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.

This paddle through blue, clear water is great for turtle watching. Put in at Lanikai Beach. You'll need to carry your kayak down one of its access paths. Go ashore at a sandy beach at Moku Nui, the northern of the twin islands. Once on ground, hike on a designated trail to Shark's Cove. Here you can snorkel and make a 25 ft cliff dive. The island is rocky so bring shoes to hike in. Paddle past the southern island on your way back to shore. Watch wind advisories and plan your trip on a calm day.

This small island is nick-named Chinaman's Hat for its unique shape. Put-in at Kualoa Regional Park, one of the top beaches in the area. You can make a rocky landing on the north side of the island or in a tiny cove on the east side and take a trail to the 206 foot summit. Take care not to disturb nesting sea birds.

Hanauma Bay is a popular place for paddling, snorkeling and viewing green turtles. This is a protected wildlife area and there is a $7.50 entrance fee plus $1 vehicle fee. It gets very crowded so early morning is the best time to paddle around the bay. Hanauma is closed to visitors on Tuesdays.

Put-in is at a beach park. Before you go, check for the closing time for the opening and closing time of the park gate. Fresh water, restrooms, showers and picnic areas are available here. No camping is allowed. As you leave the deep bay, be on alert for the many rocks and coral heads that will keep you busy. This is a short paddle down the coast to Pueo Bay. Pueo was formed by a lava flow from Mauna Loa, 30 miles away. Black lava and white coral pebbles make up the steep beach. The surf landing can be tough. A short trail inland leads to the Golden Pools.

This pocket sand cove has excellent snorkeling and swimming. It's a short paddle from put-in at Hulopo'e Beach. There are tide pools on the west side and a sand beach on the east. You can pass by or explore the small islet, Sweetheart Rock. The cove is also accessible from Manele Bay.

You'll need a 4WD vehicle to access the put-in at Waipio Valley. Explore a little ways up Wipio Stream before launching into the surf. Launch is difficult. You need to get an early start before winds pick-up and create a choppy sea. Towering cliff walls provide the back drop for this short paddle. Coming around the point, you'll arrive at Waimanu Valley. This whole area is a National Estuarine Research Reserve. You can paddle up the meandering, swampy stream or land and hike to a waterfall about 1/4 mile in from shore on the northwest side. This is a tough surf landing. The best channel is at the mouth of the stream. Camping is available with a permit. Any water you get here needs to be purified.

This paddle is to a small island off shore of Kaneohe Bay. It is 1 1/4 miles beyond the popular sandbar in the center of the bay. You'll need to portage here. Waves wrapping around the island make the approach more challenging. A corral rubble beach on the right side is a good landing spot. It is shallow and you may need to walk your kayaks to shore. Moor your kayaks above the high tide mark if you want to find them there when you get back! There is a small grove of ironwood trees, and several shallow tide pools surrounding this island. It is a protected bird refuge. No camping, fires, animals or disturbing wildlife. Bring all of your supplies, especially water, with you.

Put in at the boat ramp at Keauhou Bay. The first part of this trip will be past 20 foot cliffs. A ridge and cloud layer hide the massive higher slopes of Mauna Loa. Paddle to close and you'll have rebound waves. Be sure to notice the beautiful color changes in the water as you paddle over sand or lava bottom. As you round Kaulanui Point past the golf courses, watch for sea caves and lava tubes to explore. At around 8 miles you will come into Kealakekua Bay. Here you'll find a tall white monument erected to Captain James Cook. Land about 50 yards west of the monument. Carry your kayak to avoid damage to the coral, and the kayak. Kealakekua has some of the best snorkeling on the island. Spinner Dolphins are common in the area. It is a State Underwater Marine Life Conservation District and fishing is banned. Watch for tour boats that come in and out of the bay daily. You can have a non-paddler pick you up here, or paddle back to Kealakekua.

This paddle to a secluded beach is one of the best ocean kayaks in Hawaii. Kipu Kai is only accessible by water. This trip is for experienced paddlers only. Watch for high wind and wave advisories before setting out. The land around Kipu Kai is privately owned so do not go past the high water mark at the beach. Lucky paddlers may be treated to views of breaching whales.