Kauaʻi
The most dramatic 17 miles of coastline in the world — 4,000-foot emerald cliffs plunging directly into the Pacific with no road access. Zodiac inflatables enter sea caves and reach waterfalls that catamarans cannot. The rough water is half the experience.
Book with Na Pali Catamaran, Blue Dolphin Charters, or Kauai Sea Tours 4–6 weeks ahead. Summer (May–Sep): depart Hanalei for sea cave access. Winter (Oct–Apr): depart Port Allen for whale watching. From $120/person.
Summer has calmer Na Pali water and sea cave access. Winter tours from Port Allen catch humpback whales (Jan–Mar) but miss the best cliffs.