Kalapaki Kai Sunset Cruise

Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise runs through Kauai Beach Boys. Rated 4.9 across 486 reviews. Runs 2 hours (approx.). From $114.14.

Overview

Kauai Beach Boys runs this roughly two hour catamaran cruise from Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor in Lihue, aboard a boat called Kalapaki Kai II. The route heads up the river toward the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, then continues past Kalapaki Beach before returning to the same slip at the harbor. Along the way the captain shares local history and points out spots where films were shot.

Drinks are part of the package. The bar pours wiki wiki cocktails, wine, champagne and local beers for travellers 21 and over, with soft drinks, Hawaiian fruit juices and water for everyone else. No food is listed as included, so eat beforehand. Reviews repeatedly single out the crew as friendly and fast behind the bar, and one reviewer noted the boat was specially built for the shallow water on this river.

It suits families with children aged six and up, including older relatives; one reviewer brought a 93 year old parent who had a good time. One reviewer also said the calm river passage made it a good option for someone who gets seasick on the open ocean. The listing requires good weather for the cruise to run, with a different date or a refund offered if it is cancelled for poor conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Nawiliwili harborCheck in at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor, slip 100, the dock closest to the coast guard station, in Lihue. The boat is Kalapaki Kai II.
2. Cruise the Huleia refugeSpend 1 hour on the water by the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, with admission included.
3. Pass Kalapaki BeachThe route takes in Kalapaki Beach for 30 minutes, with admission included, before heading back.
4. Return to the harborThe trip ends back at the same slip at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan this cruise, from the minimum age to what the weather can do to the views.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers make their own way to slip 100 at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor, the dock closest to the coast guard station.
• Who can come. The minimum age is 6 years, and children younger than 6 are not allowed. Alcohol is served only to travellers 21 and over. The boat carries a maximum of 49 travellers, and reviewers describe it as roomy with plenty of space to move around and take pictures.
• Seasickness concerns. The route runs up a calm river rather than open ocean. One reviewer specifically recommended it for someone who gets seasick, describing a smooth passage.
• Drinks on board. Wiki wiki cocktails, wine, champagne and local beers are included for those over 21, along with sodas, Hawaiian fruit juices and water for everyone. Reviewers often praise the bartenders as quick and friendly. No food is listed as included, so plan dinner separately.
• Weather and sunset. The listing states the cruise requires good weather, and it may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions force a cancellation.
• Accessibility. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It also advises against participation for anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Most travellers can take part, according to the listing.

Common issues. The sunset itself is not guaranteed, since the listing requires good weather and views depend on conditions on the day. A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before start time, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The operator can also cancel if the minimum number of travellers is not met or the weather is poor, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. There is no hotel pickup, the boat is not wheelchair accessible, and children under 6 cannot come aboard.

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