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1st Departure:
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05.01.2009
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Provider:
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Honu Hawaii
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Destination:
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North America > USA > Hawaii > Kauai
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Duration:
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14 hours
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Challenge:
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Comfort:
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A one-day guided sea kayak adventure along the Na Pali Coast, the Everest of sea kayaking!
This will be a long, impressive day of warm coastal paddling and caving along the monumental Na Pali Coast with your island guide(s). Marvel at sea caves, plunging waterfalls, hanging valleys and secluded beaches. Paddle beyond the verdant valley of Kalalau, past the arches of Honopu, and into the azure waters of a volcanic sea cave. Encounter Dolphins, Tropic Birds and upon occasion, the elusive Monk Seal.
Later, pulling ashore, we'll spend a few hours stopping to rest and have lunch on the quiet beach of Miloli'i. At Miloli'i we can swim, beach comb, and visit an old Hawaiian fishing heiau (fishing shrine). Polihale State Park, where the cliffs meet the sand dunes, is our final destination. After a refreshing shower, a van awaits, ready to whisk you back to Hanalei around 7:30 pm, with your memories of the cliffs and warm sea.
Before you sign up, note that after pioneering and doing this tour for well over 20 years, we have learned a few things. We have learned most of all that this tour is not for everyone. It is a not a tour to talk someone into. You may enjoy someone in one arena, but this may not be the arena to share. We call this paddle for good reason, The Everest of Sea Kayaking!
We feel it to be the roughest and longest sea kayak trip offered on the planet. Remember not only is it a 17 mile paddle, but surf launching and landings are often the norm. We usually have surf to negotiate at our take out at Polihale. The wind is a double edged sword. When the winds don't cooperate it is a long ...long...and for some, a very strenuous day. When the winds are up you will "sail", down the Coast for a price. These same wind that help, can also agitate the ocean and when accompanied by a ground swell, can make your kayak harder to manage with consequent "flip overs" the norm.
Another companion of rough seas is sea sickness. Sea sickness is our #1 malady and is a real concern. A seasick person does not paddle very well and can hamper an expedition. No refunds issued for sea sickness.
For many experienced sea kayakers, they find the water off the Na Pali Coast to be generally some of the biggest waters that they have paddled. We have had many paddlers bail out because the seas were intimidating; Over their heads...so to speak. As with sea sickness....there is no refund.
Reservations recommended at least three weeks in advance.