Calm waters, dramatic coastlines, and jungle-lined rivers make Hawaiʻi a kayaker's dream. Each island is home to beautiful places you can only reach by water. From your kayak, glide next to spinner dolphins, spot green sea turtles (honu) grazing on reef algae, and paddle up hidden rivers through tropical valleys and canopied forests. Once you get the hang of steering and the repetitive paddling motion, kayaking is a breeze and kayaking in Hawaiʻi is a bucket-list item.
From Lanikai Beach, paddle to the twin pyramid-shaped Mokulua Islands. The larger island, Moku Nui, has a small beach perfect for resting and snorkeling in turquoise waters, and there’s a pebbled beach on the smaller islet.
No roads lead to the island’s legendary Nā Pali Coast. Instead, you can steer your kayak by 4,000-foot sea cliffs with hidden waterfalls and incredible marine life. For calmer oar work, explore the Wailua River on the east side, where jungle-wrapped waters lead towards sacred Hawaiian sites.
One of the best places to spot honu is by kayak between Mākena and the aptly nicknamed, Turtle Town, along the South Shore. Honolua Bay, a marine preserve off Kapalua, is popular for its pristine waters thanks to regular reef clean-up efforts.
Kealakekua Bay on the Kona side is a local favorite. Paddle an easy mile across the bay to the Captain Cook Monument, where spinner dolphins often join kayakers. Guided tours along the Kona and Kohala coasts reveal hidden sea caves and protected coves.
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