Na Pali Riders

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Na Pali Riders - Review

By Jane Emery

I recently visited one of the most beautiful places on earth. Kauai, known as the garden isle, is the tropical jewel of the Hawaiian islands. One of the reasons is the Na Pali coast. The Na Pali ('the cliffs') coast is a seventeen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kaua'i. Much of Na Pali is inaccessible due to it's characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean.

Only accessible by boat or hiking, the pristine coast of Na Pali is pure tropical paradise.

Hiking and boating are the best ways to experience the Na Pali coast since you cannot drive there. Known for it's majestic green cliffs, vibrant blue water, waterfalls flowing thousands of feet to the sea, the ancient villages, and Na Pali's myriad natural wonders, we chose the adventurous route and decided on a Zodiac raft outing with Na Pali Riders, located in Waimea.

Perfect for the job.

Rafts can get up close.

Going by raft, I was told, was the only way to enter sea caves tucked along the base and be able to see the coast up close and snorkel at Nualolo Kai Reef, where larger boats can't go. We were told that the 6:30 a.m. tour was the best time to go, as the waters were calmer and the fish were feeding.

So we arose before the multifarious roosters that permeate the island had their chance to wake us. It was still dark out and I thought this had to be a great adventure to get me up so early!

Nora, our crew lady was fun, friendly, and very helpful. She even remembered everyone's names!

As the sun came up on Kauai, we made our way south from Kilauea to Waimea where Na Pali Riders were located and proceeded to the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, on the west shore of Kauai, which I found out is Kauai's closest harbor and fastest route to the Na Pali Coast. Because of this, we saved time and were able to cover the entire Na Pali coast of Kauai - all 17 miles in the four 1/2 hour tour.

We all boarded their brand new, 24 foot Zodiac inflatable raft. The U.S. Coast Guard utilizes the Zodiac raft for its search and rescue missions. The Zodiac raft is the #1 choice for Na Pali Coast tours, due to its size, limited passenger load, and fun ride.

We met folks from around the world, including England and Germany. Everyone had the aloha spirit.

Captain Chris (above, right), revved up the engine, cranked up the Hawaii 5-0/Miami Vice-type music, and away we roared! I don't think anyone expected the instantaneous thrill they got when suddenly we were whirring across the water, wind in our face, off to our adventure.

These lively, trusting dolphins enjoyed our company

It was amazingly beautiful the sun coming up on a beautiful Kauai morning, out in the ocean off the coast of Na Pali, salt water splashing in your face. And right when you think it couldn't get any better, it did, as we slowed down to visit with numerous spinner dolphins who seemed to love the company.

Nature's Disneyland!

As we transversed the coast, Captain Chris filled us in on the folklore, history and different names of the waterfalls, caves and valleys. There were amazing stories of the tribes that inhabited this coast originally a very long time ago. Island myths, sacrifice to gods, legends' It was very compelling.

Troy Saemann and Tyler Emery digging the caves.

We were able to take the raft into the caves, which had amazing energy. It was a really special feeling being in the water inside a cave in a hard-to-get-to spot.

The Waiahuakua Sea Cave

The Wa'iahuakua Sea Cave, is considered one of the most beautiful caves in the state, also known as the Pirate's Double Door Cave. The valley here has the longest waterfall in Na Pali, which flows into the caves and there is reddish, pink coral at the edge of the black lava which dips into electric blue water. Stunning...

We saw huge sea turtles! Amazing!

Speaking of stunning, the view below the water was just as incredible. We 'dropped anchor' at Nualolo Kai Reef to snorkel. As I dipped my face into the water, a whole other world came alive. There were big, beautiful tropical fish, sea turtles, and eels. Every where you looked, there were many different types of tropical fish. They all seemed as comfortable with us invading their territory, as we we happy to be there.

Susan Saemann and daughter, Shelby, of Hermosa Beach, CA, share in the fun.

It was the ultimate Hawaiian experience. I now understood why so many people spoke if this as one of the great experience of their lives and Na Pali as one of the most beautiful places on earth. And, yes, it was definitely worth the 4:45 a.m. wake up call!

If the kids loved it, you know it had to be good!

The crew at Na Pali Riders were a big part of the great time we had. They exemplified the Hawaiian spirit of friendliness and warmth.

To book a tour, call (808) 742-6331
Or go to their website at: www.napaliriders.com
Or email them at napali@hotmail.com