Spotting Kauai’s Dolphins: Our Sunset Cruise with Blue Dolphin Charters
If there’s one experience I’d tell every first‑timer in Kauai to do, it’s to see the Na Pali Coast. There are several different ways to see this famous coastline – you can hike the Kalalau Trail, book a helicopter tour, or see it from the water. On this trip we chose to see it on a sunset cruise with Blue Dolphin Charters in Eleʻele for our 10 year anniversary.
Getting There From Hanalei Bay
We were staying in Hanalei Bay, which doesn’t look that far from Eleʻele when viewed on a map. However, the roads don’t connect directly, so you have to drive around the island to get there. The same goes for Waimea Canyon (also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) which I’d also highly recommended.
Since we booked the sunset cruise, we didn’t have to check in until 2:30 p.m. That gave us a great excuse to leave early and explore a few spots along the way. One of our friends who grew up in Kauai recommended stopping at a restaurant where her mom works.
A Local‑Approved Stop: Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company
Our friend’s recommendation led us to Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company, a charming spot with a cute, artsy sign that immediately catches your eye. Her mom was easy to spot – a warm, welcoming woman who is clearly adored by her customers.
She pointed us towards trying a true Hawaiian staple: the loco moco. If you don’t know what that is – it’s comfort food island‑style. It consists of a bed of brown rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and house made gravy. Super tasty. Hawaii Guide ranks them as one of the top spots to get it on the island! And because it was brunch time we had to have it with a mimosa to go with. Definitely a stop worth making!
A Quick Detour to Poipu Beach
After breakfast, we headed to Poipu Beach to see if we could spot any sea turtles. This beach is shallow and calm, making it a popular spot for families with children. And sure enough – we found both sea turtles and a few free range roosters.
Checking In for the Cruise
Finding Blue Dolphin Charters in the small town of Eleʻele was easy. Their building sits right on the corner across from Kauai Island Brewery, so you can’t miss it. We arrived early which gave us time to wander over to Captain Andy’s for an ice‑cold beer before boarding. As the glass says – it was a liquid aloha.
Dolphin Spotting
It didn’t take us long to start spotting some dolphins. We ended up seeing several different pods up close. They swam right alongside the boat and the bow. They darted back and forth in such a playful manner that it almost seemed like they were showing off for us.. I did a little research and read that they are attracted to the waves the boat gives off. They call it “bow riding” and it means what it says – they can catch a wave and glide along faster without as much effort.
The Na Pali Coast
Soon we arrived at the heart of the Na Pali Coast. It’s one thing to see it in photos or experience the coast line from the Kalalau Trail but the head-on view from the water was much more grand. Below are all the ways we’ve experienced the coast, and none of them disappointed. However you choose to experience, make sure it’s on your Kauai list!
