The Hawaii Tourism Authority is assisting the Department of Land and Natural Resources investigation into two cruise ships allegedly too close to Kauai’s north shore. 

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.  

Images of the ships have been shared on social media. 

Hawaii residents alerted officials to the issue, according to the HTA’s release. 

“HTA is also in contact with the cruise lines involved as well as other cruise operators who visit Hawaii to underscore the importance of compliance with all state and local regulations in our islands,” the news release said. 

The authorities didn’t name which cruise lines were involved, but multiple news media outlets have reported that Royal Caribbean operates them. Spectrum News reached out to the cruise line for more information, but did not receive a response. 

DLNR declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

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