Kayak & canoe · OAHU KAYAK TOURS
Good oahu kayak tours run small and the great ones close out early. Below: the 14 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ once you are afloat.
Paddle from Kailua Beach to Flat Island or the Mokulua Islands on a guided or self-guided outing. You get kayaks, snorkel gear, permits, lockers, showers, and deli lunch. Guides such as Mike, Evelyn, and Tupre add local stories and wildlife tips when available.
“First, Ask for MIKE as your guide. WOW! He kept everyone engaged and energized all day. And the tour was visually awesome”
Meet guides such as Brandon, Hopoe, Mike, or Evelyn at Kailua Beach Adventures, then paddle toward Popoia, also called Flat Island. Expect mountain and beach views, wildlife, local history, lunch, and free use of bikes and beach gear afterward. You must be able to swim.
“Great kayaking, beautiful area and great staff. The transporting of the kayak is not bad and they provide great instruction on everything for your excursion.”
Paddle from Kailua to the Mokulua Islands with a naturalist guide such as Tommy, Austin, Mike, or Will. Expect about an hour of kayaking each way, an island walk to Queen’s Bath, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, lunch, and a real workout in open water.
“Wonderful employees. It was our best vacation ever. Perfect weather. Our sons are really enjoying kayaking for hours.”
Start near Kailua town with a single or double kayak, snorkel gear, dry bag, and beach equipment. Paddle at your own pace toward Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands, known as the Mokes. Free bikes for ages 13 and up add another way to explore Kailua.
“We took turns walking the kayaks down the street. Kayaked to the flat island with the kids and swam in the cove. easy to hook back up on the dollies and great service from the staff. Kailua Bay was beautiful.”
Rent a stand-up paddleboard or single kayak from Blue Planet Adventure Co. beside Haleiwa’s Rainbow Bridge. You’ll receive basic instruction on request, launch from a private dock, and paddle the Anahulu River or Haleiwa Bay at your own pace. Turtles, fish, and birds are common sights.
“Amazing spot, great people. Saw lot of turtles and very beautiful scenery. The shop owners are very easy going and accommodating”
Meet the Ohana Surf Project near the Waikiki Beach Marriott for a two-hour lesson led by instructors such as Mark, Kai, Kevin, or Romeo. You’ll receive gear, safety instruction, hotel-area transportation, and focused coaching in the water. Photos and videos cost extra.
“Excellent communication prior to the pick up. We knew exactly what to expect and where we would be picked up. The driver was courteous and took us to their surf shop. From there they showed us a video to help us visualize the process. The instructors were all kind, encouraging and fun. We all got up after 1 try, some of us got up on the first try! Don't hesitate to use these guys, they are professionals. I saw 8 year olds get up, 20 year olds, 50 year olds and even one 65 year old all get up.”
Spend about 90 minutes paddling through the Polynesian Cultural Center after dark. Your storyteller-guide shares legends from Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji, and New Zealand while you glide beneath colorful LED lights. Stand-up boards are standard; call ahead to request a kayak.
“Great. One of the best activities on the island. The whole family had a great time. Good for any ages.”
Board Kamoauli, an all-wood Polynesian double-hulled canoe, for a two-hour sunset sail from Honolulu. Expect Hawaiian stories, chants, ukulele music, hula, cultural activities, light food, and a small group of no more than six people.
“It was a very educational and interesting experience. Crew was excellent. I think it would be great for families with children. Our cruise only had 4 customers, so most of the time was spent not looking at the view, but looking at the crew speaking and signing in the center of the boat. My recommendation would be to conduct your educational talks and signing on the front of the boat so we could both listen to you and watch the entire sunset at the same time. I felt rude and uncomfortable turning my back on you so I could watch the sunset. The crew had a better view of the…”
Meet Waikiki Beach Services at the Royal Hawaiian and join a licensed captain for a short outrigger canoe ride off Waikiki Beach. You will paddle as a group, learn why the canoe mattered to Hawaiian royalty, and catch at least two waves. Children age five and older and nonswimmers are welcome.
“This is a wonderful experience! The price made this possible for our family to all enjoy it. My mom was not able to paddle due to a shoulder injury and they made her the queen and allowed her to go along. LOVED it!”
Meet Yoga Floats at Ala Moana Beach Park for a 75-minute paddleboard yoga class in waist-deep water. Your instructor covers safety, balance, yoga adaptations, standing poses, and a floating savasana. Groups of up to 10 suit beginners and experienced yogis.
“Such a fun personalized experience in a beautiful setting. The sunset was a great backdrop for photos. Emily was a dun and helpful instructor.”
Pick up a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, map, pads, and straps at Active Oahu Tours in Kailua. After shore instruction, drive to the launch, paddle to Mokoliʻi, and hike its shoreline or attempt the steep summit. Gabriel, Brent, and Rob can help with setup.
“Very friendly staff at the pick up location. Strapping the kayak on was much easier than I thought it would be and it was easy to take down and put back on my own with the help of my wife. I booked for 4 hours but they told me to bring it back whenever I was done with my trip. Excellent experience and the dry bag was very useful too.”
Join Captain Rob and the small Kamoauli crew for a two-hour sail from 1125 Ala Moana Blvd. You’ll coast along Waikiki and Mamala Bay aboard an authentic Polynesian canoe, with ukulele music, chants, Hawaiian stories, local food, and cultural activities such as hula, poi, lei making, or music.
“The crew is a well functioning team and did phenomenal at making our experience great. We got to see turtles, beautiful ocean and Waikiki from the sea. Culture learning was amazing, the food was the best we had yet. You could tell it was fresh and actually local. The tuna and marlin just so good. We got lucky and had the boat to ourselves because the others were late so it was a private trip. My only complaint was that we couldn’t stay out longer. There is tons of history and culture with this and it did not feel like a tourist trap which we loved. This is day 4…”
Meet Kelsey or Kristin at Yoga Floats in Magic Island Park for a one-hour stand-up paddleboarding lesson at 7:30 am. Stable boards, calm morning water, and a maximum of five people make this a friendly first outing, with turtles sometimes appearing nearby.
“Kelsey, our teacher and guide was so great and patient! It was a perfect day to paddle and the turtles were a great addition. I highly recommend for beginners and experienced paddlers.”
Join Captain Ron and a small crew for a two-hour morning sail aboard Kamoauli, an all-wood, double-hulled Polynesian canoe. Expect Hawaiian history, legends, ukulele music, hula, percussion, poi-making, local foods, and views toward Diamond Head.
“This was positively most wonderful mornings. The entire experience was fun. Educational. The team on board was the best. The Polynesian sailing canoe has been beautifully restored.”
Pick the water, the hull or the hour.
