Kayaking in Hawaii
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Kayaking in Hawaii -- What a fun way to see the coast
or the inland rivers.
All of the Hawaiian Islands offer kayaking experiences.
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On the island of Oahu kayaking is heavenly as you glide over coral reefs.
Two of the best locations for kayaking are Kane'ohe Bay and Kailua Bay.
Kane'ohe Bay has the smoothest waters with a huge barrier-type reef.
Kailua Bay kayaking out to Flat Island or one of the Moku-lau Islands off Lanikai Beach. Waters are usually fairly protected.
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The shoreline of the Island of Maui is delightful, unfortunately, none of the rivers are fit for kayaking. We recommend Keawanaku Beach, but it can be a little tricky. Other areas are south of Olowalu in West Maui between markers 11 and 12 mile.
An afternoon delight is putting your kayak in at Kihei and let the wind help you down the coast to Makena Landing. Also consider the coastline south of the Big Beach at 'Ahihi Cove heading south. You can go around Cape Kina'u to Fishbowl, Aquarium and on into La Perouse Bay. Be watchful of the winds.
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Four rivers on Kauai are great to kayak. Our preference for craft is the rigid two person self-bailing. The Wailua is by far the most popular and very scenic with the Secret Falls waterfall. This is a five mile round trip which takes approximately two and a half hours. Enjoy the lushness and don't forget to watch out for boat tours.
The Hanalei River is the longest and goes mostly through plains. There are no power boats past the mouth where you put in so it is much more quiet. The trip is three to three and a half hours with a total distance of seven miles. The Hule'ia River in Lihu'e is five miles with a time of about two hours. The Kalihiwai is short but very nice. You can do the route in an hour.
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You can rent a kayak and paddle any river you like on Kauai, except the Wailua River.
The state of Kauai has rules making it much more difficult to rent a kayak on your own for Wailua (which we consider the best river). They prefer you to take the guided tour.
If you do choose a guided tour, we recommend Hule'ia River kayak/hike trip.
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Get ready for an ocean affair on the Big Island. As mentioned above, Kauai has rivers which are perfect for kayaking, the island of Hawaii doesn't have navigable rivers.
The Kona coast has normally calm waters and is an excellent location. Kayaking in Hawaii should only be done when it is calm. Give the ocean the respect it deserves.
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We highly recommend Kealakekua Bay to the Captain Cook Monument. The 1 mile trip often features reasonalbly calm waters, spinner dolphins and spectacular snorkeling at the monument. Well worth the trip!
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