Best Kayaking in Hawaii

Trying to find the best kayaking 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

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Hawaii, Kauai County

01 :29 hrs
1.7 mi
4.419072 ft
I

This gentle stream is navigable inland for less than 2 miles. It makes its way through pastureland and may require portage in some spots. As you move inland you will find shay pools that are great for birdwatching.

5

Hawaii, Kauai County

01 :44 hrs
2 mi
- ft
I

Wailua River is Hawaii's largest navigable river. The current is slow. After about 2 miles, there is a fork in the river. Take the right fork to get to the Secret Falls trail. Look for a native hawaiian fishing village on the right bank near the fork. A short distance ahead, Take the left side of an island to the bank area. Here you can pick up the Secret Falls trail and hike an easy 1 1/2 miles to the picturesque Secret Falls. It is a 120' waterfall with a large swimming pool area. The river is a favorite with kayakers and so it is easy to follow the tour groups. Watch out for some large boats in the river and waterskiiers near the ocean confluence.

6

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.

7

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.

8

Hawaii, Oahu County

00 :55 hrs
1.1 mi
2.1697407 ft
SK I

Put-in at Hale'iwa Beach Park and take this short paddle up the Anahulu River. You'll need to watch for a sandbar at the mouth of the river, but once in the channel, the water is calm. Huge monkeypod trees hang over the banks. You will pass under a highway bridge. Watch for divers and fishing lines. Shortly after a second bridge, the water becomes too shallow to navigate.

9

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.

10

Hawaii, Oahu County

02 :11 hrs
5.4 mi
2.0183814 ft
SK I

This easy paddle is great for kids. Watch out for sandbars at the put-in in Kaiaka Bay and at the stream mouth. There are two branches of the stream. Both routes are short so explore them both. Keep a look out for frogs and go ahead and climb the large banyan trees lining the channel and take a swing into the water.

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