Tours Discovery Platform

🚣 Hawaii Kayaking Tours

Paddle through crystal-clear bays, explore hidden sea caves, and kayak to waterfalls only accessible by water.

23Kayak Tours
4Islands
Year-RoundSeason

Types of Kayaking in Hawaii

🌊 Ocean Kayaking

Paddle along Hawaii's stunning coastlines. Explore sea caves, encounter sea turtles, and access secluded beaches.

  • Single or tandem kayaks
  • Guided tours with snorkel stops
  • Morning trips for calm water
  • Suitable for beginners

🏞️ River Kayaking

Glide up jungle rivers to hidden waterfalls. Kauai's Wailua River is Hawaii's most famous—paddle to Secret Falls.

  • Calm, flatwater paddling
  • Waterfall hike included
  • Swim at the falls
  • Great for families

🤿 Kayak + Snorkel Combos

The best of both worlds. Paddle to pristine snorkel spots inaccessible by land, then dive in to explore.

  • Kealakekua Bay (Big Island)
  • Turtle Town (Maui)
  • Chinaman's Hat (Oahu)
  • Gear included

Best Kayaking Spots

Wailua River to Secret Falls

Kauai

Hawaii's only navigable river. Paddle 2 miles upstream, hike through jungle, swim at a stunning 100-foot waterfall. The quintessential Hawaii kayak experience.

Kealakekua Bay

Big Island

Captain Cook's landing site. Kayak across the bay to pristine coral reefs with spinner dolphins and the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

Kailua Beach

Oahu

Paddle from Kailua Beach to the Mokulua Islands (the Mokes). Land on the beach, explore tide pools, snorkel the reef.

Makena/Turtle Town

Maui

Ocean kayaking along Maui's south shore. Paddle past lava formations, snorkel with sea turtles at multiple stops.

Na Pali Coast

Kauai (Advanced)

17-mile paddle along the world's most dramatic coastline. Sea caves, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Summer only, experienced paddlers.

Kaneohe Bay

Oahu

Protected bay with calm water, sandbars, and Chinaman's Hat island. Great for beginners and families. Rent or guided tours.

Kayaking Tips

🌅 Go Early

Morning offers the calmest conditions. Afternoon winds (especially trade winds) can make paddling difficult and choppy.

🧴 Sun Protection

You're exposed on the water. Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and rash guard are essential. Reapply often—water reflects UV.

💧 Waterproof Bag

Bring a dry bag for phone, snacks, and extra clothes. Most tours provide them, but verify when booking.

👟 Water Shoes

You'll be getting in and out on rocky shores. Reef-safe water shoes protect your feet from sharp lava rock and coral.

Ready to Paddle Paradise?

Browse 23 kayaking adventures from local operators.

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