See the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay from the very best perspective: the water itself! It’s hard to beat a great paddleboard or kayak excursion, whether you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon or want to get your blood flowing a bit more. Kayak Hanalei offers a wide variety of rentals (of beach gear, as well as kayaks, canoes, and SUPs), and they’re located in a prime location to take off and explore. When you pull up to Kayak Hanalei, you have options. Whether you’re up for a day of exploring on your own or a guided experience, you’ll find it here.
Some of Kayak Hanalei’s offerings include:
Guided Tours
Kayak Hanalei’s guided tours include a venture out into amazing snorkeling territory. You can choose from two tours: a morning excursion to the bay, which spans four to four and a half hours, and the Afternoon Bay Explorer, which is a three-hour trip. Both of these trips include the rental of snorkel gear to take in some of the sea life. You might even spot an endangered sea turtle!
The Afternoon Explorer includes snacks/refreshments. You can always opt to bring your own snacks and water along the way. On the guided tours, a dry bag will be available for you to use at no additional cost. If you have your heart set on doing some amazing snorkeling while in Kauai, you can’t go wrong by booking a guided tour. Finding the best snorkel spots is far easier if you have a guide to direct you.
Kayak/Paddleboard Rentals
You could also rent kayaks or SUPs and head out on your own. If you opt for the latter, you can choose to turn to your right away from the dock and paddle upriver toward the wildlife refuge there. The river gradually wanes to a shallow point where you’ll need to turn around, but along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the scenery and the local wildlife.
Or you can turn your kayak to the left and paddle down to Hanalei Bay, where there’s plenty of space to land your kayak on the beach, swim, sunbathe, and relax until you’re ready to head back. The rental cost for an entire day is very reasonable, so it might be worth your while to make a day of it and visit both the wildlife refuge and the bay itself, with a break for lunch on the beach. Start early and pack a cooler of drinks, snacks, and sunscreen, and you’ll be set.
If you need dry bags, beach chairs, or other beach-related paraphernalia, you’ll find it here; Kayak Hanalei offers clean equipment in good condition at a remarkably reasonable price. It’s easily accessible, too. Kayak Hanalei is located just a mile upriver from Hanalei Bay, right off the Kuhio Highway. Parking is free at their headquarters.
Insider Tips:
-You’ll find plenty of lunch and dinner stops nearby in the Hanalei/Princeville area, so leave time to stop before or after your kayak excursion to fuel up!
-Don’t forget your sunscreen–and possibly also a brimmed hat. It’s far too easy to burn when out on the water, especially in Kauai.