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Honolulu Canoe & kayak tours

Our most recommended Honolulu Canoe & kayak tours

Oahu: Twin Islands Guided Kailua Kayak Tour

1. Oahu: Twin Islands Guided Kailua Kayak Tour

This kayak tour is led by certified lifeguards and true watermen and women, ensuring that your activities for the day go off without incident. During the day you will kayak to some of your guide's favorite spots, including secret, secluded locations throughout the bay where you can discover marine life, great snorkelling spots, a place to kayak surf, discover hidden tide pools, secluded coves, and visit a sea-bird sanctuary.  You will have the opportunity to snorkel with your guide in a live coral reef inside Kailua's turtle feeding grounds and enjoy the idyllic, tropical paradise settings. During your tour, you will collect marine plastics and learn how to positively interact with local wildlife. The local partner is a leader for sustainable tourism and incorporates eco-friendly practices into their tours such as eliminating single-use-plastics from their lunches.

Oahu: North Shore Adventure with Waimea Waterfall Hike

2. Oahu: North Shore Adventure with Waimea Waterfall Hike

Spend the day away from busy Honolulu and surround yourself in the beauty of Hawaii’s North Shore. Start the day with pickup from your accommodation, then head off on your adventure. Choose between two amazing options: Activity Option #1: Paddleboard or Kayak in Haleiwa on the North Shore with all equipment included. Activity Option #2: Enjoy a guided hike to one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls, Waimea, and feel immersed in the gorgeous greenery that surrounds you. Then, cool off with a refreshing dip in the water. After the activity of your choice, enjoy a stroll along one of the North Shore's many white sandy beaches, sample some local coffee, and more.

Honolulu: Waikiki Kayak Tour and Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

3. Honolulu: Waikiki Kayak Tour and Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

Grab a paddle and cruise along the shoreline of Oahu and snorkel with the turtles and tropical fish at Turtle Canyon. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is provided on this guided kayaking trip from Waikiki. Paddle along the Waikiki shoreline on a guided kayak tour with panoramic views of the coast from the water. Spot passing dolphins, rays, or even whales at certain times of the year. Arriving at Turtle Canyon, dive into the warm Pacific Ocean to find a colorful variety of tropical fish. Turtle Canyon is a popular spot to see green sea turtles resting, feeding, and getting cleaned by cleaner wrasse. Enjoy sharing the water with these mostly slow-moving marine creatures.

Honolulu: Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner

4. Honolulu: Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner

Embark on an immersive tour of Honolulu with a cultural sunset dinner excursion on a one-of-a-kind Polynesian canoe. Listen to the history of the Hawaiian Islands through storytelling and songs. Enjoy hands-on traditional activities and try local foods while on the beautiful ocean waters. Start your adventure with a Hawaiian 'oli' chant that welcomes you as you board. Hear about the history and ancient stories of the islands as you sail along the coast from Kewalo Basin towards Diamond Head. Learn how to make authentic 'poi' and enjoy local 'pupu' snacks. Try out a hula lesson and make Hawaiian lei with the guidance of an onboard teacher. Between activities, you can relax and enjoy the spacious wooden decks on the 44-foot-long canoe. Lay in its nets while marveling at the ocean wildlife, beautiful waters, and the colorful Waikiki coastline of O‘ahu. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained newfound cultural knowledge of authentic Hawaii with skills to share and remember forever.

Honolulu: Cultural Day Excursion on Polynesian Canoe

5. Honolulu: Cultural Day Excursion on Polynesian Canoe

Enjoy an immersive tour of Honolulu with a cultural day sail excursion on a one-of-a-kind Polynesian canoe. Listen to the history of the Hawaiian Islands through storytelling and song. Enjoy hands-on traditional activities and try local foods while on the beautiful ocean waters. Start your excursion with oli (Hawaiian chant) that welcomes guests to board. Follow with introductions, music, and storytelling. Hear about the history and stories of the islands as you sail along the coast from Kewalo Basin towards Diamond Head. Learn to make poi (traditional Hawaiian food) and enjoy locally grown pupus (Hawaiian snacks). Try out a hula lesson and make Hawaiian lei. Benefit from a teacher/practitioner on board for guidance. Between activities, relax and enjoy the spacious wooden decks on the Polynesian canoe that's 44 feet long and 21 feet wide. Lay in the canoe's nets while marveling at ocean wildlife, beautiful waters, and the colorful Waikiki coastline of O‘ahu. Enjoy plenty of shade under the large canopy covering part of the main deck and easy access to restrooms below deck. By the end of the tour, gain newfound cultural knowledge of authentic Hawaii with skills to share and remember forever.

Oahu: Mokoliʻi Kayak Rental and Self-Guided Hike

6. Oahu: Mokoliʻi Kayak Rental and Self-Guided Hike

Discover Oahu's eastern shores on a self-guided kayak and hike experience to Chinaman's Hat, more formally known as Mokoli'i. Feel the Hawaiian waves lap against your kayak as you make your way to the island. Then, hop off and hike around the islet for stunning views of Oahu and the vast ocean. As you kayak out to Mokoli'i, marvel at the stunning view of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and Kaneohe Bay on the East side of Oahu. Make sure to also marvel at the sparkling blue ocean surrounding you, keeping an eye out for nautical wildlife en route. Paddle to Chinaman’s Hat, then choose to hike around the islet or up to one of the defined trails. Be sure to stay on the trail and pick up any litter to maintain the island's pristine nature. The island is also a bird sanctuary and has heaps of fluffy baby chicks in the springtime. Paddle back in your own time, taking in the majestic mountain views of one of Hawai'i's most iconic islands.

Honolulu: Morning Polynesian Canoe Voyage

7. Honolulu: Morning Polynesian Canoe Voyage

Sail along the beautiful Waikiki coastline, becoming immersed in the stories and history of the area. As you travel, learn about both the land and ocean from your classroom on the sea. Your cultural practitioner and crew will involve you in hands-on activities, using native materials to make food, clothing, tools, and other traditional items. Feel free to ask questions, explore the deck, nets and hulls, and take part in poi pounding. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy your experience out on the water. Enjoy local ukulele music and traditional chants accompanied by locally-sourced traditional food and drinks. At the conclusion of your day out on the water, your boat returns you back to your starting location.

Frequently asked questions about Honolulu

What top attractions are a must-see in Honolulu?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Honolulu?

The best day trips and excursions from Honolulu are:

Dole Plantation

Other Sightseeing Options in Honolulu

Want to discover all there is to do in Honolulu? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Honolulu

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 15 reviews

Great day for my daughter and I on the water. We got a nice workout at a really comfortable pace so we could enjoy being on the ocean and taking lots of pictures. The eco tour on the island was really fun, the tide pools, birds and "queen's bath." We had a really fun and energetic guide and a small group, which made it really fun.

Goose was amazing! Incredibly view throughout the trip and Goose was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this trip for anyone who is interested in kayaking. We had a calm day so it was very doable, but definitely confirm with them regarding the difficulty depending on the time of the year.

Highly recommended!! This tour was the highlight of our stay in Oahu. Alicia was so great! We kayaked to the twin islands with her, it was so much fun! We learnt fun facts about the islands and snorkle in the blue waters of Hawaii. The kayak tour is a must if you’re planning to visit Oahu!

This was a very relaxing and educational tour. Captain and staff were accommodating and accepted. Cultural and historical program was enlightening. For anyone who wants to kill a couple hours near town and get out in the water, learn about Hawaii, this is the tour.

Truly a highlight of our honeymoon! This was an INCREDIBLE experience that shouldn’t be missed!