Surfing, swimming and snorkeling may be the activities most readily associated with Hawaii, but the destination is equally ideal for kayaking. Hawaii’s warm and inviting environment seems tailor-made for sitting atop a sleek, smooth kayak and feeling the cool breeze and occasional splash.
Besides exercise, a Hawaii kayak tour gives clients an eyeful of beauty, from turtles, whales and other marine life to unparalleled views of the islands from the sea. Then there are the first-rate kayak instructors, who devote their talents to scoping out the perfect places to take their guests.
The following paddling meccas are universally appealing. As long as visitors are in relatively good shape, they can rise to the challenge and reap the benefits of kayaking in Hawaii.
Hanalei River and Bay, Kauai
A blissful blend of river and ocean kayaking awaits clients in Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore.
A half-day tour with Kayak Kauai introduces participants to the serene Hanalei River, which meanders past a national wildlife refuge with endangered water birds such as the Hawaiian stilt, the Hawaiian goose and the Hawaiian duck.
From there, the group glides out to Hanalei Bay — known for its spectacular vistas of sea cliffs — as guides keep things lively with local legends and lore. Once in the bay, clients can snorkel, walk on the beach or do some additional paddling along the shoreline.
www.kayakkauai.com
Kailua Beach, Oahu
On Oahu’s windward side, this idyllic stretch of sand presents a popular point of departure for thrilling kayak expeditions.
Savvy Kailua paddlers set their sights on the Mokulua Islands, a pair of easy-to-reach seabird sanctuaries.
Twogood Kayaks is a reputable Kailua-based firm that features tours to the Mokuluas, which locals call the Mokes. Led by fun and well-informed guides, the half-day trip kicks off with a one-hour paddle.
From Kailua Beach on Oahu's windward coast, clients can paddle to the Mokulua Islands, known for their seabird sanctuaries.
Credit: 2020 Twogood Kayaks
After they get to the Mokes, clients can swim, snorkel, stroll, picnic and try kayak-surfing, if the spirit moves them.
www.twogoodkayaks.com
Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii Island
Located just south of Kailua-Kona, this marine life conservation district is brimming with sea creatures, from angelfish and yellow tang to turtles, rays and dolphins.
Kona Boys promises a terrific tour of the mile-wide cove, accessible only by permitted companies. Its five-hour morning adventure starts with a 45-minute paddle across the bay’s deep, calm, sheltered waters.
Throughout the excursion, guides provide plenty of time for snorkeling, followed by lunch and a chat about the area’s rich history. The tour wraps up as guests stroke their way back to the beginning.
www.konaboys.com
Turtle Town, Maui
Convenient to the accommodations of Wailea Resort in southwest Maui, Turtle Town more than lives up to its name.
Hugging several miles of coastline, the area’s prolific underwater reefs, arches and caves draw the shelled swimmers in droves.
Maui Kayak Adventures offers a combination kayak and snorkel tour to help clients experience Turtle Town to the fullest, above and below the surface.
Kayakers get an eyeful during kayak tours of Maui's Turtle Town.
Credit: 2020 Maui Kayak Adventures
Guides — who are certified marine naturalists — know precisely where to bring their guests: away from the crowds and toward the best views, not only of turtles but of Maui and its island neighbors.
www.mauikayakadventures.com
Wailua River, Kauai
With a gentle current and a wild, lush landscape lining its banks, the 20-mile-long Wailua River is wonderful to explore by kayak.
While there are multiple options for floating along the river, Outfitters Kauai’s Wailua Waterfall Kayak Tour checks all the boxes for nature, history and adventure buffs.
Kayaks lead to exciting explorations of Kauai's Wailua River.
Credit: 2020 Outfitters Kauai
Clients should be prepared to paddle for 60-90 minutes in tandem kayaks with padded backrests.
The remainder of the tour includes 2 miles of hiking on a muddy but magical trail through a tropical rainforest, with time for swimming and a picnic lunch at a 100-foot-tall waterfall.
www.outfitterskauai.com
