Oahu Kayak Tours

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Oahu kayak tours gives you some of the best opportunities to explore the the stunningly beautiful windward side of Oahu. A fringing reef miles offshore causes the large waves to break in the distance, offering miles of pristine bay that are just begging to be explored!  The shallow waters and sandy bottom paint the ocean in striking hues of emerald green and azure blue, which contrasts beautifully with the stunning spires of the Ko’olau Mountains.

We offer kayak experiences with Oahu’s premiere tour operator, Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks. Their shop is located in the Kailua Beach Center which serves as the staging area for their operations.

For those staying in Waikiki or arriving by cruise ship at Honolulu Harbor, complimentary pickup and round-trip transportation is available with all four of these packages. Guests will enjoy the ride to Kailua via the Pali Highway and its scenic route as you pass tropical rainforests, seasonal waterfalls, and scenic overlooks high above Kailua Bay. When you arrive at the shop you’ll receive instruction, safety briefings, get set up with your kayak and snorkel gear and meet your guides.

Restroom facilities, changing rooms, lockers, and showers are available here. They have dry bags you can use to protect the things you want to take on the tour that you don’t want to get wet.

Professional guides lead paddlers through the protected waters and seabird sanctuaries of Kailua Bay and its offshore islets. All guides carry certifications in adult and pediatric CPR, as well as first aid training. These guides function as your informed eyes and ears out on the water. They will instruct you in paddling techniques, educate you about the ocean environment, and assist you in launching and landing your kayak. Three different experiences are offered!

2 Hour Guided Kayaking Tour (Beginner)

The two hour guided excursion is perfect for first-time kayakers and families with children 8 years of age and older. While the kayaking portion itself is two hours in length, the tour also includes lunch and two hours of “beach time” with boogie boards and snorkel gear included.

Following basic paddling instruction, you’ll have a short walk to Kailua Beach Park where your guide will assist you in launching your sit-on-top ocean kayak. The destination is usually Popo’ia Island, a protected seabird sanctuary located about 1/3 of a mile offshore. As you near the islet you will likely encounter some “Honu” … Hawaiian green sea turtles that make this area their home. Once you land on the island’s sandy beach, you’ll venture out on a 20 minute guided eco-hike around the island to explore tide pools. If you are lucky, you might see a Wedge-tailed Shearwater hatchling crawling out of its egg!

After returning to shore, you’ll be served a deli lunch and then enjoy another 2 hours of free time at Kailua Beach where boogie boards and snorkel gear are provided.

Schedule: Monday through Saturday. Pick up in Waikiki is between 8am and 9am.

Gear provided: All the kayaking gear, including PFDs, paddles, backrests, drybags, and snorkel gear. Guests can also use beach mats and boogie boards

Tour includes: Complimentary pick up from Waikiki and re-usable aluminum water bottle as a part our our effort to go plastic free!

5 Hour Guided Kayaking Tour (Intermediate)

The five hour guided excursion is designed for physically fit, adventure-minded beginners, as well as intermediate and experienced kayakers. All tour participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water (doggie paddling is OK). Snorkeling equipment and top of the line kayaks are included on this tour.

Once you launch from Kailua Beach, the first stop is tranquil Lanikai Beach which has been rated as one of the top beaches in the world by the Travel Channel’s “Dr. Beach.” While some guests take a break by lying in the sand, most will head out for a snorkel with reef fish and live coral.

After the briefing, kayakers are off to the Moku’ula Islands which lie one mile offshore. It is about an hour paddle one-way to this sea-bird sanctuaries. Upon landing on the island, the guide will lead you on a hike as you explore this island and its fascinating inhabitants … including a variety of seabirds, green sea turtles, rock crabs, and more. Ocean conditions permitting, a secret tidepool, Queen’s Bath is visited. Paddle back to Lanikai Beach for snorkeling and enjoy a hand made deli sandwich. Guests will have a chance to kayak surf, explore the beaches or go for a swim.

Schedule: Monday through Saturday. Pick up in Waikiki is between 8am and 9am.

Gear provided: All the kayaking gear, including PFDs, paddles, backrests, drybags, and snorkel gear.

Tour includes: Complimentary pick up from Waikiki. Lunch and beverages.

Restrictions: The minimum age for this tour is 13 and guests 16 and over may choose either a single or double kayak.

4 Hour Self-Guided Kayaking (All levels)

This self-guided experience is designed for those who have an independent streak and want ocean adventure at their own pace. Kailua Bay offers kayaking opportunities for beginner to experienced paddlers and you have your choice of several different offshore islands to explore. A comprehensive video briefing, weather updates, and staff instruction prepare you for your day on the water. Lunch is included, and when you are done kayaking you can use boogie boards and snorkel gear during the rest of your time at Kailua Beach.

Restrictions: Child participants must weight at least 30 pounds so that the flotation device fits them properly.

General Information

Pick up: Complimentary pick up is available with all four of these packages between 8am and 9am

Tour includes: Deli lunch with fruit, drinks and snacks, aluminum water bottle (guided tour only)

Gear Provided: Kayak, paddle, life-jackets, lockers, and dry bags

Restrictions: Ages 8 years and up. All abilities welcome, must be able to swim

What to Bring & Wear: Swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes

Note: People who prefer to drive on your own can check in at Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks store at 130 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 Click to view map

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the start of the event.

Cruise Ship Passengers

These Kayak Tours provide complimentary transportation from the cruise ship dock!