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Maverick: Na Pali Coast ocean rental and logistic packages
Summer paddling along the Na Pali Coast
Who should go?Pick your ship-mates carefully! If you flip over, will you flip-out? Paddling the Na Pali coastline is not for everyone. Good upper body strength is essential. It is a misnomer to call the body of water that surrounds Kaua'i, the Pacific. While the paddling season is agreed to be from May through September, chances are you will not find the seas to be "pacific". We believe the Na Pali coast to be one of the premier rough water paddling areas on the planet and for the ill prepared, it can be a nightmare! Only those participants that are at home in the water, and who like white water should go. This is not a journey to talk someone into. Before you sign up or sign up others. With over 23 years of outfitting, we have learned a few things. We have learned most of all that paddling the Na Pali is not for everyone. It is a not an activity 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. You usually have surf to negotiate at our put in and at Ha'ena, the landing at Kalalau and days later 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 series of days. 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 with the real possibility of getting separated from your group. Sea Sickness. We often have paddlers suffering from simple sea-sickness, and some have to be rescued by motor boat. Sea Sickness is our #1 malady and is a real concern. There is no refund if we pull you out for "blowing chunks". A seasick person does not paddle very well and can hamper an expedition. 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 simply intimidating. So pick your shipmates well and be galvanized for long and hard days on a capricious ocean ready to test your mettle. Motor boat rescue! Rescue costs, motor boat or other, are your responsibility
for whatever reason! Note: Motor boat rescues run more or less $450 for
a half day charter. Who goes guided or un-guided?If we haven't dissuaded you by now, depending on your experience and that of the group, we may or may not require hiring a guide. The guide requirement and whether it will be waived will be determined on a case by case basis. Filling in an returning the Maverick Application below will go a long way in helping us determine the qualifications and composition of your group. To determine whether you will be need a guide and what services and logistics we can provide please visit and fill in our Maverick Application: * Please clic on one of the links below that
applies to the size of your expedition.
Our Guides and Guide ServiceThe competency and local knowledge of our guides not only ensures safety but enriches the experience. We have found that our guide program also cuts down on the amount of motor boat rescues that generally take place along the Na Pali coast, especially the roughest and loneliest segment from Ha'ena to Kalalau Valley. There are several segments that we offer a guiding service:
Industry guide ratio is: 1:6 , i.e. one guide to six paddlers. All guides carry
Duties of the Guide(s): The guide(s) are there to see problems on land before launching and on the water. Specific duties:
*A note on Landing
Kalalau
We are allowed to
guide sea kayak campers to the shores off Kalalau but
not physically help land you on the beach..
We guide groups on the open Na Pali waters. Off the beach of Kalalau, your group would be responsible, with some "offshore coaching" from our guide(s), in negotiating the surf at Kalalau beach. The same would apply if we would guide your group from Kalalau to Miloli'i or Polihale. The main concern of our guiding program is guiding the open and challenging waters between Ha'ena and Kalalau; keeping the group safe and together. - - When landing if
there is any doubt about safety due to ocean and shore conditions, we
will physically help you land.
All rules are shelved in the interest of safety . When are we open:Our Hanalei office front desk is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. (summer until 8:00 p.m.). Check In HanaleiIn order to get you in the water as early as possible, before the wind and seas start picking up, we recommend checking in the afternoon before departure. We can then drop you off that same afternoon at Ha'ena County Beach Park so you can be sure to be in the water before 8:00 a.m. If staying elsewhere on island we are requesting, on the day of your paddle, meeting at the Hanalei shop at 6:00 a.m. Expect to be on the road by 6:30 a.m. We are imposing restrictions---requiring departures from Ha'ena before 8:00 a.m. If you can not start (i.e. be paddling), by 8:00 a.m., you may have to postpone your departure until the next day. Na Pali Camping Permits:Kalalau Valley, located more or less half-way down the Na Pali Coast, and Miloli'i further down, are the only two places where you can over-night camp by kayak. Some folks also choose to camp at the end of the paddle, at Polihale State Park, which is not part of the Na Pali Coast State Park. The Na Pali Coast State Park is administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Permits for kayaks are issued from Mid-May through Mid-September and are available one year in advance. They usually book out by noon on the day of release, so you need to plan at least thirteen months ahead. A fee system which is now in effect, is $10/night/person for camping at Kalalau. The limit on the amount of names on one permit has been reduced to 5. You can only camp 5 nights total along the Na Pali Coast. Miloli'i you can camp up to three nights. So for example, if you decide to camp at Miloli'i for the maximum of three nights allowed, this would allow only two nights at Kalalau. When getting permits for Kalalau Valley you need to state that you want a kayak landing permit as well. Miloli'i there is an implied day use landing permit, since it is only accessible by boat (so no kayak landing permit is needed). Polihale State Park(DLNR), which borders the Na Pali State Park charges a $5/night/group of up to ten for camping. Note: No permit...no kayak rental .For more information State Parks Fees and Permits Permits can be obtained by contacting: Dept. of Land and Natural ResourcesDivision of State Parks 3060 Eiwa St., Room 306 Lihue, HI 96766-1875 Tel: (808)274-3444 Or the Oahu office at P.O. Box 621 Honolulu, HI 96809 Tel: (808)587-0300 For Na Pali Camping Permits Include:
Our Sea Kayak Shakedown ProgramWhat has become more popular every year for novices and first timers to the Na Pali, is our pre "Na Pali shakedown" paddle. Using the same equipment that you will use on the Na Pali, we depart from Hanalei river mouth and gain the open ocean while negotiating the off shore reefs. We try to approximate the same ocean conditions and scenarios encountered along the Na Pali. Examples: flipping over, getting back in kayak, negotiating "rock gardens", surf work, etc. For more information consult and check out KK School of Kayaking Pre Na Pali Shake Down Program: $50/hour/person WeatherFrom May through September the ambient temperature can vary from 73° to a high of 84° Fahrenheit. Water temperatures vary from 74° to 78° Fahrenheit. Trade winds blow steadily 10-15 mph and periodically 20-30 mph from the North East to South East. There are occasional calm and variable breezy days, more common early and later during the summer season. Winds are calmer in the morning, picking up as the day progresses and calming down before dark. The best paddling strategy is to be in the water any time between 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. A morning departure can make the difference between a pleasant paddle and a blustery survival paddle, especially if both the wind and the surf is up. Combining a late departure, strong winds, surf and backwash can make the dream trip a bad experience for the ill prepared. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone all departures due to inclement wind and sea conditions! Kaua'i Weather information:
Sea SicknessIf you are susceptible to any motion sickness, we recommend several over the counter remedies: ginger, Dramamine, Bonine, or Marazine. Scopolamine, which is administered via a skin patch, works the best but needs a doctor's prescription. For some, the Acu-Band wrist straps work well. Kayaks/EquipmentWe use sit-on-top single and double/triple rudderless sea kayaks that are self bailing, and made of polyethylene. All boats come with:
Does not come with:
Single Scupper Pro/TW (Tank Well)
Ample hatch in front allows internal storage. The stern tank-well allows outside storage for one or two dry-bags to be strapped on top. Specs:
Tandem Zest Two Expedition
For flotation purposes, our Zest Expedition comes equipped with NO hatches for internal storage. Tank-wells forward and aft, and in the middle allow lashing several dry bags. Expect to store your gear in dry bags and above deck. Specs:
Doubles vs. Singles We insist on one or more double kayaks per group; this allows for a safety margin should someone get seasick or injured, and it increases the odds of a large group keeping together. Prices: Kayak rentalsReturn to Page Index What should we bring?Take no more gear than what you would dare carry on your back! Your kayak can be equated to a "floating backpack", with one area dedicated to your own personal gear and the second area to communal/team gear. Clothing should be kept to a minimum. The Na Pali uniform is:
Sleeping Gear A thin sleeping bag or blanket in conjunction with a sleeping pad and a tent is the best. A simple combination of long johns, warm shirt, thin sheet or blanket, with a sleeping pad and tarp is the Spartan sleeping system of the seasoned Na Pali paddler. Stove/commissary Unless you like to "cold camp" a stove is a good idea. The standard compact backpack stove in some sort of waterproof bag or container is recommended. All foods should be taken out of their wrappers and double bagged in zip-loc bags. Labels on cans that can peel off with moisture should be taken off and labeled with a waterproof magic marker. A net bag is good way to carry canned goods. Ice can be kayaked in soft- pac coolers. We recommend the chemical treatment of your water. Chemical works 100%, while water filters are less reliable. Boiling always works. At Miloli'i there are some springs up the valley where you can safely draw your water. Packing Your KayakTo utilize space more efficiently in your kayak, try to package your gear in small bowling ball size parcels. What works well is a regular sized nylon stuff sack(cordura) with a trash compactor or garbage bag inside. The plastic bag acts as a waterproof liner and the nylon stuff sack prevents the snagging of the plastic bag. We sell and rent the standard waterproof dry bags. Whether you bring your own or rent dry bags, be aware you are taking a considerable risk taking optics or anything electronic. If we feel you are packing more than is prudent and which may compromise the integrity and flotation of your boat, KK personnel or guide reserves the right to ask you to leave items behind. We do charge a bag storage fee. Please no lawn chairs or any ungainly articles strapped outside your kayak. Again: do not carry more than you would dare carry on your back. Airport Transportation/LogisticsThe cheapest alternative: fly into our main airport of Lihu'e and rent a car from only Avis (800-831-8000): as they also have a location on the North Shore airport of Princeville where you can, for an additional charge, drop off your rental car at this other Avis office. Princeville is 10 minutes from Hanalei. For a small fee we can provide for a pick-up at the Princeville Airport, for those dropping off their rental vehicle. We offer a pick up service from:
We offer a Drop Off service from Hanalei to:
We offer a Pick-Up service from Polihale to:
Polihale Pick Up Times:
**At the end of your journey we recommend that you plan your departure flights out of Lihue for 6:45 p.m. or later. Prices: Transportation/logistical support Return to Page Index Food ShoppingNorth of the Lihue Airport, stop at the town of Kapa'a for best variety of foodstuff. Kapa'a Foodland and Safeway are conveniently located next to each other on the mauka(west) side of Kuhio Highway (#56). For last minute purchases: Princeville Foodland (on the bluffs above Hanalei). In Hanalei you are left with the limited selection at Big Save. Hanalei TownHanalei is a small town nestled between fluted mountains, taro fields, and the sea. Our Hanalei office is within a short walk to the post office, grocery store, photo shop, restaurants, and curio shops. The old Wai'oli Mission house and church is worth touring for a better historical appreciation of Hanalei. A short walk of a few blocks from our shop leads to picturesque Hanalei Bay. Walk out along the beach to the pier, originally built for exporting rice. The pier offers the calmest waters in the bay, with sail boats moored close to shore during the summer. Hanalei Bay rivals the finest bays in all of Hawaii. Lodging/Camping before your paddleThe kayak put in spot at Ha'ena County Beach Park is a convenient and popular place to camp the night before departure. Ha'ena County Beach Park is closed to camping on Monday nights. You can apply ahead of time for a permit ($3 per person) or they will issue you one on the spot ($5 per person)(although this policy may have recently changed), The other nearby County Beach Park that allows camping is Anini. See the map of Kaua'i for locations. For County Parks Information County of KauaiDivision of Parks and Recreation 4193-A Hardy St. Building # 5, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. Tel: 808-241-6660 Fax: 808-241-6807 County Camping Permits Web Site Recommended ReadingWe have the following books and maps in stock) (call 800-437-3507 to order)
Maps
Stove-Fuels/Camping RentalsBy law you are forbidden to carry fuel on airlines. We carry a full line of propane, butane, and white gas fuels for most stoves on the market. If bringing over your own stove, make sure your stove is "purged" and has no residual fuel odor before trying to take it on any aircraft. We also rent Camping Gear: stoves, sleeping pads and/or bags, soft-pac coolers, dry bags, mask+snorkel+fins, tow ropes, and anchors. Last minute purchases of camping equipment, tents, paddling gloves, books, maps, water purification tablets, tarps, ponchos, etc., are available at our Hanalei store. Prices: Car and Luggage StorageVehicle Parking
Luggage: pack or parcel
Special ServicesIced Cold Drinks for "HOT" Polihale?!!
Return to Page Index Guided vs. Un-guided: What you will need to paddle with Kayak Kaua'iIf you are going guided the following you will need or need consider.
If you are going Un-guided the following should consider.
Maverick ApplicationExpedition leader needs to fill in so we can familiarize
ourselves with the strength of the group and to determine whether the
guide requirement will be waived. Camping PermitYou will need to mail or fax us a permit for all the members of your expedition. Please make to sure to request to have on your permit: OK to land kayaks. Price: Na Pali Commercial Permit Fee If you are going guided, we are limited by permit to 16
paddlers we can legally guide per day on
the water. When we guide sea kayak campers we are limiting the
number of paddlers we can guide on our popular one day tours along this
same coast. See Kayak Kauai One Day Na Pali
Coast Paddle
Price: Kayak Guide ServiceThe Guide requirement and whether it will be waived will be
determined on a case by case basis, after reviewing the Maverick
Application
Prices: Transportation/LogisticsLimit to van is 10 passengers and boats and gear. Pick
Up Paddlers
Hanalei Drop Off to Ha'ena
Polihale State Park (End of paddle-take out area) Pick
Up--
Pick Up Kayak only
Note: * Polihale Pick-Up : $ 300.00 minimum per trip (passengers + boats and gear) (minimum applies for the pick up of 1 to 5 passengers and/or kayaks) Polihale Pick Up Times Vehicle Drop Off Need to get a car to Polihale? Client Vehicle Drop Off (from
Hanalei Shop to Polihale State Park)
Prices: Kayak Rentals
To reserve a kayak: need a deposit equivalent to the
first day rental: $42, or $62 Miscellaneous Rentals: from dry bags, stoves, tents, sleeping bags, coolers, etc. see Rental Rates Sea Kayak Safety KitAn option, especially when not being guided, is to rent our
Sea Kayak Safety Kit. The safety kit comes in a clear water-resistant
bag: Rents for $50/day.
Making a ReservationTo make a reservation and activate your file--We need:
*Note: NP Commercial Permit Fee does not apply if guide requirement waived. Payment can be made in thee ways: On line, Mail or Via Telephone To place a reservation on line : Na Pali
Maverick Mail to Kayak Kaua'iP.O. Box 508 Hanalei, HI 96714 Include:
Please make check out to: Kayak Kaua'i Via Telephone at 800-437-3507. Have your credit card handy
When making a reservation over the phone, please let the office know that you have been in dialogue with Micco and given clearance. Cancellation PolicyKayak Deposit ($42 and/or $62 ) is refundable with at least 30 days or more cancellation notice, prior to departure date; within 30 days of departure date, there is no refund. Processing permit fee: not refundable. For more information contactOn Kaua'i call us at 826-9844 Return to Page Index
Only Logistical SupportHave your own kayak and only looking for logistical support?The following are prices for those providing their own kayak and equipment and who need ground support Limit to van is 10 passengers + boats and gear Pick Up Paddlers (If not renting kayaks from KK)
Drop Off Paddlers from Hanalei (If not renting kayaks from KK)
Polihale pick up: Paddler and/or boat and equipment Only(If not renting kayaks from KK)
Polihale pick up of kayak only (If not renting kayaks from KK)
Note: Polihale Pick-Up : $ 375.00 minimum per trip (passengers + boats and gear) (minimum applies for the pick up of 1 to 5 passengers and/or kayaks). Polihale Pick Up Times Need to get a car to Polihale? Client Vehicle Drop Off from Hanalei Shop to Polihale State Park
Reservation/Cancellation (for those not renting kayaks from KK)To reserve only logistics and any other services,
Payment is refundable with at least 30 days or more notice prior to departure; within 30 days of departure, there is no refund. Payment can be made in two ways: , Mail or Via Telephone Mail to Kayak Kaua'iP.O. Box 508 Hanalei, HI 96714 Include:
Please make check out to: Kayak Kaua'i Via Telephone at 800-437-3507. Have your credit card handy
For more information contact us:On Kaua'i call us at 826-9844 Return to Page Index |
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