Glide over serene, blue water so clear that you can see ten feet, twelve feet or even deeper to the sandy ocean floor. Picture groups of coral reaching up towards the surface, fish swimming in and out of crevices, and turtles poking their heads through the surface of the water. Not just a sport, kayaking on Oahu is an experience unlike any found on the island.
The two most popular cities on the island for kayaking sit on the Windward (East) side. Kaneohe and Kailua offer the beginner kayaker an introduction into the wonders of ocean kayaking. There, you find amazing water, so clear that you can see every bit of coral sitting on the ocean floor and all the sea life that make this place their home.
Leaving Kailua, paddle over to Flat Island or Mokulua Island, where you can stop on shore and explore. Kailua Bay offers stunning views and miles of shore to explore. Mostly protected by offshore reef, Kailua Bay makes a great destination for kayaking. North of Kailua, Kaneohe presents the same stunning views, but with a different challenge. Here, you'll find the sunken island, a sandy beach a mile offshore only visible at low tide. Although popular with locals on the weekends, if you kayak out there on a weekday, you might be the only one. Filled with the same coral and an array of sea life, Kaneohe Bay's waters are just as beautiful and calm as those in Kailua Bay.
While Kailua and Kaneohe are the most popular spots for kayaking, you can also find good kayaking on the North Shore. The North Shore offers beautiful beach and mountain views, as well as turtles, fish and rock formations. Put in the kayak at Waimea Bay and paddle along the coast towards Haleiwa. The wind will most likely be on your back the entire way, giving you an extra push. Kayak on the North Shore only during the summer months (May-September), as the water is calmest during that time—the large swells during winter make it dangerous.
You can kayak anywhere on the island, so don't feel like you're limited to those places mentioned above. The Wai'anae Coast offers clear water, especially towards the North, and kayaking off Hawaii Kai can be fairly easy, though the views aren't as great. Most hotels in Waikiki rent kayaks, as well, but you won't see much kayaking along that beach. However, if you just want the novelty of kayak without the views, stick to Waikiki.
Kayak rentals are easy to come by at a fairly good price, so don't hesitate to go out and try this sport out, you won't regret it. The beautiful water, the fish, the coral and the stunning views will give you memories that last a lifetime.
Kayaking Resources
- Tours:
- If you're venturing into kayaking for the first time or you aren't sure where to go, several kayak companies offer tours along with their rentals. A trained guide will show you to the best kayak spots along with offering tips and history about the area. Take the stress out of kayaking with a kayak tour. Depending on the type and length of tour, the prices range from $95 to $260 per person for an adult.
- • Oahu Kayaking: www.oahukayaking.com
- • Adventure in Hawaii: adventureinhawaii.com/oahu_kayaking.htm
- • Coastal Kayak Tours: www.coastalkayaktours.com/index.html
- Rentals & Shops:
- • Hawaiian Water Sports: www.hawaiianwatersports.com/kayaking/rentals
- • Two Good Kayaks: www.twogoodkayaks.com/Rentals.html
- • Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks: www.kailuasailboards.com
- • Go Bananas: www.gobananaskayaks.com
