Big Island Paddle Boarding
Stand up paddle (SUP) boarding is nothing new to Hawai‘i; in fact, it was the original form of Hawaiian surfing. Known in the Hawaiian language as hoe he‘e nalu (paddle surfing), paddle boarding has enjoyed resurgence in popularity and it’s easy to see why. SUPing is easy; even if you’ve never stood up on a board before, it won’t take long to get the hang of it. Imagine yourself gliding over the crystal clear, placid waters of the Big Island with multitudes of brightly colored fish teeming below. You paddle to a pristine, white sand beach and no one else is around. Pulling your board up onto the shore, you kick back and bask in your own private piece of paradise. Isn’t this what your trip to Hawai‘i is all about? Enjoy one of the best things to do on the Big Island when you head out on a paddleboarding adventure!
Big Island Paddle Board Spots
The best paddleboard spots on the Big Island are on the east and west shores, especially in the morning. Keauhou Bay in Kailua offers some of the best paddle boarding on the island, and during the winter months you might even experience majestic humpback whales frolicking nearby. Kealakekua Bay in South Kona has excellent paddle boarding; however, the wind tends to kick up in the early afternoon. Kahalu‘u Beach Park in Kailua-Kona is wonderfully sheltered and has an abundance of marine life. In Hilo, Reed’s Bay is absolutely gorgeous and always placid.
Big Island Paddle Board Rentals
Most surf stores on the Big Island rent SUPs. The guys at Kona Paddle Sports in Keauhou specialize solely in SUPing and know everything there is to know about the sport. Hawai‘i Surf and Kayak in Waikōloa has a large range of rental SUP boards to choose from, and their friendly staff will make sure you’re set for everything you need. Kona Boys in Kealakekua likewise has a full range of quality gear and accommodates paddle boarders of all ages and skill levels. Almost all Big Island SUP rental outfits offer SUP tours and lessons.
Ready to Get Away From It All?
Paddle boarding is the perfect way to escape and leave the world behind, and exploring the Big Island on a paddle board can’t be beat. So what are you waiting for? Contact our vacation specialists today at ILoveHawaii.com to get geared up for an amazing paddle board adventure.
There’s even more things to do in Big Island, Hawai‘i:
