Holo Holo Blog

Breaking News: Holo Holo is Nominated for Best Boat Tour in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 Awards USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 Awards Voting is open now! <<Please VOTE HERE>> Well, friends, we are at it again! Up on deck: USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 Awards! This is our SIXTH YEAR of nomination…

First Things First So, you’ve finally booked one of our EPIC boat tours along the Nāpali Coastline. Congratulations —you’ve made an excellent decision you will likely cherish for a lifetime. And if you haven’t booked yet, here is your friendly reminder to seize the day and book that tour! As your boat tour draws near,…

May 1st is drawing near, and May Day celebrations are right around the corner. Depending on where you live, you might see a combination of festivities on May Day, including flowers, bonfires, parades, pageants, the Maypole Dance, and the gesture of giving May Baskets. Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit Furderer If you live in Hawaiʻi or…

We are stoked to announce our latest GIVEAWAY and collaboration between Holo Holo Charters, The Musubi Truck, and Hoa Kai Surf! Hop on board and join the fun, friends. This is one Giveaway you don’t want to miss! Why The Musubi Truck & Hoa Kai Surf? We at Holo Holo Charters are all about supporting…

Calling all Holo Holo friends & ʻohana! We need YOUR vote, please! Voting for the 2024 Best Boat Tour opens (4/4/24), and we kindly request your support and vote! It’s no surprise that we’ve been nominated this year for the #1 Best Boat Tour in Newsweek’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, and we are deeply honored…

When visiting Kauaʻi, a trip to Waimea Canyon is often top of the list. Understandably one of the most popular tourist destinations on Kauaʻi, the massive canyon is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific for its likeness to the Grand Canyon. The spectacular waterfall-clad gorge can be seen by foot, river, helicopter tour, or…

With a combined 34 years of experience with Holo Holo Charters, it’s no wonder our trio of reservation managers are the go-to for all inquiries from land to sea. Megan Coscarella, Pililani Alaibilla and Hi’ilei Alaibilla oversee every booking, field every call, and tailor every customer experience to be informative, seamless, and fun! As the…

Have you ever wondered about the birds on Kauaʻi? And no, I’m not talking about all the colorful roosters and hens moving freely about the island, but rather, where did all the birds come from that we see here in the Hawaiian Islands today? How did they get here, and when? Which birds are native,…

Our story at Holo Holo has always been rooted in creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences aboard vessels built right here on Kauaʻi. With the intention of honoring the past and sailing into the future, our fearless leader and company founder Kevin Millett has officially passed the everyday operations and vision for Holo Holo on to the next…

From Hot Lava to a Flourishing Mountain Peak: A Brief Look at the Origin and Transformation of Mount Waiʻaleʻale Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit Furderer The Pacific Plate Gives Life to the Hawaiian Islands Deep below the ocean’s surface, in Hawaiʻi Nei, lies a story. It is one of friction, heat, volcanoes, lava, rock, and life….

The mild weather and minimal crowds make the spring months ideal here on Kauaʻi. As the choppy winter waters begin to calm, our cruises along the Nāpali are as smooth and gorgeous as ever. As always, we’d love to see you aboard for a tour, but here are a few land-bound springtime activities you won’t…

Holo Holo Charters enjoys hosting student groups annually during peak humpback whale season. Six wonderful schools participated this year for a marvelous two-hour Keiki Marine Life Excursion. This incredible outdoor educational experience provided the students with a deeper understanding and appreciation for our humpback whales and other precious marine life. It’s a fantastic way for them…

We have some exciting news to share with you! We’ve partnered with Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails and Java Kai for a Giveaway, and you are the first to know about it! 🔊 Truth be told – this is one incredible GIVEAWAY! 💰 ✨ Here’s the insider’s scoop! ✨ One lucky winner will receive: ⁃ Holo…

When it comes to giving back to our Kauaʻi community, Holo Holo Charters isn’t here just to talk the talk, we’re here to walk the walk, and we mean that literally! Holo Holo Charters is a proud sponsor of the Visitor Industry Charity Walk happening this year on May 4, 2024. The Hawaiʻi Lodging &…

Get on down to the Waimea Town Celebration February 17–24, 2024 It’s that time of year again! Gather the ʻohana and some canned goods for the Hawaiʻi Food Bank donation bins, gear up for a real good time, and head west to historic Waimea Town for the 47th Annual Waimea Town Celebration from February 17–24,…

Although Kauaʻi’s lifestyle is priceless, expenses–whether you are visiting or a resident–can add up quickly. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Kauaʻi on a budget. photography by Kit Furderer SOUTHSIDE CRUISE There is no better way to bounce around the Poʻipū Beach area than aboard the open-air…

We are so thrilled to be joining forces with some incredible local businesses to create the ultimate Kauaʻi experience for one lucky winner. The Kauaʻi Vacation Giveaway includes a sunset cruise, luxury hotel stay, ATV adventure, and Hawaiian lūʻau–for two–on the Garden Island. Come visit us at booth 1039 at the Travel & Adventure Show…

Before we roll into the second month of the new year, we’re looking back on Holo Holo Charter’s community contributions in 2023. While we certainly love the ocean, we’re also deeply connected to the āina (land), and it is our top priority to give back to the island we call home. Chandra Bertsch, Co-owner and…

New Year, New You?  🥳 It’s that time of year again when we say goodbye to another year past and welcome the promise of a new year ahead. With the holidays behind us, wishes for a Happy New Year are in full swing as the magic of the holiday spirit breathes life into new beginnings….

Check out this festive lineup of holiday events on Kauaʻi The holiday season on Kauaʻi is a magical time of year, whether you are visiting for the holidays or call Kauaʻi home. Life slows down a bit, the weather shifts, and the sun is warm but not hot. As we deepen into the rainy season,…

A time of rest, recovery & connection As we enter the winter months in Hawaiʻi, we welcome a special season…the beginning of the Hawaiian new year! As we enjoy beautiful weather year-round there are still small signs of the changing of seasons. Plumeria and rainbow shower trees begin to shed their blooms, the surf picks…

The Holidays are officially in full swing.✨As we move into December, the season of giving is upon us. Whether we give physical presents to our family and friends or the gift of presence itself, we most often gather together this time of year to share delicious, home-cooked meals, festive traditions, gift-giving, and the spirit of holiday magic with…

We are so excited to announce our biggest giveaway ever! This partnership between five awesome local companies provides a unique opportunity to experience all the coolest things Kaua’i has to offer. In the spirit of gratitude, we want to thank you for following us and for giving us the chance to share our Aloha with…

Have you ever joined us on our signature Niʻihau + Nāpali Super Tour or on our spectacular Nāpali Sunset Dinner Tour? If so, you know what the hype is all about, that the magic we so often elude to is real (someone pinch me, please), and that these epic ocean adventures are remembered and cherished for a…

Whether you’re traveling with children or call Kauaʻi home, family-friendly activities are always a must to keep the littles entertained and engaged. Here on Kauaʻi we are lucky enough to enjoy nature’s playground with our many kid-friendly beaches and hikes. Keiki-friendly outings should be enjoyable for the whole family, so we’ve collected a list of…

It’s hard to believe that we are already entering the Holiday Season, with Thanksgiving just days away. Holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends and are often accompanied by delicious food, much-needed time off from work, travel, shopping for special gifts for your loved ones, classic holiday movies, baking, and many more fun, meaningful activities…

The yearly return of humpback whales to Hawaiʻi is a much anticipated splash into a new season! Humpback whales or koholā return to the warm waters of Hawaiʻi each year between October and May, with peak season from December to April. The breaching playful whales join us daily on tours enjoying their winter of mating…

When the attack on Pearl Harbor crash-landed on Hawai?i?s forbidden island December 7th, ?a day that will live in infamy.? As we know, America?s involvement in World War 2 came as a result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. There are many stories from that day as bombs rained down on American soil. However,…

Eat Local at Kauaʻi Farmers Markets Images by Kit Furderer / Slow Island Co. Taste-test local flavors weekly with farm-fresh produce grown right here on Kauaʻi  The variety of organic produce grown on Kauaʻi makes farm-to-table dining options an exquisite experience. However, if you’re looking to browse the Garden Island’s bounty yourself, there is no…

Kauaʻi Destination Wedding Activity Ideas to Entertain Your Guests photo by ALEXISQPHOTO Everything is falling perfectly into place! First, and most importantly, you #popthequestion, and your significant other says, “Yes!” (Cheehoo!). Now, you are in full-swing wedding mode, making all the plans for the Kauaʻi Destination Wedding of your dreams! #kauaidestinationwedding Weddings far from home…

It’s a beautiful day on Kauaʻi, and you are at the beach where the warm sun sits high in a clear blue sky. Big, fluffy clouds occasionally roll through, clearing your mind and soothing your soul. Your worries begin slipping away as you sink into the soft embrace of the golden sand. The tropical air…

It’s a hot, humid day on Kauaʻi, and the bright orange sun shines something fiery and fierce: a real scorcher. As we near the end of summer, the sun comes out in all its glory, beaming down with high heat and intensity, a steamy end-of-the-show encore of epic proportions. As temperatures steadily rise throughout the…

It is a well-known and widely accepted fact that Kauaʻi is one of the most beautiful places on Earth (we may be a bit biased here) and has stunning, take-your-breath-away views to offer most everyoneʻs aesthetic taste. From dramatically-carved rocky mountains studded with emerald green trees, to dense tropical forests brimming with colorful folilage and…

As a company that prides themselves on doing things pono, we make every effort to invest in our community as well as our valued team. With the ocean as our office, our team members are committed to preserving and protecting the Pacific ecosystem. We know better than most that conserving our natural resources is imperative…

On the Garden Island, you will be hard-pressed to find a local eatery that doesn?t utilize locally-grown produce. However, there are some tastings and tours that go above and beyond, immersing guests on a culinary journey that is authentically Hawaiian. Here are 5 spots to enjoy farm-to-table, island style! 1 Kitchen at 1 Hotel at…

If you visit the southside of Kauaʻi one of  your stops will surely be world-famous Poiʻpū Beach, known for its monk seal sightings, playful sea turtles, and gorgeous beachfront. Just west of Poiʻpū you’ll find the Kukuiʻula Boat Harbor – popular for family beach days or sunset picnicking. As the road narrows along the coast,…

Redefining meaningful tourism, this programming for teens is broadening horizons in more ways than one. We recently had the pleasure of hosting a group from Travel for Teens for their third private tour with us at Holo Holo, and we couldn’t wait to share their program with you. With “authentic travel” as their motto, the…

Sunlight spills unto the steep, rugged crevices of the Nāpali Coast, casting bright, rainbow beams of light unto the dark green peaks and deep blue caverns. The clear, aqua waters shimmer like sparkling diamonds, cradling the soft sand that shifts into deeply-carved rocky cliffs. Illumination moves and dances, spreading light across the dramatic coastal landscape,…

On Kauaʻi the inhabitants of the ocean are our neighbors, and at Holo Holo Charters, they are also our coworkers! We are dedicated to keeping the ocean as healthy and safe on our watch as our tour guests. So, what makes a sunscreen reef-safe and why is that so important? Balancing the complexity of the…

The Discovery of Kauaʻi and the Culture of Wayfinding As sea explorers ourselves, we love to share the connection between our beloved Kauaʻi and the night sky, as founded by Polynesian voyagers thousands of years ago. Before James Cook deemed Hawaiʻi the “Sandwich Islands” after laying claim to discovery in 1778, the islands were inhabited…

You’ve finally booked your dream vacation to Kauaʻi, secured your lodging, and confirmed your car rental reservation. You now daydream of all the exciting fun you’ll have exploring the island, indulging in the fresh, local cuisine, and relaxing beachside on the warm, golden sand. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your…

Aside from a Pacific-sprayed cruise alongside spinner dolphins with views of the incredible Nāpali Coast, another often overlooked but must-try experience while on Kauaʻi is the food scene. The eclectic mix of local fare includes so many sects of Polynesian influence as well as the melting pot of cultures that make up the Garden Island…

Voluntourism is gaining popularity on Kauaʻi as visitors seek out opportunities to combine their passion for exploring the island (tourism) with a drive to give back to the local community (volunteering). With a vested interest in marine sustainability, we strive to be an ecologically conscious boat tour company by providing a positive impact on our…

With the official start of summer right around the corner, people are gearing up for more beach-side barbeques, hang time with friends and family, and long days of fun in the sun! On Kauaʻi, summer signals the end of the rainy season, and the hot sun shines longer and brighter island-wide. The south shore swells…

We are excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned Holo Holo Charters Headquarters! Holo Holo Charters has been located on the garden island of Kauaʻi since our inception in 1997. Twenty years ago we opened our headquarters at 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A in ʻEleʻele. We were one of the first tenants to…

The Garden Isle offers miles of breathtaking views for seasoned hikers, new trailblazers, and everyone in between. But, before you set off on “the beaten path,” there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, be prepared. Water, sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, a light jacket, and snacks are essential. Next,…

If you’ve ever been lucky to catch one of Kauaʻi’s magical sunsets, you know what all the hype is about. Exploding colors of deep red, bright orange, electric purple, and pastel pink fill the sky with fire, spanning outward from the west. Kauaʻi is blanketed in awe-inspiring hues as the sun sets on the Pacific…

Aloha friends and ʻohana, Last year Holo Holo Charters won the #1 Best Boat Tour in America by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest!!! We are nominated again this year for the Best Boat Tour in America. It would be an honor to follow last year’s win with this amazing award, which is…

Are you creative and do you love the ocean? If so, then please enter our very first T-shirt Art Contest! The artwork themes are: Kaua’i marine life (whales, turtles, fish, dolphins, manta rays), seabirds, and our touring locations such as Napali Coast, Niihau, and Lehua Crater. Submit your art by June 15th, 2023. One creative…