During our sponsored family visit to Kauai, Hawaii with ResorTime, we were invited on a complimentary Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour from Hanalei Bay with Holo Holo Charters. Because of my daughter‘s new love for snorkeling with her dad, she chose to attend with my husband while I stayed behind at the resort with our baby. They had an amazing time and I’m looking forward to another Kauai visit so I can accompany her on a snorkeling adventure.
Like most days in Kauai, it started with rain. That only added to the aesthetics of the beautiful Na Pali Coast. Their morning on the water began with the view of a stunning rainbow.
Holo Holo Charters tours dock from Hanalei Bay or alternatively, on the complete opposite side of Kauai, Port Allen. Staying at the Hanalei Bay Resort had us just 15 minutes from the check in at the Tahiti Nui restaurant and cocktail lounge. My husband and daughter checked in then were chartered in a van to the Hanalei Bay, a short drive that lasted less than 10 minutes. They were then tendered to the rigid hull inflatable raft where they would be spending the day touring the Na Pali Coast.
Clear water, volcanic mountains you would only experience through travel magazines and an expert guide sets the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
The waterfalls are abundant but during the Na Pali Snorkel Adventure tour, you’ll learn their history and see the coast’s best hidden secrets.
The secluded sea caves are not easily accessible by land as most would take a multiple day hike through treacherous terrain to see.
Not only do you get to see the exterior of the sea caves with Holo Holo Charters, but you’re also going to experience the caves from the inside. Depending on weather and the tide, each tour is unique. My husband and daughter enjoyed exploring as this is not a natural wonder they would have seen otherwise.
As expected, my daughter was most excited about the marine life observed during their tour. She talked a lot about the may different animals – sea turtles, a beached monk seal and spinner dolphins.
In addition to the many sea caves, you’ll also get to observe the majestic dry caves including some in notable movies like Pirates of the Caribbean.
Cruising inside an open air sea cave was another memorable moment. The Holo Holo Charters guide explained the “sky lights” are formed when the cave ceiling collapses. The particular open air sea cave toured was noted as a place for many wedding ceremonies.
When you start your marriage off on the rocks and in the hole, you can only go up from there. -Holo Holo Charters guide
Snorkeling was great because their location does not have any water run off from the main island resulting in crystal clear water. There was a very informative introduction to snorkeling safety and only efficient swimmers were allowed in the water. While snorkeling my daughter saw many parrot fish and trigger fish along with nearby sea turtles. Her child dive log entry included notes about the many different colorful fish and crystal clear water she saw during her snorkeling experience.
By lunchtime, my daughter was hungry and looking forward to eating with a view of the dolphins and picturesque Na Pali Coast.
The Na Pali Snorkeling Adventure with Holo Holo Charters in Kauai, Hawaii was an unforgettable experience and provided my daughter the ability to observe many different marine animals in their natural environment. Originally I was concerned about my daughter snorkeling in the open ocean as she is just seven years old, very close to the age requirement to attend the tours, and has very limited snorkeling experience. After consulting with a trusted marine biologist friend, he reminded me negative experience with marine animals are a very rare occurrence. He also advised I consider the educational growth opportunity by allowing her to gain a respect for the animals in their natural environment and all those that help to educate for conservation. I’m so appreciative for the solid advice as this tour might not have happened otherwise. Every child should have the opportunity to observe marine life in their natural environment and Holo Holo Charters offers a wonderful safe experience for families to enjoy.
For more Hawaii family travel ideas, see the fun we had during our Hawaii family vacation. Be sure to enter my Makai Club Resort Kauai, Hawaii family vacation giveaway so all you’ll have to do is book your Holo Holo Charters boat tour for the perfect getaway!
Learn more about Holo Holo Charters by connecting with them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Would your family enjoy a Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour in Kauai, Hawaii as much as our family did?