Top 11 Oahu Kayaking Tours

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

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

Set out from Kailua Beach Adventures with a guide such as Mike, Evelyn, Alex, or Tupre, or paddle independently to Flat Island or the Mokulua Islands. You’ll haul a 70-pound kayak to the beach, kayak several miles, snorkel near Lanikai, explore a bird sanctuary, and finish with a deli lunch, showers, and lockers.

“Friendly helpful staff. Weather was windy thus limiting the activity; however, enjoyable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kailua 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Excursion, Oahu

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

Meet guides such as Mike, Brandon, Hopoe, or Braden at Kailua Beach Adventures, then paddle across Kailua Bay toward Popoia, or Flat Island. Expect island views, wildlife, local stories, lunch, and access to snorkel gear, boogie boards, and bikes afterward. You must be able to swim, and the kayaks are moved to the beach by dolly.

“I highly recommend this kayaking trip, especially for beginners. Really enjoyed visiting Popoia Island and all the background on it that our guide provided. Evelyn our guide was wonderful, very good at what she does and very patient. One of the kayakers in our group was having difficulties, and she came to her aid immediately and confidently. One comment I would make for the company sponsoring this trip is that there be better instructions on directions due to the road construction going on in Kailua. We used the Google map directions that were attached but Google didn't know about the detour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kailua Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour, Oahu

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

Paddle from Kailua to the Mokulua seabird sanctuaries with a naturalist guide such as Tommy, Mike, Austin, or Will. Explore tide pools and Queen’s Bath, snorkel in Lanikai’s clear water, and eat lunch on the beach. The five-hour trip suits fit swimmers who can handle a five-mile round trip and a short kayak carry.

“Great tour experience and Tommy was a great guide! Be prepared to kayak against the wind heading out but worth it!! The eoc tour and snorkeling were fun. Easier ride back in. Recommend water shoes with strong soles for walking around the island. Definitely Italy recommend this!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Haleiwa River Paddle Board Rental with Blue Planet Adventure Co.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39Best value

Rent a stand-up paddleboard or single kayak from Blue Planet Adventure Co. beside Haleiwa’s Rainbow Bridge. You get two hours on the Anahulu River and Haleiwa Bay, with optional instruction, life jackets, paddles, and leashes. Staff members including Julie, Elena, Cree, Max, and Tyler have helped beginners get started.

“Had a great experience. We (my kids and me) weren’t sure we could master the paddle boards, but we did! It was a nice low key paddle down the river and back even though we got caught in a passing downpour. Going out into the bay was a bit trickier with the waves from the ocean/boats. The girl (didn’t get her name) at the launch/dock was awesome! Great at getting us set up and launched twice.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Family, Private & Group Standup Paddle Lessons in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $118

Meet at the Ohana Surf Center by the Waikiki Beach Marriott, watch a short safety video, gear up, and take a shuttle to Waikiki Beach. Instructors such as Mark, Kai, Kevin, and Romeo teach beginners in small groups. Expect two hours on the water, with photos and videos available for purchase afterward.

“Super great. Romeo, Miguel, and Jaydin worked hard to make our activity successful. Instruction was perfect for different abilities. Strong swimmer recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Lunar Legends Night Stand up Paddle Kayak Water Experience

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

Spend about 90 minutes on a glowing stand-up paddle board or requested kayak at Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center. A storyteller-guide leads you past Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, and Tahiti, sharing legends and cultural details in a calm, shallow lagoon. The route is easy for beginners, but expect small waterfalls and some splashing.

“Crew were very helpful and gave me tips to with a lot of patience. The stories made the ride very interesting.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Mokolii Island Self Guided Kayak Tour

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

Pick up a kayak, life jackets, dry bag, pads, straps, and a printed map at Active Oahu Tours in Kailua. Staff such as Rob, Gabriel, and Brent explain the setup before you drive to the beach and paddle toward Mokoli’i. You set your own pace, then walk the island’s shoreline or attempt its steep summit trail.

“Super easy transfer from shop to beach, it was great! Rob was super helpful with getting the kayak strapped to the top of our convertible.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Private Stand up Paddle Lesson and Tour (for 1 or more paddlers)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Rainbow Watersports at Haleiwa Beach Park for a two-hour private SUP lesson and paddle along Haleiwa Bay and Anahulu Stream. Your instructor teaches board skills at a patient pace, takes photos, and may point out Hawaiian green sea turtles. Equipment and bottled water are included.

“My parents had little to no swimming skills and Kate was very accommodating and made sure my parents felt comfortable. The view on the river was gorgeous and with the river’s calm waters, it was the best place to get well acquainted with the board. Kate was very kind, a good teacher, and if that’s your instructor, you have nothing to worry about. We also saw a turtle on the way back that waved at my brother and peeled its head out of the water to say hi. Definitely worth the money and I bet my parents will be talking about the experience for awhile.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Meet Blue Planet Adventure Company beside the bridge in Hale'iwa for a two-hour tandem kayak rental on the Anahulu River. Staff help you launch from a private ramp, provide paddles and life jackets, and point you toward the river and calm bay. Plan for a relaxed outing, sandy beach time, and possible sea turtle sightings.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Magic Island Honolulu Stand Up Paddling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $57

Meet Yoga Floats at Magic Island for a one-hour beginner paddle at 7:30 am. Kelsey or Kristin covers safety, paddle technique, and beach etiquette before leading a group of no more than five across calm water. Morning conditions may bring light winds and close-up turtle sightings.

“My boyfriend was visiting Hawaii for the first time, and he really wanted to try paddleboarding. It was my first time too, but I stumbled upon Yoga Floats online and am really glad I did! Kelsey was a great instructor - she took her time to explain basic safety, about paddleboarding and etiquette of the beach too. She was also really accommodating and supportive (I was nervous to fully stand and stayed on my knees the whole time). She was also a great person overall! We were lucky to have great weather conditions, and her great energy also brought along a lot of great experiences. We saw a turtle pop…”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Private Outrigger Canoe Surfing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your guide near Magic Island for land instruction, then paddle a private outrigger canoe into Oahu surf. Guides Sara and Hanalei teach paddle timing, read wind and waves, and steer while you help catch waves. Plan on about an hour on the water, with equipment, water, a snack, and a small-group setting included.

“We loved our time with Sara and Hanalei. The experience itself was amazing. We left the beach at Hickman Field and quickly learned the proper techniques needed to catch a wave. We saw three turtles on our way out. We were able to get a unique view of Diamond Head before catching the first of four waves. They would have stayed out for a few more but we have to get back for dinner. Riding the waves was an exhilarating experience. The feeling of the wave picking up the back of the boat and pushing us along was amazing. It is an experience we will never forget. We also enjoyed…”

Check availability →Read our full review