Best Canoeing in Hawaii

Trying to find the best canoeing in Hawaii? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Hawaii, Kauai County

01 :44 hrs
1.9 mi
6.936771 ft
I

This river is popular for outrigger canoes. It is a smooth paddle free from the crowds of tour groups you'll find at other rivers in Kauai. The river is navigable for about 2 miles inland, but after the first mile portage may be necessary in some spots. This can be paired with paddling in Waimea bay.

2

Hawaii, Kauai County

01 :30 hrs
1.7 mi
- ft
I

Enter this stream between two upright pipes on a narrow road to the riverbank. The current is slow and the stream is deep and wide. It provides open views of the valley and uplands. Wind will sometimes push you up, or down, stream. After about 1 1/2 miles, the stream gets narrow and rocky and you may need to portage in some areas. Soon after, the stream becomes unnavigable.

3

Hawaii, Kauai County

01 :41 hrs
1.9 mi
3.9865496 ft
I

This river curves lazily inland from Hanapepe Bay. It is famous for its Swinging Bridge, a cable and wooden suspension bridge for pedestrians. Walking the bridge is a popular activity for visitors. Here, the river runs between two levees that keep the residential areas from flooding but prevent you from seeing any of the town from the river. This part of the river is fairly void of vegetation. Past the Swinging Bridge, the river becomes more scenic. After a short distance you'll come to a broken dam and need to portage. After the dam the water becomes increasingly shallow and eventually unnavigable.

4

Hawaii, Kailua

02 :18 hrs
5.8 mi
0.047914565 ft
SK II

Kailua Bay is popular for its calm, crystal clear waters. Paddle to Popoi'a island seabird sanctuary and check out the beach there where small waves make it perfect for beginning surfers. Kailua is one of the prettiest and most popular beaches on Oahu.

5

Hawaii, Kauai County

02 :10 hrs
5.4 mi
1.9223235 ft
SK IV

This is the route for a famous canoe race on Kauai. The one-way route can be grueling and novice kayakers should only attempt it on a calm day. Along the way, look for the Ninini Point Lighthouse.

6

Hawaii, Kauai County

00 :48 hrs
0.9 mi
5.9976263 ft
I

This short river trip takes you through a small valley full of bananas and other fruits. About 1/4 mile past the bridge, the navigable part of the river ends below thundering Kaihiwai Falls.

7

Hawaii, Kauai County

03 :54 hrs
4.6 mi
8.733199 ft
I

This is a paddle against the current from the mouth of the Hanalei River at Black Pot Beach upriver into Hanalei Valley Wildlife Refuge. There is a boat ramp just off the parking area at Black Pot Beach. You can also put in kayaks from other areas along the beach. Rental places along the river have their own entrances. Around 2 miles up river you'll pass under a highway bridge. Many paddlers choose to turn around here. Past the bridge you'll enter the wildlife refuge where you are permitted to paddle, but not land. This is a great place for viewing sea turtles and spotting native birds. The farther up river you go, the narrower and shallower the river gets. You'll leave the wildlife refuge about 5 miles from the river's mouth. At this point the water often gets too shallow to continue and at some places portage may be necessary. Turn around at any time and enjoy letting the current take you back down stream.

8

Hawaii, Kauai County

01 :49 hrs
2.1 mi
4.623485 ft
I

This trip starts at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. There are a couple of different outfitters that will rent kayaks here. The wide stream travels into the Huleai Wildlife Refuge which was the setting for Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. After about a mile on the stream you'll pass the Menehune Fish Pond, an ancient Hawaiian reservoir. About a mile past the fish pond the waters become unnavigable. Landing is not permitted except with a licensed tour guide. Those on a tour can pair their paddling with a hike to some falls.

9

Hawaii, Kailua

00 :39 hrs
0.8 mi
0.67636096 ft
SK II

This beach is known for its clean white sand and turquoise water. While this is a public beach, in some areas, the beach is so thin you would be landing in residential areas, so be respectful of private property. Just around the point to the north is Kailua Bay another popular area for kayaking.

10

Hawaii, Kauai County

02 :39 hrs
6.6 mi
2.8471603 ft
SK I

This paddle starts at the only black sand beach in Kauai. It is a spectacular vantage point for sunsets over Niihau, the Forbidden Isle, off Kauai’s West Side. Coconut palms, large grassy lawns and breathtaking old growth Banyan Trees, line the shore. The waters are calm and it is a good place for beginners. This paddle can be combined with a trip up the Waimea River.

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