Captain J’s Awesome Crew
At Captain J’s Kauai Offshore Adventures, it is important to us that you have an epic experience on our sightseeing adventure snorkel tours. Our Captains and Crew are ocean lovers and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and are certified in first aid and CPR.

Captain J.
Captain J. was born and raised in Hawai‘i, and the ocean has been calling his name since day one. He started with fishing, followed his passion, and built this entire operation from the water up. Around the harbor he’s known as “Silverback” — a calm, confident presence that makes everyone stand a little taller when he walks by. A man of few words but big vision, he’s not only an expert captain, but a dreamer, leader, and artist at heart. Always looking out for the team, always thinking ahead. Look for more to come from Captain J.

Landon Palama
Landon is a force of nature — loud, hilarious, and always operating at full throttle (literally and figuratively). Known as the fastest captain on the NaPali Coast, he balances high-speed skill with a seriously stubborn streak and a huge heart. He’s a jack of all trades who keeps the boats in top shape and the crew on their toes. A proud dad and a certified character, Landon brings energy, laughter, and a whole lot of horsepower to every trip.

Nohili Kahepuu
Nohili is our most seasoned NaPali Coast captain, with years of experience navigating these wild waters like the back of his hand. When he’s not steering into sea caves or cracking jokes with the crew, he’s likely in the ring — no, seriously. He’s a trained fighter (the real kind) and pretty damn good at it too. A proud dad and all-around legend, Nohili brings a perfect mix of skill, heart, and humor to every trip.

Andrew Ellis
With more years on the water than anyone else on the team, Andrew is the steady hand and deep well of island knowledge every crew dreams of. A seasoned fisherman and scuba diver back in his day, he’s seen just about everything the ocean can offer — and then some. Guests love him not just for his calm confidence, but for the way he genuinely takes care of everyone on board. If you’re lucky enough to ride with Andrew, you’re in expert hands
Ryan K.
Ryan might be one of the newer faces at the helm, but don’t let that fool you — behind the world’s driest sense of humor is a sharp captain who knows his way around both boats and power tools. A longtime carpenter and truck enthusiast (you’ll usually find him under the hood or tinkering with something), Ryan’s been bouncing on and off island for a few years now. Lately he’s been turning into a bit of a shell nerd, and yes — he does have an adorable sausage dog that somehow makes him even more likable.
CJ Kahepuu
CJ might be one of the newer additions to the team, but he jumped in like he’s been with us for years. Like his brother Nohili, he’s a fighter — and a dad — with a heart of gold. Always quick with a joke and ready to lend a hand, CJ shows up with the biggest smile on the dock and brings nothing but good energy to the boat. Guests love him, the crew counts on him, and the good vibes follow him wherever he goes.
Kannon Allen
If you hear music blasting in the harbor parking lot, chances are Kannon’s already clocked in. He’s been part of our crew for over four years, and in that time, he’s become the go-to guy for laughs, good vibes, and a playlist that somehow always hits. When he’s not helping guests make epic memories on the water, he’s likely out chasing fish with a speargun in hand — spearfishing is his real love (don’t tell his Toyota Tundra).
Mason Shwarze
Mason brings a cool, collected energy to the crew — the kind that only comes from a life spent on the move. He’s traveled plenty, picked up wisdom along the way, and it shows in how confidently he moves on the boat. When he’s not out helping guests experience the coastline, he’s usually off on his jet ski, spearfishing in his own zone. Steady, smart, and quietly dialed in, Mason’s the kind of guy you want on your team when it counts.
Matt Walker
Matt moves around the boat like a spider-monkey on a mission — and we mean that in the best way. High energy, always smiling, and 100% focused on making guests feel welcome, he’s the heartbeat of the deck. Whether he’s cracking jokes, offering a hand, or dropping off surprise coconuts to the crew, Matt brings the good vibes at a million miles an hour. If you’re looking for someone to turn your trip into an unforgettable experience, you just found him.
Kaikena
Kaikena might be the newest addition to the crew, but you’d never know it. From day one, he’s brought a calm confidence, always ready to lend a hand and greet every guest with the warmest smile on the dock. Whether he’s swapping boards for a snowboard on off-island trips or catching waves on his days off, Kaikena brings a laid-back energy to everything he does. He’s been an incredible addition to the team.
Jeff G.
Jeff is the guy who quietly shows up, gets it right, and makes it all look easy. He’s calm, laid-back, and always brings a gentle, welcoming energy to the boat — the kind that makes guests feel instantly at ease. A proud dad who works full-time on base during the week, Jeff joins us on weekends and jumps right in like he never left. Dependable, gentle, and genuinely good — he’s the steady presence every great crew needs.
Sylas Farias
Sylas is the guy who keeps everything running — even when everyone else is making it harder than it needs to be (and he’ll be the first to tell you so). He’s the most helpful guy on the team, always rolling with the punches and somehow always around — early mornings, late nights, whenever the boats need him. Outside of Captain J’s, he’s a dedicated fisherman and currently in the middle of building his dream truck from the ground up. Calm, capable, and quietly essential, Sylas is the glue that holds this whole operation together.
Laina Otero
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Laina has been running businesses since she was 24, though her first hustle started with grooming dogs. These days, she’s the steady hand behind the scenes making sure every moving piece runs just right. Confident, thoughtful, and decisive, she brings a calm authority to the team and a standard of customer service that’s hard to beat. When she’s not juggling all things operations, you’ll likely find her hanging out with her dogs — one of her greatest joys.
Savanna K.
If you’ve ever called, emailed, or wandered into our shop, chances are you’ve already met Savanna — the friendly voice behind the scenes making sure everything’s in place for a great experience. Originally from South Africa, she’s a certified scuba instructor who’s traveled far and wide sharing her love for the ocean. These days, when she’s not helping guests plan their dream trip or restocking the merch wall, you’ll find her hiking, diving, or soaking up every ounce of daylight she can get. Always laughing, always helpful, and always five steps ahead — Savanna’s the glue that holds it all together.
Holly P.
Born and raised on Ni‘ihau, Holly brings quiet strength, kindness, and the warmest presence to everything she does. She keeps the shop spotless, makes sure guests are well fed and taken care of before heading out, and somehow does it all with the sweetest smile on her face. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply rooted in her culture and family, Holly is a truly beautiful person inside and out — and we’re lucky to have her on the team
Our reservations line is available from 6:30am to 7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 6:30am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, Hawaii Time.