Kayaking Hawaii can be as peaceful as a solitary paddle trip along a tranquil river or as wild as a rough ocean adventure. Popular kayaking destinations can be found on Kauai, Maui and Molokai. Some of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii are extremely difficult to access via land but kayaking gives paddlers immediate access to appreciate and enjoy nature's beauty.
Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a river suitable river for kayaking. Wailua River on the eastern side of the island is a favored destination. The right side of the river is reserved for kayaking.
Wailua River Valley was once reserved for royalty. It is still considered sacred and special by many. The river is typically gentle with little current.
Lush tropical foliage, beautiful exotic blooming flowers, historic ruins, dramatic waterfalls, old Hawaiian villages, untouched canyons and tropical rain forests are just a portion of the scenic beauty kayakers can experience. Quite a few tour companies are represented in the region. Single, double, and triple kayaks are all available for hire. The Secret Falls and Fern Grotto are popular kayaking locations in Hawaii.
There are some times when access to one or more areas (such as the grotto) is restricted but there's so much more to see that kayakers aren't left with time on their hands.
Maui kayaking tours include beginner tours, Makena tours and Honolua Bay tours. Kayak sea surfing tours are available and at least one tour company welcomes physically challenged kayakers. Kayaking Makena Landing gives paddlers the opportunity to see turtles, eels, octopus, reef sharks, tropical fish and
occasionally whales or dolphins.
The secluded and beautiful Pali Sea Cliff area features quite a rugged coastline, sharp sea cliffs and visually impressive coral reefs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are a highlight of kayaking in Makena Bay.
Honolua Bay is a protected marine reserve. The coral reef is alive with many varieties of tropical fish. Kayaking here does require paddling into moderately strong trade winds so it is for people with a little bit of experience at least.
Kayaking Hawaii's Molokini Crater allows kayakers to access areas power boats can not get to. Some of the island's most spectacular sea life is said to be found here.
Molokai is best reserved for experienced kayakers. Ocean swells and rough waves make paddling too difficult and dangerous for beginners amd children. The island's undeveloped north shore may be paddled from east to west but kayakers rarely paddle the return route. Ten mile-per-hour winds make the trip quite a rough one.
Kayaking Hawaii's Kona coast gives paddlers the opportunity to explore Kealakekua Bay, Keahou, Ho'okena, Honaunau and Kailua.
Kealakekua Bay is the most protected deep water bay and is designated as a Marine Life Conservation area. This Bay was historically the home of many Hawaiian Chiefs and is where Captain Cook landed. A Captain Cook monument stands there today. Across the bay, kayakers will find pristine reefs where over 250 species of tropical fish have been classified. Glass kayaks can be hired in Kona, making kayaking Hawaii a truly amazing and different experience.
Keahuou Bay, birthplace of Kamehameha the great, boasts fairly calm waters. Kayakers paddling along the south cliffs will pass numerous sea caves. One of the sea caves can often be entered by kayak, depending on the level of the tides, making for a unique Hawaiian kayaking experience.
Kayaking around Hawaii can be a tranquil experience or an adrenalin rush. From tropical waterfalls to rushing rapids, from sea caves to historical ruins, paddlers can choose the perfect kayak trip.