Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the island of Oahu. It doesn’t require much experience and allows you to venture among the beautiful waters around the island. Most kayaking spots are well within a reasonable distance from Honolulu. Below are our recommendations for great kayak destinations near Honolulu!
Kaneohe Bay Sandbar (Best Natural Attraction)
The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is located about a mile offshore and is a super fun area to explore by kayak. One can only reach the sandbar by boat. Kayakers can launch their kayaks in the bay and then paddle the mile to the sandbar. Once there, kayakers can explore the many reefs surrounding the sandbar or have a picnic in the sand. Make sure you bring reef-friendly sunscreen! There is no shade out on the sandbar!
Anahulu River (Best River Kayaking)
The Anahulu River is located on Oahu’s North Shore and is one of the most popular paddle spots on the island. Kayakers can launch from the Haleiwa Beach Park into the river. The water moves very slowly and is thus a great spot to take the kids on a kayaking adventure. You can paddle the river for three miles on the wide river and see all kinds of wildlife like green sea turtles! The Anahulu River feeds into Haleiwa Bay which is another great place to paddle if you are looking for a more open water experience.
He’eia State Park (Best Fishing)
Within He’eia State Park, kayakers can paddle the waters of the He’eia Pond. Don’t let the name fool you, this ‘pond’ is a massive expanse of water known for its excellent fishing. The pond is an amazingly unique aquaculture feature of the Hawaiian Islands. The coastal pond was created many years ago to herd fish into a closed area where both saltwater and freshwater mix. You can learn more about this traditional fishing practice HERE.
Kahana Bay (Best Views)
Kahana Bay is surrounded by the beautiful Ko’olau Mountain Range. The towering mountains combined with the blue waters of the bay make for a picturesque paddle along the bay. Due to its location, the waters as well as the beach are almost never crowded. Those looking to make a weekend out of their paddle adventure can also camp within the nearby Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park.
These are a few of our picks for great kayak destinations near Honolulu. Whether you are looking for a paddle along the bay or an exploration upriver, Honolulu is the perfect place for your kayaking adventure. Traveling by kayak allows you to explore the pristine waters and amazing wildlife that the island has to offer! Looking for a kayak rental or tour on Oahu? Our friends at Active Oahu Tours have you covered!
