Kayaking in the open ocean in Hawaii was an experience I will never forget. Paddling through the warm, crystalline waters of the Pacific, overlooking the island itself, which is designed with the majestic mountains of Hawaii at your back, can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. I’ll tell you where on the island of Oahu you can have the best kayaking experience, and I’ll give you a few safety and training tips to increase your confidence and reduce your apprehension if this will be your first time kayaking in Hawaii.
Let me start by telling you where not to go kayaking – and this should be near your Waikiki hotel. Although many resorts in Waikiki offer kayak rentals, this is a dull spot for kayaking with quite a few sights to see and no real attractions.
Skip the Waikiki rentals regardless of their convenience, jump in your rental car and travel to the surrounding part of the island. In fact, many rental shops offer free shuttle service from Waikiki if you reserve your kayak in advance. Kailua Sailboard and Kayaks will pick you up in front of the hotel and drop you off at the shop door. There are a few carts (respecting coupons on Oahu advertising brochures scattered throughout Waikiki), but their tour is very guided. good What I don’t like about Kailua Sailboard and Kayaks is that you have to drag your kayak (on wheels) from the shop to the ocean. If you’ve ever hauled a kayak before, you know they’re too heavy and awkward. Hawaiian Watersports will deliver your kayak to the beach, and you’ll save a few bucks too. Or try Toogood Kayaks, who will also deliver your kayak to Kailua Bay.
You will have a choice between a one kayak and a tendem. You can also choose between aroute and not without a route. I like to experience things by myself, so I always read without traveling. Of course, you will see more during the guided tour, especially if this is your first time kayaking in Hawaii. If you come early, you can choose from full days and half day rentals.
You will be provided with a kayak. You may prove it outside of seats that they keep you right in theory, but not much in practice. You can also rent or buy a dry bag. You’ll keep things you don’t want to get wet in your dry bag in the middle, such as your lunch if you’re going to be traveling for a full day. If you’re going to be in Kailua Bay for the whole day, you’ll also want to bring your snorkel gear. You can split fins and masks if you don’t own a set. You will be towed to some remote islands that provide a great place to snorkel.
You will also see life vests. Wear one. The ocean can be rough, especially on the windward side of Oahu. Even experienced kayakers sometimes capsize.
Also, wear your own sunscreen, preferably one with SPF 15 or higher. With the commercials in the sea, you will hardly feel the sun. But, believe me, it is there. And you will burn unless you protect yourself from the sun‘s harmful UV rays.
Each kayaker will be provided with a double pin post to attach to the kayak if the pin comes out of the boat. Check it out. I could write a whole book on paddling technique, but to keep it short and simple, stick in the water to your right, take it , and do the same on your left, about a million. Well, maybe not many, but that’s how we feel at the end of the day. I recommend that you do some simple stretches if you don’t usually use these muscles. Staff at the rental shop will further explain paddling and steering. Don’t be afraid to ask. That’s what they are.
If you’re kayaking in Kailua Bay, your likely destination will be one of the small, remote islands. The twin islands of Flat Island and Mokulua will be revealed to you from the side of Lanikai Beach. Only Mokulua Island is visible on the left – the other is a bird sanctuary. Ask the staffers at the rental shop what the sold conditions are. Conditions will largely determine how long it takes you to pin. and I return
Another excellent place to kayak is Kaneohe Bay. If you’re up for it, you can kayak down over a thousand acres. The waters are smooth and the journey is dramatic. The caveat, and the fact that most people do not take the trip, is that the low-lying islands are not visible from the shore.
Unlike Kailua Bay, where trespassers will perish while trying to put your kayak in the water, launching from the pier to the north of Heeia State Park in Kaneohe Bay is simple. You’ll start gliding right through shallow water full of fish and coral you can see from your kayak. If you take this route, be sure to send your waterproof-camera”>progress to your camera available. You’ll be sorry if you don’t.
Other kayaking spots worth mentioning are Hawaii Kai, Northern Shores, and along the Waiana Coast. But first we recommend “testing the waters” first in Kailua Bay or Kaneohe Bay. If you are looking for a relaxing cruise, you can also try the Bahana River, the only river on the island worth kayaking.
So, put Kayaking on your list of things to do in Hawaii, and have a great time! Just remember to be safe to wear your life at all times, and always make sure someone knows where you are.
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- The Kayak Companion, by Joe Glickman (Storey Books 2003).
