provide a unique perspective of this breathtaking landscape, allowing you to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Napali Coast up close. Whether you're paddling through sea caves or camping on remote beaches, Napali Kayak promises an unforgettable journey in one of the world's most beautiful locations.
Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
On this all day activity, you paddle Kauai’s entire Na Pali Coast. Check in is at 6:00 a.m. Napali Kayak is the second building on the left as you enter Hanalei (next to Postcards Restaurant) on the north shore of Kauai.
We are on the water by 7:30 a.m. at Haena Beach Park. We paddle for approximately 4.5 hours before landing for a well deserved lunch stop at Milolii Beach. Here, we enjoy an outstanding catered lunch and a long rest, or a short walk into Milolii Valley. Then it’s back in our boats for the brief one-and-a-half hour paddle to Polihale beach, the end point of the Na Pali Coast.
This adventure is approximately six-hours of paddle time. A van shuttles us back to Napali Kayak in Hanalei. We typically return by 7:00 p.m. This is a long, challenging adventure. Participants should be in good physical condition. The seas can be rough and seasickness medicine is highly recommended.
Please bring hand sanitizer and cloth mask, preferably Hawaiian print :).
Bring a bag with a change of clothing and a towel for after the paddle when you are shuttled back to headquarters. We also suggest plenty of sun protection, please avoid spray on sunscreen and use reef safe sunscreen only, a hat, sunglasses (with a strap), and a long sleeve shirt.
On the water, you’ll want to have a waterproof camera (disposable ones work great). Bring a few snacks that are sealed so they stay dry (like energy bars). BRING PLENTY OF WATER!!! We suggest two 1.5 liter water bottles minimum.
There are no services along the Na Pali Coast so if you have allergies or health issues bring proper medication. Bring a few dollars; we stop along the way home for a restroom break and to get snacks. Also if your guide does a great job, you may want to give him/her a tip!
We have new equipment and everything is included: ruddered sit-on-top kayaks, lightweight carbon-fiber paddles, comfortable seat backs, dry-bags and top-of-the-line life preservers. Lunch is catered and your choice for the sandwich are turkey or ham with provolone or vegetarian with hummus and feta. All sandwiches have veggies on the side. Cold juice and water are provided at lunch.
None per se. Many of our visitors have never been in a kayak. As long as you’re physically healthy and truly want the accomplishment, we can help you achieve it.
Kayak Rental Rates:
All rentals include paddles, seat backs, PFD (lifejacket) and one dry bag.
Our daily rate (24 hrs) is $55/single or $80/double for ruddered boats.
Our daily rate (24 hrs) for un-ruddered boats $35/single or $60/double.
Tour Rates:
Our Na Pali Kayak Day Trip is $305 per person plus park use fees and tax.
A private charter Na Pali Coast tour for 1 to 7 people is $2327.
A private charter of between 8 and 12 people is $3989. This can actually be the best tour for the buck. If you have a group, we can customize this tour.
Call us for more info about Kayak camping along the Na Pali Coast.
The Na Pali Coast paddle is not for everyone, but it may be for you. This 17-mile kayak trip can be long and strenuous for people not in good physical shape. Expect as much as seven hours of paddling throughout the day, broken up by a two-hour lunch break.
Our main concern is SEASICKNESS. But most tender stomachs can be treated the night before and the morning of with Dramamine or Bonine. Ordinary folks complete this adventure everyday and have epic memories to match and photos to bring home.
For those of you lucky enough to have a camping permit for Kalalau between May 15th and the beginning of September, Napali Kayak can arrange all of your outfitting needs. However, we can not arrange your permits. Camping permits are available only through the DLNR on Kauai. The phone number is 1-808-274-3444.
We require a guide to take you as far as Kalalau. Then, if everyone does great, the weather remains stable, and your guide agrees, you may choose to paddle the section of the coast from Kalalau to Polihale on your own. If the weather is questionable or your group struggles, we also require a guide on the second half of the paddle. We supply the kayaks, paddles, PFD’s (lifejackets), dry bags,and van shuttles.
The guide is included on the first day but there is an additional charge if a guide is needed for the second leg of the paddle. This is a truly remote camping area and you need to bring in anything you will want. Of course, you’ll need to pack out what you pack in and we ask you to show the utmost respect while in Kalalau.
Some camping equipment is available for rent on Kauai but we recommend you bring your own. You can bring more provisions in by kayak than if you were to hike, but be reasonable about how much you bring; the whole trip will be easier. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, call (808) 826-6900.
This trip is best for adults. We say your child needs to be “a young adult.” We suggest 15 as the minimum age requirement, although this trip is better suited for 18 years and up as this is a very long day on the open ocean.
The Na Pali Coast can be famously rough and we highly recommend taking the medicine. It is cheap insurance for a long day. No one ever regretted taking the medicine, but many have wished they had.
Yes we can take singles on our guided day trip. Single campers can be tough to accommodate since we prefer everyone in tandems. Please call to inquire if your a solo kayak camper.
Visit this site to learn more: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/camping-lodging/permits-fees/
