The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement investigated a cruise ship that people on social media said was too close to Kauai’s Napali Coast, but failed to find conclusive evidence that it violated any state laws. 

What You Need To Know

  • Earlier this month, photos and videos of a Celebrity Cruises ship allegedly sailing and anchoring too close to the Na Pali coast were shared on social media

  • State regulations stipulate that commercial vessels with 50 or more passengers may not operate within the Na Pali Coast ocean waters, including 3,000 feet seaward from the shore

  • Officers with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement interviewed the ship's captain, who said he sailed in waters that were 30 meters or deeper and was unsure of the vessel’s distance from the coast

  • DOCARE officers looked for witnesses, but none of the witnesses could say with certainty whether the 3,000-foot seaward distance was violated

Earlier this month, photos and videos of a Celebrity Cruises ship, Celebrity Edge, which is operated by Royal Caribbean, allegedly sailing and anchoring too close to the Na Pali coast were shared on social media. The Celebrity Edge is a 2,908-passenger ship. 

State regulations stipulate that commercial vessels with 50 or more passengers may not operate within the Na Pali Coast ocean waters, including 3,000 feet seaward from the shore.  

Hawaii residents alerted officials to the issue, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which assisted with the investigation. 

When the Celebrity Edge returned to port in Honolulu, DOCARE officers boarded the ship and interviewed the captain and ship’s master, according to a DLNR news release. The captain said he sailed in waters that were 30 meters or deeper and was unsure of the vessel’s distance from the coast. 

On Kauai, DOCARE officers looked for witnesses, but none of the witnesses could say with certainty whether the 3,000-foot seaward distance was violated. Other witnesses did not want to be involved in the investigation and others only had second-or-third hand information or repeated what they had seen on social media. 

“DOCARE determined there is insufficient evidence that supports probable cause or that there is clear and convincing evidence to pursue any criminal or civil action at this time,” the DLNR news release said. 

A news release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority sent out earlier this month said DLNR was investigating two cruise ships, which were spotted too close to the Napali Coast. However, DLNR told Spectrum News Hawaii in an email there is no evidence that there was a second ship. 

According to DLNR, Celebrity Cruises decided to add sailing along the Napali Coast to its itineraries after being unable to make Lahaina port calls following the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire. 

DLNR said the cruise industry is sensitive to concerns expressed by Hawaii residents. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

Related Stories