Oahu · CANOES & KAYAKS
23 reviewed
Below are the 15 best canoes & kayaks on Oahu right now: what each one costs, how long it runs, and which kind of traveller it suits. Start at number one; it is there for a reason.
Half-day Kailua Bay kayak and snorkel with sea turtles, bird sanctuary islands, and deli lunch. Small groups, all gear included.
“What an amazing experience. This tour was a highlight in our family trip. Would recommend to anyone wanting to kayak and snorkel as a beginner. Everyone was very helpful and explained everything.”
Guided 2-hour kayaking in Kailua Bay with Ko’olau views, sea turtle sightings, lunch, and gear included, plus snorkel and boogie board time after.
“Braden our tour guide was fantastic. So glad we opted for the tour vs. just renting. Braden made the process simple and fun from start to finish. He was informative and fun and made the experience educational for our kids as well.”
Paddle from Waikiki to Mokulua Twin Islands for a guided eco-tour, snorkel time, and lunch with gear included on a small group day.
“Tommy and Henry were so fun and encouraging! Being the old parents of the group, we felt included and post of the Obama! MAHALO! ,,🦀🐠🐟🌺🚣♀️”
Self-guided Kailua kayaking with snorkel gear, Mokulua island landings, bikes for ages 13+, and beach extras included for a flexible 5-hour adventure.
“The water was so beautiful. The flat island was beautiful (wear durable shoes) there was help with getting into the kayak that's was nice.”
Rent a SUP or single kayak on Oahu’s Anahulu River in Haleiwa. Easy dock access, turtle sightings, and a self-paced 2-hour ride.
“It was a lot of fun , relaxing and we saw turtles which made the day! Great area to hit the North Shore. The young lady who helped us was very knowledgeable, sorry we don’t remember her name.”
Waikiki semi-private surf lesson with Ohana Surf Project: hotel pickup, small groups up to 8, gear included, and buyable photos. 2 hours.
“Very nice lesson. You start as a group to explain the basic than there is one instructor per 2 people. But the other instructors on the water also the ones taking pictures are there to help and guide your safety. We had the instructor Tyler very good & calm. Very straight & clear instructions. Take 2 hours! As a beginner you need it.”
Paddle under moonlight inside the Polynesian Cultural Center with LED-lit water, calm lagoon fun, and legends shared by your storyteller-guide.
“My whole family was nervous about this… in the end they all loved it! The history lesson, the story telling was beautiful.. such a great guide!”
Oahu sunset sail on a traditional double-hulled canoe: small group, ukulele chants, hands-on Hawaiian culture, and light dinner.
“They had a wonderful time and enjoyed the cultural experience. The food was delicious and views were breathtaking!!”
Outrigger canoe surfing in Waikiki with a licensed captain. Kids and non-swimmers welcome, plus Hawaiian canoe history.
“Great experience and fun to do with kids! The guys were super professional and it was a blast. It's just too quick. We pretty much rode 3 waves and we were done.”
3-hour kayak or SUP rental from Kahana River to the bay on Oahu. Life jacket included, calm water, flexible times.
“A self guided tour that is very relaxing. The river is very narrow, maybe 50’ wide max and eventually closes up where you have to stop and turn around. The hosts are exceptionally friendly. 100% recommend”
Clear-bottom kayaking on Oahu’s North Shore with snorkeling gear, small groups, and lots of sea turtle sightings in about 2 hours.
“We had so much fun! Our guide was awesome and knowledgeable. We saw 10 turtles and a little stingray! We will definitely do the clear bottom kayaks again!”
Twilight glow SUP in Oahu’s North Shore. Paddle the Anahulu at sunset, see turtles, and glide under lights and stars.
“Incredible experience- all of the stars! Everyone I encountered at this company was super helpful and friendly. This was a private group excursion, but since I was a solo traveler I was paired with a lovely lady and her daughter. It was soooo much fun! I've never paddle boarded prior to this, and our instructor, Michael (aka Miguel from our group's inside joke lol) was patient with me. The water was calm, we even saw a few sea turtles and fish. Lying on the boards to stargaze was an extra bonus. We also found out Michael agreed to guide us last minute since they didn't have anyone else available. Hella…”
North Shore SUP on Anahulu Stream with gear, beginner coaching, snorkeling chance, and a turtle guarantee in 1.5 hours.
“I was with my husband and our 2 teens. None of us had ever paddleboarded before and the instruction was spot on. We learned quickly and were able to see the turtles. It was amazing.”
Guided kayak to Oahu’s Mokulua Islets with seabird sanctuary walks, turtle-ground snorkeling, eco clean-up, lunch, and kayak surfing.
“Great activity, highly recommend for anyone looking to get a guided experience for the Na Mokulua islands. We were lucky enough to be visited by a hawaiian monk seal and I kayaked right past a sea turtle on our way out!”
Small-group SUP lesson on Oahu’s North Shore. Paddle Haleiwa Bay and Anahulu Stream with lifeguard guides, turtle chances, and charity.
“Guide provided great instruction on how to paddle board (we had no previous experience). Guide also provided interesting information on the area. So glad we did this and definitely recommend.”
