Why Our Departure Times Matter (And Why We Strictly Enforce Them)
At Komohana Charters, every tour we run is built around respect — for our guests, our crew, our fellow operators, and the local community that makes this harbor what it is.
Recently, we’ve experienced an increase in late arrivals to the harbor. We completely understand that things happen — travel delays, parking, or simply underestimating how long it takes to get down to the boat. But at our harbor, timing is not flexible — and there are important reasons why.
A Busy, Shared Harbor
Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is not just a tour departure point — it’s a working harbor that supports both commercial operations and local families.
At any given departure window:
There are 20+ permitted commercial vessels
Most boats carry approximately 18–40 passengers each
That means hundreds of passengers moving through the harbor at the same time
In addition to commercial tours, the harbor is heavily used by the local community. During fishing seasons, there can be 50+ additional boats launching and returning.
This is not a controlled, private marina — it’s a shared, active space that requires coordination, awareness, and respect from everyone using it.
Local First — Always
Before we were a charter company, we were fishermen.
That perspective has stayed with us.
Local fishermen depend on this harbor to provide for their families and our community. Because of that, they are given priority access to:
Dock space for loading and unloading
Ramp access
We fully support and respect this — and we expect the same respect from our guests.
Understanding Our Departure Timing
This is the most important part to understand:
Your tour start time (7:00 AM or 12:00 PM) is the exact time the boat must be OFF the dock — not the time boarding begins.
The 15-minute boarding window happens BEFORE your scheduled departure time
By the time your tour start time arrives, all passengers must already be boarded and the boat must be leaving the dock
To meet this requirement:
The boat will be in the water and ready for boarding prior to your scheduled time
Boarding takes place leading up to departure — not after
We strongly ask all guests to arrive 15–20 minutes early to allow time for:
Parking
Walking to the harbor
Bathroom use
Why Being Late Affects Everyone
When guests arrive late or take extra time getting to the boat, it creates a ripple effect that impacts far more than just one tour.
Here’s what happens:
We may lose our dock window and be forced to leave
Your tour may be shortened, meaning you might not experience the full Nā Pali Coast
Other companies’ schedules become disrupted
Returning boats may be delayed from safely unloading passengers
Our crew — who arrive an hour or more early to prepare your experience — are affected
What may feel like “just a few minutes” quickly becomes a larger issue for hundreds of people operating in a tight system.
State Law — Not Just Policy
This isn’t just our rule — it is State of Hawaiʻi law.
Under HRS §13-231-44, vessels are restricted to:
15 minutes for loading
15 minutes for unloading
Maximum 30 minutes total at the dock
Failure to comply can result in penalties, including loss of operating permits — which directly threatens our ability to continue doing what we love.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
Out of respect for:
Our local community
Other operators
Our crew
And all guests who arrive on time
We will be strictly enforcing our departure policy.
Effective immediately:
Boats will depart on time, without exception
Late arrivals will not be refunded under any circumstance
Reservations forfeited due to late arrival still occupy space that could have been filled by other guests, directly impacting our ability to run a successful tour with respectful, on-time passengers
If you are not boarded prior to departure:
The boat will be pulled from the water, returned to the trailer, and will no longer be available for your tour
No refunds will be issued
Boat removal timing:
7:05 AM for 7:00 AM departures
12:05 PM for 12:00 PM departures
How You Can Help
We truly want every guest to have the best possible experience with us. The simplest way to ensure that is:
Arrive 15–20 minutes early
Be ready to board immediately
Plan ahead for parking and restrooms
This small effort on your part helps keep everything running smoothly — for you, for us, and for everyone else sharing this space.
A Final Note
This isn’t about being strict for the sake of it.
It’s about protecting:
Our livelihood
Our relationships within the local community
And the experience we’re able to provide to every guest
Losing our ability to operate — or disrupting the flow of the harbor — is simply not an option.
We appreciate your understanding, your respect, and your support in helping us operate responsibly and in alignment with how things are done here on Kauaʻi.
Mahalo,
Komohana Charters
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/files/2013/04/Harbor-Rules-HAR-13-231.pdf
