PORT ALLEN -- Hanalei Sea Tours relocated its headquarters here to
the commercial harbor on Kauai's west coast and started Na Pali
Coast cruises from the port. With the move from Hanalei, the
company also changed its name to Kauai Sea Tours.
The company offers two half-day Na Pali cruises using two
18-passenger power catamarans:
The Nualolo Kai Day Tour includes snorkeling, a beach landing
at Nualolo Kai, a short hike to the archaeological remains of a
fishing village and a picnic lunch.The five-and-a-half-hour excursion costs $125 ($105 for children
ages 4 through 12), with daily departures at 7:30 a.m.
The half-day Na Pali Snorkel Tour takes about four-and-a-half
hours and departs at 1 p.m., with snorkeling at Nualolo Reef and
lunch, but without the beach landing. The price is $115 ($95 for
children).Kauai Sea Tours also continues to offer two south shore cruises
from Nawiliwili Harbor at Lihue using a 15-passenger power raft.
The four-hour Picnic/Snorkel Adventure operates mornings and costs
$90 (children $75), and the two-and-a-half-hour
Minisightseeing/Beach Tour costs $70 (children $55).
The company, formed in 1975, suspended its operations out of
Hanalei in April 1998. It was one of a number of established
companies that were refused permit renewals, as part of a state
administration policy to phase out boating from Hanalei. Left at
Hanalei were only a handful of companies offering kayaking, game
fishing and Na Pali excursions.
Last August, Gov. Ben Cayetano, bowing to environmental groups
against Hanalei commercial boating, announced that all Hanalei
permits would be phased out.
Hanalei Sea Tours retained an information phone line after it
shut down. It began offering power-raft cruises from Nawiliwili
before relocating here. "We're thrilled to be back with Na Pali
tours," said Ronnie Grover, Kauai Sea Tours' general manager.
She said that although it takes longer for cruises to get to the
Na Pali Coast from Port Allen, they are still in demand.
Cruises operate daily; vessels are available for charter.
Kauai Sea Tours
Phone: (800) 826-7254