| Question | Answer |
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How is the weather on Kauai? |
Weather on Kauai can be rainy at times, that’s how we got the name Garden Island. The north east side of the island gets the most rain up to 150 inches of rain per year. The weather comes from the northeast. The average weather is northeast trade winds 10-25mph light morning and afternoon showers. The west side of the island is the drier side which gets about 15 inches of rain per year. We depart from the sunny, drier side of the island going to the Napali Coast. Going to Napali Coast from the Westside is also a lot calmer because the trade winds are blocked by the island. |
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How long does it take to get to the Harbor? Where are you located? |
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Will the Kauai bus take me to the Check-In Location? |
The bus does have a route which runs between Lihue and Kekaha. You can download the Kekaha Bus Schedule from http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/TransportationAgency/BusSche... and also find the schedule of any connecting bus routes you need (for instance if you are in Hanalei you will need to take the Hanalei to Lihue bus and transfer at a shared stop). The "Old Kekeha Store" stop will take you slightly past the harbor but is not a very far walk. If you miss that stop you can jump off at the intersection of Elepaio road and Pueo road, but then you will be about a mile and a half away. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask the bus driver what stop is nearest the harbor and they will likely point it out for you as you pass. |
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What if I am on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)? |
We recommend the 1PM tour on Thursday. We will have all Thursday afternoon available as long as weather permits. In your submissions or questions please inform us that you are on the NCL. We would like to confirm you before your arrival to Kauai. You will not be confirmed until you have spoken with a staff member. All Thursday afternoon tours are 5 hours and leave at 1PM. |
| Question | Answer |
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Whats the minimum age to ride on the boat? |
Kids age 4 and up can ride on the boat. |
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Can you smoke on the Boat? |
No smoking at anytime on board. |
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If I have a bad back, or neck can I ride the boat? |
No bad backs or necks on the tour. The ocean dose get rough at times and would not be recommended for people who have back or neck problems. |
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If I am taking any kind of medication should I bring it with me on the tour. |
Yes, bring any kind of medication you are taking on the tour. We are going down the Napali Coast which is very remote. |
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In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, how likely is itthat we would be able to reschedule? |
Reschedules are commonly available, you can pencil-in a trip at the last minute if there is an opening. We recommend for you to schedule the Napali Makai Tour a littleearlier in your trip to increase the chances of making the journey. |
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Cancelation Policy? |
Cancellation must be done 24 hours before the Napali Makai Tour with $10 booking fee per person (The $10 fee is not applicable for "bad weather cancellation"). |
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What is your refund policy regarding the deposit? |
No deposit will be taken. Only the credit card info will be held and charged 24 hours before the tour. You have 72 to 48 hours to cancel for tour price refund.You will need you to call# (808)-639-9352 to confirm the tour. |
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What is your cancellation policy in the event of badweather? |
In the event of of poor weather you may reschedule for another available tour within your kauai vacation, or get a full refund. |
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When it is time for tour departure, will I have trouble finding the boat? |
Directions to the harbor and within the harbor are quite simple. You will likely be coming in from the East of Kekaha, and as you approach town you will see a sign for "Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor" on your left. Turn left into the harbor and go to the end of the road. Parking is available in the dirt lot to your right and you should see Captain Makai and the "Na Pali Ma Kai" at the boat launch on your left.[Directions from the area of your departing destination will be in the confirmation email sent. Just incase you go site seeing or shopping before your tour, the directions and time length from North to West will be provided. There is no freeway so time length is estimated accordingly. Please arrive 10 minutes before check-in time.] |
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Do you have translators for different languages? |
We are proud to say that Captain Makai does understand and converse in Japanese. Some of the crew members also converse in Polynesian languages, Thai, and English. Our trainees do know ocean and island referenced vocabulary in Greek, Spanish, and French. |
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How long is each tour? |
All tours are 5 hours. |
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What is the difference between the morning and afternoon Napali tour? |
The morning and afternoon tour are the same, the only difference is that the morning tour is a little less windy, and afternoons are warmer. For photos, the afternoons provide great natural light for you vivid colored cliff shots. Both provide lunch and snorkeling. Please do not believe the myth that the afternoons are gusting winds or very hot. The myth that Islands Sweet Subtle Summer Season Tours (June- Sept) are like Whale Watching Winter Season Tours (Oct-Apri) are untrue. The afternoons in the Sweet Subtle Summer is silmilar to their mornings with light to medium winds. Na Pali Makai has a roof for shade covering. His new hardtop roof has dual functionaliity for shade and play. The Whale Watching Winter Season morning and afternoons may be a bit windy and we will welcome you on tour if the weather permits and under ocean advisory.[ See gallery photos submitted by guests. Thanks, to everyone who have submitted your wonderful adventure and shared photos with each other.] |
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What is the difference between a whale watching tour and the full 4 hour Napali Coast Tour? |
A whale watching tour is seasonal. The waters of the Napali Coast house migrating humpback whales from the months of December to April. During one of these tours we'll be out on the waters for 2.5 hours for the primary goal of finding and observing this magnificent creatures. If you happen to book a full tour during Kauai's whale watching season, you'll likely have the fortune of seeing a family of humpback whales during your passage to the various activities of a Napali Coast tour. One of the great benefits of these catamaran tours (especially if you and your family book a private tour) is that Makai can customize the tour based on the passenger's interests. If the passengers want to spend a little extra time around the whales, that is exactly what you will get. |
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What if there is unavailable seats on Na Pali Ma Kai (Glacier Bay)? Do you have other options for availability? Can you refer us? |
Don't worry!! We don't want you to fly all the waaaay out here, without seeing all sides of the island...because this experience is totally different than seeing it through helicopters.We provide rescheduling.We can provide you to the best reference possible, and also help make arrangements for your tours.Our reference is based on safety, comfort, hospitality...and of course, availability.We also would suggest Makana, that holds 19 people, but is limited to 12 passengers.[Napali Makai: 8 ppl: limits to 6 passengers]In our appreciation ("mahalos much") for your feedback and questions. For 2012, we hope to provide and accommodate you with our other boat Kaulana Pali Kai. She holds 8 people, but will also be limited and ready to welcome 6 passangers. E oluolu e, (Please) use the contact form to inquire. |
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Will I get sea sick on the tour? |
If you have been on a boat and have got sea sick before, it's a good idea to take a motion sickness pill at least 1 hour before the boat ride. If this is your first time on a boat, you may get motion sickness if the seas are rough. We can give you directions and info on where to get them for cheap or convience. We also have other tricks to avoid motion sickness that is not in pill form, but in physical awareness and food form. |
| Question | Answer |
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How can we get to the Kalalau Valley and on to the beach? |
A Napali Makai tour will take you past the Kalalau Valley and after witnessing the breathtaking views you may want to get a closer look. Part of why this area remains so beautiful is that it is not particularly easy to access. The closest road takes you to Ke'e beach at Haena State Park, which is the beginning of a challenging 11 mile hike into the valley. The fabled Kalalau Trail is not for everyone, but if you have it in you it is an amazing experience. It isn't the kind of trip you can make on a whim, so do some research, apply for a camping permit (http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm), pack light, and prepare for a once in a lifetime journey. |
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Why a boat tour? What will be the highlight of the tour? |
I believe this will be the highlight of your trip because you will get to see the island from the sea. Winter season is best for whale watching. All year long there are dolphins and turtles. You will have the abilityto snorkel and sun-bathe during the tour. Enjoy the magnificent waterfalls from fresh water springs in person. |