Oahu · KAILUA BAY & KAYAKING TOURS
17 reviewed
Kailua Bay is the postcard: flour-soft sand, water the colour of a swimming pool, and the twin Mokulua islands a paddle offshore. Below are the best Kailua kayaking tours ranked: guided versus self-guided, which land you on the Mokes, what each costs, and how hard the paddle really is.
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.”
Snorkel and play on Oahu’s Kaneohe Sandbar with included gear, turtles, water toys, and snacks on a 2.5-hour afternoon cruise.
“We had a wonderful time on the sandbar/snorkeling experience. We were able to see lots of fish and a turtle during the snorkeling portion. It was our first time snorkeling and the team was very helpful and assisted us when needed. The sandbar portion was also fun. There were a lot of water toys and floats for us to enjoy and we even tried paddle boarding. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun afternoon activity with friends and family!”
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! ,,🦀🐠🐟🌺🚣♀️”
Raptor UTV through Kaʻaʻawa Valley at Kualoa Ranch with movie set stops, Hawaiian stories, and photo viewpoints in 2 hours.
“My wife and I had a great time! Guides are great and extremely knowledgeable. Vehicles were fun to drive. Movie locations were great but there is so much more to see on an active cattle ranch in paradise. You will not be disappointed.”
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.”
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!”
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”
Sail to the Kaneohe Sandbar on Oahu for guided snorkeling with turtles, plus time to paddle board and relax—snacks and gear included.
“Although it was drizzling on the day of our trip, Capt. Bruce’s crew did everything possible to make sure we had a great time. They provided everything, including snacks and beverages. The only thing they didn’t provide was sunscreen and adult beverages (which can be purchased at the end of the pier). All in all, we had a blast!”
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!”
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!”
Self-guided kayaking and hiking to Mokoli’i Island from Kailua. Get instruction, grab gear, paddle clear water, and climb for views.
“What a great trip! Gabriel and Brent were so informative and helpful. We followed their directions and it was easy. We had an awesome time kayaking to Chinaman’s Hat!!”
Paddle Oahu’s Kahana River and Bay in a 3-hour single or double kayak rental with gear, life jackets, and splash-friendly design.
“Dont be afraid to book this excursion! Me and my girlfriends booked a 3 pm kayak session on 9/25. We followed the map location given on the website and entered between the two surfboards. The tour does begin at the hosts residence. From what I understand, the owners are native hawaiians that have owned the property for over 150 yeats. Host Larry and his wife were very welcoming and hepful. We had arrived a little early and brought our lunch from Adela’s Country Eatery and they allowed us to take our time and utilize their tables and chairs for an outdoor picnic. The river went on and on, bonus it…”
A 1-hour Koʻolau Distillery whiskey tour in Kailua with a guided, step-by-step look at making spirits plus tasting and limited-batch bottle options.
“Host was great and tour was informative. There is also a wine bar in the same location. You able to bottle your own spirit.”
Paddle Oahu’s Anahulu River on a 2-hour tandem kayak from Haleiwa, with a private launch area, included gear, and sea turtle sightings.
“Amazing experience, beautiful scenery! Kayaks were ready and the attendant was so nice and helpful! Thank you!”
