Oahu · OAHU KAYAK TOURS

The 15 Best Oahu Kayak Tours

33 tours  ·  from $52 a head

A shortlist you could hand to a friend flying into Honolulu: 15 oahu kayak tours, what each includes, what it costs and the one detail worth knowing before you pay.

Kailua Bay, Oahu: Epic Kayak and Snorkel to Islands - Kailua Beach Park is the launch, not the main event
Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Kailua Bay, Oahu: Epic Kayak and Snorkel to Islands

1.Kailua Bay, Oahu: Epic Kayak and Snorkel to Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,311 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $114Our pick

Choose a guided or self-guided kayak trip from Kailua Beach to Popoia Island or the Mokulua Islands. The outing includes snorkeling gear, a deli lunch, and time for beaches and bird sanctuaries. A guide such as Mike, Isaac, or Evelyn can help you manage ocean conditions and share local context. Expect a real workout, including moving your kayak to the shore.

“I had a nice paddle with Isaac on a rainy, windy day. The weather made snorkeling impractical, but I enjoyed the kayak trip and the tour of the bird sanctuary island. Isaac was good company and knowledgeable about Hawaii. It was nice to have an experienced guide so that I didn’t have to worry about the challenges of the weather and could just enjoy it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kailua 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Excursion, Oahu - Safety, Pace and Weather
2-Hour Experiences, Guided, Oahu Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

Kailua 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Excursion, Oahu

2.Kailua 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Excursion, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 442 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $199

Meet at Kailua Beach Adventures for a two-hour guided paddle across Kailua Bay, with Koʻolau Mountain views and a stop on Popoia, also called Flat Island. Guides such as Isaac, Evelyn and Hopoe share local wildlife and island details. Lunch, refreshments, snorkel gear and bike use are included, with boogie boards available after the paddle.

“Fun experience and Tomo was a great tour guide. One of our top highlights on our trip. We would recommend it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kailua Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour, Oahu - Landing on a protected island
Guided, Oahu Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

Kailua Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour, Oahu

3.Kailua Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 379 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $275

Paddle about an hour each way to the Mokulua Islands with a local naturalist guide, then explore a seabird sanctuary, tide pools, and Queen’s Bath. Snorkel, swim, and eat lunch on the beach. Kayaks, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and island permits are included. Guides such as Tommy, Austin, and Mike have led trips.

“We had a wonderful time on the twin islands tour with Mike. He was fun, knowledgable, and made us feel comfortable with the experience from start to finish. We saw sea turtles, monk seal, and lots of other fish. His stories and history about the islands were great to give us the historical and cultural context. Make sure you jump in the Queen's Bath- once in a lifetime opportunity!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu - Flat Island and its tide pools
Guided, Oahu Kayak Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu

4.Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 249 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $110

Start at Kailua Beach Adventures in Kailua for a self-guided kayak outing of about five hours. Take a single or double kayak, snorkel gear, life jacket, paddle, backrest, and dry bag toward Lanikai Beach, Flat Island, or the Mokulua Islands. Landing permits, beach chairs, boogie boards, and free bikes for ages 13 and up are included. You’ll get instructions from shop staff, then set your own pace.

“Great experience. The self guided tour came with a water bag, snorkeling gear (which my husband loved because it was prescription googles). It was a great weather. Wish we had gone early to ride bikes. But it was a great experience. Staff was nice and friendly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lunar Legends Night Stand up Paddle Kayak Water Experience - Stories are the heart of the outing
Evening Experiences, Oahu Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu, Waikiki Paddleboard Lessons

Lunar Legends Night Stand up Paddle Kayak Water Experience

5.Lunar Legends Night Stand up Paddle Kayak Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $107

At the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, paddle a calm lagoon after closing on an LED-lit stand-up board or, if you call ahead, a limited-availability kayak. A storyteller-guide shares Polynesian legends and cultural background as you pass areas representing Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, and Tahiti. No paddling experience is required, but expect to get wet near small waterfalls.

“This is a relaxing activity that is great to do at the end of a trip. Be prepared to get wet as you go under 2 waterfalls. You make stops along the way to learn about the islands.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail - From Ala Moana Boulevard to the open water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Honolulu Sunset Cruises, Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail

6.Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Board Kamoauli, an all-wood, double-hulled Polynesian sailing canoe, for a two-hour sunset sail from Honolulu. With no more than six travelers, you can hear Hawaiian stories and chants, enjoy ukulele music, and share light local food. The crew may also include hands-on cultural activities such as hula or poi-making. Drinks are water, coconut water, and tea.

“The sunsets and the hula dancing lesson. We had a nice evening with this sunset sail. I would go back again in a heartbeat”

Check availability →Read our full review

Outrigger Canoe Surfing - Catching the waves
Oahu Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu, Waikiki Surf Lessons

Outrigger Canoe Surfing

7.Outrigger Canoe Surfing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 122 reviews · 20 minutes (approx.) · from $51Best value

Meet your licensed captain at Waikiki Beach Services and paddle out in a shared outrigger canoe built for four paddlers and two riders. You’ll aim to catch at least two waves, with a short introduction to the canoe’s ties to Hawaiian royalty. Children age five and up and nonswimmers can join; children 12 and under ride rather than paddle.

“Loved the excision. Catching waves and paddle int hard was so much fun. We recommend this to others Tour guide was so cool”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kahana Bay River to Ocean: Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rental - Reaching Kahana Bay and choosing your pace
Oahu Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu, Waikiki Paddleboard Lessons

Kahana Bay River to Ocean: Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

8.Kahana Bay River to Ocean: Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Set out from a private dock on Kahana River with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and a life jacket. This self-guided, three-hour rental lets you paddle the quiet river toward Kahana Bay, with the option to continue toward the ocean when conditions allow. The family-run team helps you get started and shares local tips.

“My daughter and I did the double kayak and it was AMAZING! It was our first time kayaking and the river they have was a perfect place to learn and get the feel of it! Once we were comfortable we turned and headed to the ocean! My daughter got out and swam next to the kayak and played around for a while. The experience was truly amazing and the views were spectacular! Not to mention the hosts were FANTASTIC! They truly made us feel welcomed! I would definitely 10/10 recommend this to anyone!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak, Snorkel, and Surf with Turtles in Honolulu - An hour to try surfing
Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu Snorkeling Tours, Oahu Turtle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Honolulu, Waikiki Surf Lessons

Kayak, Snorkel, and Surf with Turtles in Honolulu

9.Kayak, Snorkel, and Surf with Turtles in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $200

In about three hours, local guides Shane and Captain Neil lead a group of no more than five from Waikiki by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then out to snorkel near Turtle Canyon and a shipwreck, before a beginner-friendly surf session. Snorkeling gear, hotel pickup, water, and snacks are included.

“Shane and Neil were so kind and made sure that me and my son had a great time. My son has had surf lessons from 4 other instructors and said Shane was the best. Planning to go again before we head home!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Clear Bottom Kayak - Guaranteed to see Turtles! - Out on the water: clear hull, reef, and surf
Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu Turtle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Clear Bottom Kayak – Guaranteed to see Turtles!

10.Clear Bottom Kayak – Guaranteed to see Turtles!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 70 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $172

Meet Sea and Board Sports Hawaii in Haleiwa for a roughly two-hour guided paddle in a clear-bottom kayak. Your guide provides equipment and instruction, then leads a small group along the North Shore, where you may spot turtles and fish below. Snorkel gear is included, and guides such as James, JC, Koa, and Evan have led trips.

“Doug was just so cool- and balanced, too- on his paddle board bucket! Took us out to all the right spots for the best experience, and took photos for us along the way! Thanks for the experience, Doug!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kailua: Mokulua Islands Guided Kayak and Snorkeling Tour - Landing on Moku Nui
Guided, Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kailua: Mokulua Islands Guided Kayak and Snorkeling Tour

11.Kailua: Mokulua Islands Guided Kayak and Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 5 hours · from $269

Paddle from Kailua Beach to Moku Nui with a lifeguard-certified guide, then explore tide pools, snorkel coral reefs, and eat a picnic lunch. Groups are limited to eight. The outing includes kayak and snorkel gear, and guides such as Tupre, Tommy, and Ben have helped make the day memorable for participants.

“Very thankful we had Brandon with us to guide us not only onto the island but off it as well. There is no way we would have done that on our own. Loved how knowledgeable Brandon was. Disappointed we didn’t see turtles but we did encounter 2 monk seals on shore…that was cool.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mokolii Island Self Guided Kayak Tour - From Kailua pickup to the water
Guided, Oahu Kayak Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

Mokolii Island Self Guided Kayak Tour

12.Mokolii Island Self Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $82

Pick up a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, transport pads and straps, and a printed map at Active Oahu Tours’ Adventure Hub in Kailua. After on-shore instruction, make your own way to the water and paddle to Mokoliʻi, often called Chinaman’s Hat. Walk around the island for Koʻolau Range views, or attempt the much harder summit route if you have the experience for it.

“The whole team were great, from helping us load the kayak to our hire car to providing great advice about the surrounding areas. It's awesome to look back at photos of Mokoli'i Island and be able to say "yep, we did that trek!". Also appreciated the shout out to us Aussies on their Instagram :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Polynesian Canoe Day Sail - Music, food, and the feel of a shared visit
Cruises & Boat Tours, Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Polynesian Canoe Day Sail

13.Polynesian Canoe Day Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend about two hours sailing Waikiki’s Mamala Bay aboard Kamoauli, a Polynesian canoe described as the only one of its kind certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Captain Rob and the crew guide a small group of up to six, sharing Hawaiian history, music, and cultural activities. Food and hands-on activities may include poi, lei making, hula, and playing instruments.

“My family loved the education and authenticity of this experience. My three year old was captivated by the real life Moana, hula lessons and making her own poi. The food was amazing. If you want to get out on the water, learn some Hawaiian history and avoid the booze cruises this trip is for you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2 hour tandem kayak rental at our private launch area in Hale'iwa - Follow the river toward the calm bay
2-Hour Experiences, Oahu Kayak Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

2 hour tandem kayak rental at our private launch area in Hale’iwa

14.2 hour tandem kayak rental at our private launch area in Hale’iwa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Blue Planet Adventure Company rents tandem kayaks for about two hours from a private launch area beside Haleʻiwa’s Anahulu River. You paddle with a partner toward the calm bay, where you can relax on the sandy beach. Staff help you launch and return, and life jackets are included. Sea turtles may appear along the riverbanks, but give them plenty of space.

“Amazing experience, beautiful scenery! Kayaks were ready and the attendant was so nice and helpful! Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

North Shore Farm: Anahulu River, Kayak-Sup, Turtles, Lunch & More - Lunch is a real part of the value
Farms, Lunch Experiences, Oahu Kayak Tours, Oahu North Shore Tours, Oahu Turtle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu, Waikiki Paddleboard Lessons

North Shore Farm: Anahulu River, Kayak-Sup, Turtles, Lunch & More

15.North Shore Farm: Anahulu River, Kayak-Sup, Turtles, Lunch & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $80

At Tsue’s Farm in Haleiwa, a certified lifeguard helps you get set up with a kayak or paddleboard for a self-guided outing on the Anahulu River toward the ocean. Look for honu, then return for a choice of lunch and time with the farm animals and children’s games. Kayak time may be shorter than the five-hour overall estimate.

“We had an awesome time kayaking. They were extremely friendly, very thorough with explaining directions. We had such an relaxing time as the channel opens up to the ocean. The lunch they provided after was amazing. My husband had Coconut Shrimp and I had Kahlúa Park. Both were very delicious. The best part was seeing all the sea turtles. Thank you for a great experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Oahu Kayak Tours

★ 5.0Discover Popoia Island and Kailua Bay by Kayak Guided TourFrom $1693 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Kayak Tour to Kailua’s Twin IslandsFrom $2196 reviews
★ 3.5Mokulua Islands Self-Guided Kayak AdventureFrom $823 reviews
★ 4.5Kayaking Rainforest River on Oahu, Kahana River(Self-Guided Tour)8 reviews
★ 5.0Surf or Kayak or Standup Paddle board in Lanikai, Kailua, OahuFrom $743 reviews
★ 5.0Guided E-Bike and Kayak Tour to Mokulua Islands in Kailua, OahuFrom $2856 reviews
★ 5.0Self-Guided Kayaking Tour in Kailua Bay and Popoia IslandFrom $828 reviews
★ 5.0#1 eFoil 1.25 hr or 2 hr wing foil or windsurf or kayak lessonFrom $4504 reviews
★ 4.4Mokoliʻi Kayak Rental and Self-Guided HikeFrom $825 reviews
★ 5.0Mokulua Islands Self-Guided Kayak AdventureFrom $897 reviews
★ 5.0Kaneohe Bay Coral Reef Kayaking RentalFrom $855 reviews
★ 5.0Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with DinnerFrom $2504 reviews

Keep browsing

Oahu Snorkeling Tours100Oahu Turtle Tours63Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours8Oahu Scuba Diving31Oahu Shark Tours14Oahu Dolphin Tours17Glass Bottom Boat Tours6
Scroll to Top

Explore Oahu

Choose a reef, a crater trail or a luau lawn.

On the water

Snorkel TripsTurtle ReefsCatamaran SailsSunset CruisesWhale Watching

Wartime history

Pearl HarborDowntown HonoluluHistorical Tours

Around the island

Circle IslandNorth ShoreKualoa RanchWaterfall HikesDole Plantation

Evenings

LuausDinner CruisesFireworks CruisesEvening Shows