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Kayaking in Hawaii

A $40.84 value, included in the Go Oahu Card!

 
4.3 stars
Kayaking in Hawaii

What will you see during your four-hour kayaking trip off the beaches of Oahu? For starters, sea turtles and exotic shorebirds. Hawaiian monk seals also show up at times. If you're feeling really adventurous, paddle out to your pick of three deserted islands.

Kayaking is a peaceful, healthy and environmentally safe way to experience the pristine beaches of Oahu and the small islands just offshore. It gives you the independence to explore the beautiful waters by yourself, or with another person, and lets you witness the magnificent wildlife that live in and around this region of the Pacific. Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks brings you the chance to spend four hours in a single kayak (or a double using two passes), and get up-close to seabird sanctuaries, turtle feeding grounds, and deserted islands that are the stuff of postcards and adventure novels!

Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, Inc. is located just a block away from Kailua Beach Park, with its white sand and cobalt blue waters on Oahu's southeastern shore. There's no need to transport your kayak on a vehicle—you can cart it right down to the beach from the rental shop.

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  • Not seasonal
  • Good for families
  • Parking available
  • Restaurant or snack bar
  • Restrooms
  • Disabled access
  • Reservations not required

Hours

Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Closed

Open 365 days a year.

Redemption Instructions

Included 4 hour kayak rental with the Go Oahu Card.

Address

130 Kailua Road
Kailua Beach Center
Kailua, HI 93734

Driving Directions

Leave Waikiki by taking Kapahulu Avenue up to H1 West. After 3 miles take Pali exit (Highway 61). Pali Highway will take you all the way over the mountain into Kailua Town. Keep going straight until you see a Fire Station to your right. Turn right on Kainalu Drive. Go to the end. Turn left onto Kailua Road. You will see Kailua Beach Center 1/4 mile down the road. You will find ample parking in our small shopping center. Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks is located in walking distance to Kailua Beach Park, 1 block down the road.

Public Transportation

TheBus: From Ala Moana, take the 56 or 56 City Bus to Kailua. Transfer to the 70 and get off at the Kailua Beach Center (app. 1.5 Hr).

In addition to your seaworthy kayak, you'll be given a lifejacket (PDF), paddles, and a cart for transport. Dry bags and kayak seat backs can be rented for additional cost—around $3 each. (It's worth considering renting a dry bag so you can bring your camera along).

Kayaking in Hawaii’s waters can be physically strenuous, but don't let that stop you! Before setting sail, Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks, Inc. will show you a 20-minute video to give you the basics of sea kayaking, and cover such useful little tidbits as getting into the kayak without tipping it, and how to paddle efficiently and safely. Generally speaking, kayaking is an easy and enjoyable experience and users will have no trouble if they stick to the basic guidelines.

Three small islands sit within easy paddling distance of the rental facility. Some of the areas you’ll encounter are rocky, so if you plan to get out and explore, bring rubber shoes. If you're taking public transportation, plan ahead. The trip can take more than 90 minutes from Waikiki by bus. If you are driving a car, expect at least a 30-45 minute drive down Highway 61. Lockers and showers are available in the shop so you can freshen up before hitting your next exciting Oahu destination!

Product Rating
 
4.3 stars
 (3 Ratings)
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3 Reviews
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4.3 stars
(based on 3 reviews)
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[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

 
take a lot of energy but worth it
By Couple from CA on 5/5/2010
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Kayaking in Hawaii:

It is very fun. I saw turtles while kayaking. The water is not deep. It take a lot of energy. Make sure you eat before doing this activity

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[10 of 10 customers found this review helpful]

 
Gorgeous scenery, but a bit of a drive
By Ashley from Torrance, CA on 3/30/2010
Cons:
Need to pay for extras Need own transportation
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Kayaking in Hawaii:

If you've rented a car, this is a great place to go. The drive is beautiful and took us between 30-45 minutes direct from our hotel in Waikiki. However, it would be difficult on a bus because I don't think any buses go down Kailua Road that far. Besides the drive, this was one of my favorite things I did in Hawaii. When you pull into the parking lot, go right inside and one of the friendly people behind the counter will help you. You may have to wait in line for a minute--the place was packed when we picked up and dropped off. I didn't like that you had to pay for extras--seats on the kayaks ($3 apiece), a dry bag, or a locker. We opted for a locker, although I wish we'd gone for a dry bag so I could have taken some pictures. Kailua is GORGEOUS! I could have sat on the beach all day just soaking it in. Anyway after you watch a long video (20 minutes or so) you can get your free snorkel gear and head down to the canal. You take off from the canal, go under a bridge, and then you get to the beach. You have to get out and drag your kayak to the ocean. It's a little tricky launching off in the waves, but my husband and I managed on our second try. Make sure you pay attention to that part on the video! I saw a couple flip over because they didn't do it correctly. Anyways there are three islands you can go to, but my husband and I were short on time so we chose "Flat Island." There's not much there and it was not interesting. They said it is a bird sanctuary but I only saw one little group of 5 birds. Otherwise it's a very rocky island, so make sure you bring shoes. Overall we had a lot of fun, but I wish we'd allotted more time.

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[8 of 9 customers found this review helpful]

 
Lots of fun!
By bonofreak from Atlanta area on 3/26/2010
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Smart Destinations Kayaking in Hawaii:

My husband rented a double kayak and took our 8 year old grandson and I rented a single. We had a lot of fun on this trip. Do not let the little film they show you before you go scare you off, it almost made us not want to try it, it made it sound so difficult and it turned out not to be at all. Would love to do it again and I would recommend it to everybody!

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At a Glance

Address

130 Kailua Road
Kailua Beach Center
Kailua, HI 93734

Phone: 808-262-2555

Website: Kayaking in Hawaii

Adult Gate PriceChild Gate Price
$40.84$40.84
 

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