5 Top Spots for Paddleboarding and Kayaking in Hawaii

[Robert Walsh]

Hawaii is famous for its many beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It has always been one of the world’s favorite destinations for water sports lovers. The islands there boast of some of the best stands up paddle board locations in the world.

There are so many great paddle board locations to choose from in Hawaii, but here are my favorite spots for paddleboarding;

 

Ala Moana, Oahu

Ala Moana is one of the top spot for surfers especially for beginners because it has a protected bay and flat water which makes it easier for first timers to train properly. Other packages offered at Ala Moana include; Blue Planet Surf for rentals or sales and paddle board lessons for first timers. One neat thing I tried was an inflatable SUP, I was very impressed with how well it worked.

 

Keauhou Bay, Kona

Keauhou Bay has an interesting ancient history attached to it. It's the birthplace of King Kamehameha III in Kona District. This paddle board bay is known for its beautiful harbor and its coastline of dried lava beds. This bay is not just known for its great stand up paddle location, It's also a place famous for kayaking and snorkeling as well.

 

At the south side of the bay, there is a spot called the “End of the World” with beautiful sea caves and cliffs that you will be tempted to jump from. But it's recommended that you don't go too close to that spot because the water there is far from calm and the shorelines are not safe. Keauhou Bay also offers beautiful shopping malls as well as two golf courses for those who don't want to get to the water.

 

Kealakekua Bay, Kona

This is a beautiful kayaking spot in Hawaii with an ancient historic site. It is the birthplace of the famous Captain Cook Monument. This ancient site attracts a lot of visitors and surfers from far and near, and there are no paved roads to this monument, so you are sure to have unrestricted access. You have to walk a long way from the road to water. I rented a inflatable kayak, and packed it in in a backpack. I would highly recommend you do this, if you go there

 

Visiting this beautiful spot for the first time, it is best you plan your paddle boarding in the morning hours since the wind picks up in the afternoon which makes the water rough.

 

Pua’ena Point Beach Park, Oahu

 

Pua'ena beach park is located on the North Shore of Oahu. It's a great place for first timers to learn surfing as the waves are usually pretty calm also a safe area to try out paddling in small waves.

 

Pua’ena beach also offers a great spot for picnics, and lots of families/visitors hang out here to have a good time. Be sure to tread carefully around the vegetation areas on the beach, because everything island is private property - aside from that you are free to go up and down the shore since the beaches are all public property.

 

Pops in Waikiki, Oahu

 

Pops or Popular as it's known in Waikiki is a great spot for surfers looking to experience paddling in waves. Those of you who are crowd shy will love it there because it is less crowded than other areas in Waikiki.