Boat tour NaPali or Big Island?

Question

We are spending 5 days in Kauai and 6 on the Big Island in May. We have never been to the big island, but have been to Kauai several times have taken multiple boat tours in NaPali and love them. In the BI we will do the night Manta snorkel and kayak/snorkel Kealakekua Bay, and on Kauai we are planning the hike to Hanakapiai falls. For anyone that has done both, would you do a daytime boat tour on the BI or another one on Kauai? Thanks!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve already had a fantastic experience with boat tours on Kauai, particularly along the Na Pali Coast, which is one of the most iconic and breathtaking places in Hawaii. The Big Island offers some great boat tour options as well, but they’re a different experience than the dramatic cliffs and sea caves of Na Pali. Since you’re already doing the Manta ray snorkel and Kealakekua Bay kayaking on the Big Island, I’d say it depends on what kind of experience you're seeking in each place.

If you're already in Kauai and have enjoyed Na Pali tours before, it might be worth sticking with what you know and love on Kauai. The Na Pali Coast is incredible by boat, offering a view of the lush cliffs and dramatic scenery that can’t be matched elsewhere. The coastline is rugged and almost impossible to access by land in most areas, making the boat tour the best way to explore it. The chances of seeing dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life are high, and the experience of cruising past waterfalls cascading down cliffs is unforgettable. It’s a tour you won’t tire of!

However, if you're looking for something unique to the Big Island, here are a few options you might consider:

Boat tour along the Kona coast: These tours often go past lava tubes, sea caves, and the famous Captain Cook Monument. You might even get the chance to snorkel in Kealakekua Bay, which is known for its vibrant coral and marine life. While it’s not quite as dramatic as Na Pali, the clear waters and abundant wildlife make this a great option.
Sunset or dolphin tours: The Big Island is famous for its sunsets, and a boat tour around the Kona coast at sunset can be an incredible way to experience the island from the water. Some companies offer dolphin watching as well, especially in the mornings, which could be a nice addition to your itinerary.
Lava boat tours: If you’re visiting the Big Island during the active lava flow period, there are boat tours that take you along the coastline to see lava entering the ocean (if active). While this is a more intense experience than a typical boat tour, it’s incredibly unique and would give you a different kind of adventure than anything you’d find on Kauai.

If you’re debating between a boat tour on Kauai versus the Big Island, here’s my recommendation:

If you’re seeking dramatic, rugged coastlines with towering cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls, stick with the Na Pali Coast on Kauai for your boat tour.
If you’re looking to explore clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the possibility of seeing lava entering the sea, go for a Big Island boat tour, especially along the Kona coast or the lava boat tours if lava activity is ongoing.

Both islands offer stunning experiences, so you can’t go wrong either way. I’d personally recommend focusing on what you haven’t experienced yet, so if you've already done Na Pali multiple times, a unique boat tour on the Big Island could offer something new and exciting. Enjoy your time in both places!

Boat tour NaPali or Big Island?

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