Hawaii is a water lover’s dream, with turquoise waters, beautiful waves, and stunning wildlife. It’s the perfect place to kayak with no shortage of incredible beaches and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Wherever you choose to stay in Hawaii, you can look forward to an epic day on the water with pristine shores to paddle and explore.
To make the most of your time in Hawaii, make sure to try some of these top 6 kayaking spots.
1. Makena Bay
- Southwest coast of Maui
- Calm waters in the early mornings
Does kayaking to “Turtle Town” sound like a fun way to start your day? If so, you’ll love this kayak adventure. Start your trip from Makena Landing, a popular spot for kayaking tours and rentals, and from there explore a number of reefs and as suggested, a plethora of Hawaiian green sea turtles and sometimes humpback whales.
The sea kayaking here is usually calm in the morning but the winds do slowly start picking up so this adventure is best for those that are early risers. The bay here is the perfect place to get some confidence as a paddler before embarking on longer off-shore trips.
To make the most of your trip, bring snorkel gear, just so long as you’re comfortable getting in and out of your kayak in the water. There’s a number of sea caves and grottos best seen from underwater. You can do this trip as either self-guided or with a tour.
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2. Kāneʻohe Bay
- Northeast coast of Oʻahu
- Calm waters ideal for beginner kayakers
As the largest stretch of sheltered water on the main Hawaiian islands, Kāneʻohe Bay on Oahu is a great place to kayak if you’re new to it or only hit the water occasionally. This beautiful bay boasts calm conditions for casual paddling the whole family will enjoy, with this serene stretch of coastline stretching 8 miles. The deepest point is about 40 feet, but much of the bay is considerably shallower, ideal for sit-on-top kayaks and snorkeling.
One of the coolest parts of kayaking in Kāneʻohe Bay is the coves, offering a peaceful and relaxing place to embrace nature and enjoy an up-close look at the island’s vibrant marine life. Bright coral reefs are home to tropical fish and sea turtles, while manta rays and spinner dolphins have also been known to make an appearance.
When visiting Kāneʻohe Bay, keep in mind two of the biggest highlights: the barrier reefs, one within the archipelago and the other near Molokai island. These are hotspots for kayaking and snorkeling thanks to the regular sightings of parrotfish, skipjack tuna, mahi-mahi, and hammerhead sharks. You may even recognize this little piece of paradise from famous movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Gilligan’s Island, both of which were filmed here.
3. Mokulua Islands
- Southeast (windward) coast of Oʻahu
- Picturesque offshore peaks for more experienced kayakers
If you feel comfortable and confident in a kayak, Mokulua Islands are worth exploring. Only about a 30 minute drive from Honolulu, starting at Lanikai Beach, it’s regarded as one of the best in the world. You’ll venture out through turquoise waves toward twin island peaks in the distance.
It’s about two miles to the rugged mountainous islands, so you can expect to get there in about an hour and a half with typical conditions. This is an intense kayaking experience and not best for beginners.
Avid kayakers often set off from Lanikai or Kailua Beach in the morning, getting a great workout on the way to a little slice of paradise. Kayaks are available to rent from local beaches and there are guided kayak tours if you prefer to go in a group. Either way, the journey is well worth it once you reach the pristine sandy beach and tidal pools.
Just keep in mind the public is only permitted to visit the larger, left-side island (Moku Nui). The smaller island (Moku Iki) is off-limits to visitors. Landing permits are required through the Department of Land and Nature Resources, as these islets are State Seabird Sanctuaries. Another pro tip? Bring a friend and go for a double kayak, as it will be easier to get there and maneuver through the waves and landing.
4. Honolua Bay
- Northwest coast of Maui
- Perfect for summer snorkeling in protected waters
If your Hawaiian vacation brings you to Maui, make sure to check out Honolua Bay, situated to the north of Kapalua in West Maui. This spot is popular for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and surfing in the summer months when the water is calm and the sun is shining. The waters here are protected through the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District.
Honolua Bay boasts large coral reefs teeming with diverse sea life, such as barracuda, boxfish, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, and fan-favorite sea turtles. The most popular summer rentals are sit-on-top kayaks, making it easy to snorkel and get up close to these amazing animals. Just remember that kayak rentals are only available in the summer season, as this area catches gnarly waves during the winter.
Another bonus of kayaking here is that Honolua Bay is regularly cleaned, ensuring excellent clarity for successful snorkeling. On a calm day, it’s great for beginners, as the bay is a bit more protected against trade winds that can make for more challenging kayaking. Onboard a kayak, you can reach some of Maui’s untouched coastline and enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful bay.
5. Kealakekua Bay
- Kona coast, south of Kailua-Kona on Big Island
- World-famous snorkeling by the Captain Cook monument
A trip to the Big Island offers some of the most exhilarating adventures and rugged coastline, and kayaking at Kealakekua Bay is one activity you don’t want to miss. This is much more than just a kayak and snorkel spot, as the bay belongs on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a state historical park. It was settled more than a thousand years ago, with numerous historical and archaeological sites in the region.
One of the most well-known elements of Kealakekua Bay’s history is the death of Captain James Cook, who was the first documented European to arrive on the Hawaiian islands. His monument is a key landmark highlighting both history and the start of an incredible reef with an abundance of tropical fish, green sea turtles, and manta rays. If you’re lucky, a kayak-snorkel combo trip will bring you up close to Hawaii’s famous spinner dolphins, too!
As you glide across the bay atop stunning clear water, you can travel about a mile and spot turtles, dolphins, and even whales, depending on the season. Just keep in mind that the state requires all Kealakekua Bay kayak trips to be with an authorized guide. The incredible views and impressive visibility make this a no-brainer for a Big Island bucket list.
6. Wailua River
- East-central coast of Kauai
- Relaxing river kayaking with waterfall views
While Hawaii is undoubtedly a top destination for ocean kayaking, there’s also the option to explore serene rivers across the islands. The Wailua River on Kauai is home to a state park and offers a prime spot to kayak along calm waters with plenty of native flora and fauna to appreciate. This gentle-flowing river stretches 20 miles from west of Wailua all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Kayaking down the Wailua River is quiet and peaceful, and you may spot paddle boards, boats, and canoes also enjoying the pristine waters. The river flows past Wailua Falls, known as one of the most romantic destinations across Hawaii, so much so that it’s a popular wedding spot! The river also passes Ōpaekaʻa Falls, a 151-foot waterfall set against a lush green jungle backdrop flowing over basalt from ancient volcanic eruptions.
The awe-inspiring landscape makes this river kayak trip a memorable one, especially as you paddle past Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) and Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls). Keep your eyes peeled for wild birds and natural swimming spots that will make your kayak outing even more exciting.
Hawaiian Adventures: Where Will You Kayak First?
As you can see, Hawaii boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world. There’s no shortage of opportunities to kayak, whether you’re going for a quick paddle or an all-day adventure to swim and spot wildlife.
Book your next stay at the best vacation properties in Hawaii and make sure to check out all the incredible kayaking these beautiful islands have to offer.