13 Breathtaking Kayaking Destinations in Hawaii You Can’t Miss!
Looking for the best places for kayaking in Hawaii?
With its miles of coastline, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of Hawaii while kayaking. Explore hidden coves, paddle through sea caves, and encounter diverse marine life.
Hawaii is made up of eight main islands and over one hundred islands in total. The eight main islands are Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
With so many islands, there’s an incredible range of kayaking experiences for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
I asked avid kayaker Seth from The Wanderlust Dragon for the best places to kayak in Hawaii and this is his list.
Kayaking on the Big Island
1. Kealakekua Bay
I want to start by saying that Kealakekua Bay is considered one of the best spots for kayaking not just on the Big Island, but throughout all of the Hawaiian Islands. It is well worth the visit!
The bay is a protected marine area. Much of the conservation done seeks to preserve the marina and wildlife. That’s part of the reason why Kealakekua Bay is a perfect spot not only for kayaking but also for scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities.
The bay is located on the western coast of the island. The waters are pristine. The wildlife is diverse and breathtaking.
There is little to no coral in the bay closest to the shore, but as you make your way out you will see some beautiful displays of it. Animal life may include dolphins, sea turtles, seals, and any number of colorful fish. There’s tales of mermaids, but I can’t make any promises.
The distance to kayak across the bay is about 1.5 miles.
You do need a permit to kayak here so double check that your kayak rental company is permitted. If not, you can apply for one here.
Other than that, get out there and enjoy those clear blue waters!
>> Rent Kayaks for Kealakekua Bay Here! <<
Don’t want to kayak, but still want to experience Kealakekua Bay?
➡️ Check out these Captain Cook Snorkel Tours!
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2. Hilo Bay
Hilo is also a bay. One of the unique features about kayaking here are the views. Overlooking the bay are two volcanoes and you can get a great view of both of them while you paddle on the water. They’re quite beautiful.
Mauna Loa lies lower because it is a shield volcano, partially formed by the flow of its lava. The other is Mauna Kea.
You should be aware that Hilo is referred to as the tsunami capital of the world. Please don’t let that discourage you from visiting and paddling out, but you should be aware and keep your ears open about the weather and what experts are saying about the area.
>> Rent Kayaks for Hilo Bay Here! <<
3. Keauhou Bay
The Keauhou Bay is located in South Kona on the Big Island. The bay is well protected and is a great place for launching. That means boats for diving and snorkeling as well as kayaking, SUP’s, and canoes.
The bay is wonderful for kayaking, but because of all of the boating traffic it is suggested that you not dive or snorkel there. Don’t worry though. You will still be able to see crystal clear waters and lots of marine life from your kayak.
For example, the bay is well known for manta rays. They come in at night in particular to feed on the local plankton.
>> Book a Kayak Tour in Keauhou Bay Here! <<
Intrigued by manta rays? Find out how to swim with them here:
➡️ Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours
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4. Umauma River
There are some amazing sights to be seen on Umauma River on the Big Island including the Umauma Falls. There are actually three falls, all next to one another making for a magnificent experience and view. It’s definitely worth a paddling trip!
>> Rent Kayaks for Umauma River Here! <<
Kayaking in Kauai
5. Hanalei River
Hanalei River flows down from the mountains and drains into the Pacific through the Hanalei Bay. There is an upper and a lower river. The upper river is a bit quicker in its flow, but the lower river is slower and more meandering in nature.
In fact, the lower river runs through the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, promising glimpses of many of Hawaii’s beautiful animal life. It also provides wonderful views of green and breathtaking mountains perfect for photography as you float along.
>> Rent Kayaks for Hanalei River Here! <<
6. Huleai River
The Huleai River offers a more soothing paddling experience with its calm flowing waters. Located along the Huleai Wildlife Refuge, the river offers lots of a great spots for stopping along the way. You can enjoy some beautiful hiking and there’s a gorgeous waterfall waiting too!
>> Book a Kayak Tour on the Huleai River Here! <<
7. Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is made up mostly of state park on the northwest side of Kauai. One of the more ruggedly cool things about much of the coast is that it can’t be reached by vehicle over land, only by sea…like say, in a kayak. You get amazing views from the water too!
>> Book a Kayak Tour on the Na Pali Coast Here! <<
8. Wailua River
Located on the eastern coast of the island of Kauai, the Wailua River is another beautiful choice for kayaking in Hawaii. It’s home to a rainforest with plenty of gorgeous fauna and flora.
>> Book a Kayak Tour on Wailua River with Secret Waterfall Here! <<
Kayaking in Maui
9. Honolua Bay
Located on the north shore of Maui, Honolua Bay is filled with marine life. However, there is a specific season for kayaking in the bay. That season is summer.
Summer seas in the bay are much calmer and are best for kayaking and other paddlers as well as for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Winter waves in the bay are much more powerful and because of that it is a popular site for surfers. The winter waves are best left to them unless you’re an advanced kayaker in surf kayaking.
>> Book a Kayak Rental Delivery Here! <<
10. Makena Bay
Makena Bay is a smaller bay with clear waters and a great view of one of Hawaii’s many volcanoes. This one is dormant, but the views of its greenage are still breathtaking. It’s also a great place for some quiet beaches when you’re done on the water.
>> Book a Kayak Tour on Makena Bay Here! <<
Kayaking in Oahu
11. Kahana River
Kahana River is located in a gorgeous, green rainforest on Oahu. It’s like kayaking the Amazon River without being there. Several miles in length, the river flows through the lush Kahana Valley.
If you’re experienced and ambitious enough, you can kayak through the entirety of the calm waters of the river till it drains into the lovely Kahana Bay. Picturesque mountains, soothing waters, and beautiful beach all in one trip. This trip has it all.
>> Rent Kayaks for Kahana River Here! <<
12. Kaneohe Bay
If reefs are your thing, this is the paddling adventure for you. There are only two barrier reefs in Hawaii and Kaneohe Bay is home to one of them. There are also coral reefs located in a calm lagoon with great views boatside.
>> Rent Kayaks for Kaneohe Bay Here! <<
13. Mokulua Islands
The Mokulua Islands are a pair of islets off of the coast of Oahu. They are practically picture perfect. In fact, they are often featured in the background of pictures.
The twin islands are called Moku Nui and Moku Iki. This literally means “Big Island” and “Small Island” respectively. While it’s illegal to land on the island, you can paddle to it.
The islets are also a potentially exciting trip. If you are into some of the more dangerous sea life, tiger sharks are known to patrol the ocean side of the islands.
>> Rent Kayaks for Mokulua Islands Here! <<
Kayaking 101
In case you are new to kayaking, we can get you a quick rundown here!
Types of Kayaking
First, let’s talk about types of kayaking. There are so many different forms of kayaking, but some are definitely more prominent than others. Here is a short list of some of the most common.
- Sea Kayaking: As the name suggests, this is done on the open ocean. It is definitely a form of kayaking you’re going to do if you’re in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Surf Kayaking: This is basically surfing but with a kayak instead of a surfboard. Again, this is a type you would likely try out kayaking in Hawaii.
- Fishing Kayaking: You guessed it. This is fishing while kayaking. This can be done in any body of water with fish. Fishing kayaking is extremely popular in Hawaii.
- River Kayaking: This is done in rivers. This can definitely still occur in Hawaii with channels and rivers either running in or out to sea.
Types of Water
Now we move on to types of water. Generally, kayakers refer to two types of water but there can be overlap depending on the body of water you’re paddling on.
- Flat Water: This is calm water and relatively easy to navigate without too much effort. This type of water is perfect for beginners as well as those looking for something more relaxing in nature. It can occur on any body of water, but is more likely on slow moving rivers, smaller lakes, and ocean bays or coves with protection from wind and waves.
- White Water: Usually when speaking of white water, it’s in reference to fast moving rivers with obstructions such as boulders and other large objects. It should be noted that sea kayaking, while not white water, can have some heavy waves that certainly don’t qualify as flat water. This type of water is best for experienced and advanced kayakers.
Types of Kayaks
Finally, let’s discuss the various types of kayaks. Once more, there are numerous brands and types of kayaks. The most common breakdown of them though is into two groups: sit-in and sit-on.
- Sit-in kayaks actually have a cockpit that you get into with much of your body covered
- Sit-on kayaks are open and your body is exposed.
Kayaking in Hawaii FAQs
Can you kayak anywhere in Hawaii?
For the most part, yes, you can kayak anywhere in Hawaii. There are some things to consider and to check on ahead of time though just to be certain. Two major considerations are protected areas and level of kayaking experience.
There are also parks and preservations that may not allow kayaking. It’s best to check their websites or call ahead to double check. Even with these areas though, typically you will still be able to kayak.
The other big thing to consider is not if you’re allowed to, but rather if you SHOULD. If you’re a beginner kayaker, there may be some spots that are not appropriate for you to kayak, at least not without more seasoned kayakers. Examples include but are not limited to the open ocean and certain areas that are choppier with waves than others.
Is kayaking in Hawaii hard?
There’s no easy answer if kayaking in Hawaii is hard because it really depends. Sea kayaking on the open ocean or places with strong waves or currents can be quite difficult. Kayaking up river can be tough too.
However, lots of places in Hawaii are flat water trips. Most of the rivers you can paddle in Hawaii are flat water, calm and quiet. Plenty of the paddling bays offer enough protection too that paddling isn’t too difficult.
How much does it cost to rent a kayak in Hawaii?
Costs to rent a kayak in Hawaii will vary somewhat from shop to shop and even from island to island. It also depends on the size and type of kayak. It’s important to keep that all in mind.
However, an average for single sitting kayaks (for one person alone), prices will be around $80 a day. Given that the cost of living in Hawaii generally is higher and you get the kayak for the day, this price is relatively reasonable.
Do you need a permit to kayak in Hawaii?
The short answer is no, you do not need a permit to kayak in Hawaii.
However, there are certain areas, particularly those that are protected in one way or another such as parks or preservations that may require, like Kealakekua Bay. It’s best practice to check official websites or at entrances to each to find out for certain.
Conclusion: Kayaking in Hawaii
Kayaking in Hawaii offers some of the most adventurous and breathtaking experiences, with an abundance of marine life and diverse landscapes to explore.
From the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, to the Huleai River on Kauai, and the Honolua Bay on Maui, each island offers a unique and unforgettable paddling experience.
