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Kayak Tours

Big Island Kayak Tours

In ancient Hawai‘i there were only two modes of transportation: by foot on land, and by wa‘a (canoe) on water. The Big Island was the first place ancient Polynesians landed their wa‘a, and you too can go back in time along the Big Island’s pristine shores in much the same way by kayak. Imagine peacefully paddling on a gentle bay with the towering backdrop of Hawaii’s 14,000-foot mountains, sunlight sparkling on the water. Discover gems like Kealakekua Bay in South Kona, the historic site of Captain Cook’s landing. Or, navigate out to one of the island’s stunning hidden beaches. The waters of the Big Island await you; learn more about Big Island kayaking below!

Kayaking on the Big Island

The west side of the Big Island offers some of the best kayaking in Big Island, Hawai‘i. Kealakekua Bay in South Kona is a beautiful marine preserve nestled between the bases of Mauna Loa and Mount Hualālai. Crystal-clear waters with fantastic reefs and abundant sea life make Kealakekua Bay a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Keauhou Bay is a stellar kayaking spot where you can explore amazing sea caves. On the other side of the island in Hilo, you can find excellent kayaking at Richardson Beach Park and Hilo Bay. If you want to kayak anywhere else on the rugged east side, be aware that launch spots are few and the prevailing winds are often high outside of near-shore reef-protected areas. Almost all Big Island kayak companies offer rentals.

Big Island Kayak Tour Companies

There are numerous kayak tour companies on the Big Island, so we’ll give you our top picks. Our number one choice is Micah, Lindsay, and Mike Dennis of Ocean Safaris in Kailua. The Dennis’s have been sharing the Big Island’s secrets with small groups of visitors since 1994 and they know the spots. Aloha Kayak Company in Honalo specializes in tours of the most amazing kayaking/snorkel spots on the Big Island, and also offers a nighttime manta ray adventure. Kona Boys in Kealakekua has a wonderful five-hour kayak and snorkel tour at Kealakekua Bay and is a great value.

Paddle Through Paradise

If the unforgettable experience of paddling along the Big Island’s spectacular coastlines is high on your vacation to-do list, contact our kayak tour experts at ILoveHawaii.com today and get ready for an exciting day of kayaking in Hawai‘i’s Big Island!

Other water activities on the Big Island: