Evan Valiere

Evan has been exploring the Na Pali Coast since he was a young child, enjoying and admiring its beauty, as well as revering its dangers. Before starting Hanalei Charters, Evan was a highly endorsed professional surfer. His accolades include winning a major professional surf contest as well as landing four cover shot for the two biggest magazines in the industry - twice for Surfing Magazine and twice for Surfer Magazine. Beyond competitive surfing, Evan is an experienced big wave surfer, having towed into massive waves on Oahu's north shore, Peahi (Jaws) on Maui, Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and at home on Kauai.

He started Hanalei Surf School where he first learned the importance of ocean safety. Evan has 22 years of experience under his belt, teaching thousands of people how to surf with an excellent safety track record.

In 2010 Evan started the Na Pali Race, an elite stand-up paddleboard, prone paddleboard, and outrigger canoe racing event that runs 17 miles from one end of the Nā Pali Coast to the other. He has safely organized this continuing event for 11 years straight and plans to continue the annual tradition for the several hundred athletes who regularly compete in it.

Evan earned his Merchant Mariner Credential in May 2015 and is now rated for Master 100 tons. Having spent countless hours on the Nā Pali coast, he has earned a vast understanding of the ever-changing coastline, wind, and wave conditions.