How do you get to the Kaneohe sandbar?

You can take Captain Bruce's boat from Heeia Kea Harbor. Your from $180 per adult price includes snorkel gear and shared paddleboards. Hotel transport isn't included. Departures are 9 a.m. or 12:15 p.m. Monday to Saturday except federal holidays.

Can you kayak to the Mokulua Islands?

Yes, with a permitted landing on Moku Nui only. Kailua Beach Adventures includes permits in all its kayak packages. Stay below the high-water mark. Commercial landings aren't allowed on Sundays, including visits by rented kayak.

Is kayaking in Kailua worth it?

Yes, if you're a swimmer who wants an island paddle. Kailua Beach Adventures' Twin Islands trip includes lunch and starts from $275.12 per person. Choose the from $110.17 per adult Discovery package if you're comfortable paddling without a guide.

Where can you rent a kayak on Oahu?

You can rent from Blue Planet in Haleiwa or Kahana Adventures at Kahana Bay. Blue Planet's from $39.99 per person rental includes 2 hours and basic instruction. Kahana's from $79 per person single kayak gives you 3 hours.

Can beginners paddleboard on Oahu?

Yes, beginners can take Rainbow Watersports' guided paddleboard lesson on the Anahulu River. The 2-hour outing costs from $104 per person and includes equipment. You start with instruction on land. Ohana Surf Project's family lesson requires swimming and independent paddling.

Things to do in Oahu › Oahu tours and activities › Kayak, paddleboard and Kaneohe sandbar tours

Top 12 Oahu kayak tours, paddleboarding and the Kaneohe sandbar (2026)

Updated October 30, 2026 Options and participation limits

We compared all 28 kayak and paddleboard tours Viator has for Oahu and kept 12, picked the way every tour here gets picked. Guides aren't included with rentals.

See the comparison table Hide the table 12 tours side by side: where, craft, guided, level, starts, hours, price

Kayak, paddleboard and Kaneohe sandbar tours on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Tour	Where	Craft	Guided	Level	Starts	Hours	Rating	Price
1. Kailua Bay, Oahu: Kayak and Snorkel to the Islands by Kailua Beach Adventures	Kailua Bay	Kayak rental	briefing only	Confident swimmers	Mon-Sat, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.	5 h	★ 4.8 1,383 reviews	from $114.58 per adult
2. Kaneohe Sandbar Snorkeling Tour by Captain Bruce Private Yacht Charters	Kaneohe sandbar	Boat and boards	snorkel crew	Snorkeling swimmers	Mon-Sat, 9 a.m., 12:15 p.m.	2 h 45 min	★ 4.9 509 reviews	from $180 per adult
3. Kevo's Beach Bus Paddleboard and Snorkel Adventure, North Shore by Kevo's Beach Bus	North Shore	Paddleboard rental, extra	bus guide	Moderate fitness	7:20 a.m.; Mon, Wed, Fri	8 h	★ 5.0 508 reviews	from $149 per adult
4. Kayak to the Mokulua Islands, Queen's Bath and Snorkel, Kailua by Kailua Beach Adventures	Kailua Bay	Ocean kayak	guided paddle	Fit swimmers	8, 9, 11 a.m.; Mon-Sat	5 h	★ 5.0 430 reviews	from $275.12 per person
5. Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu by Kailua Beach Adventures	Kailua Bay	Kayak rental	briefing only	Confident swimmers	Mon-Sat, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.	5 h	★ 4.8 295 reviews	from $110.17 per adult
6. Haleiwa River Paddleboard Rental with Blue Planet Adventure by Blue Planet Adventure Company	Anahulu River	Board or kayak	equipment rental	Moderate fitness	Hourly 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; daily	2 h	★ 4.9 232 reviews	from $39.99 per person
7. Family, Private and Group Standup Paddle Lessons in Waikiki by Ohana Surf Project	Waikiki Beach	Stand-up paddleboard	paddleboard instructor	Independent swimmers	3 p.m.; daily, dates vary	1 h	★ 4.9 144 reviews	from $116.18 per person for 2 or more
8. Paddleboard Yoga Class in Honolulu by Yoga Floats, LLC	Magic Island	Stand-up paddleboard	yoga instructor	Yoga beginners	9 a.m.; daily	1 h 15 min	★ 4.9 124 reviews	from $57.36 per adult
9. Kahana Bay River to Ocean: Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental by Kahana Adventures	Kahana Bay	Single kayak	equipment rental	All fitness levels	Hourly 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; daily	3 h	★ 4.9 119 reviews	from $79 per person
10. Clear-Bottom Kayak Tour, Guaranteed to See Turtles by Sea and Board Sports Hawaii	Anahulu River	Clear-bottom kayak	guided paddle	Kayak beginners	Mon-Sat, 8, 11 a.m. or 5 p.m.	2 h	★ 4.7 70 reviews	from $125.65 per person for 3 to 8
11. Mokolii Island Self Guided Kayak Tour by Active Oahu Tours	Kualoa and Mokolii	Ocean kayak	briefing only	Experienced ocean paddlers	Mon-Sat, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.	4 h	★ 4.7 46 reviews	from $82 per adult
12. Group Stand Up Paddle Lesson and Tour by Rainbow Watersports Adventures	Anahulu River	Stand-up paddleboard	paddleboard instructor	First-time paddlers	11 a.m.; Mon-Sat	2 h	★ 5.0 43 reviews	from $104 per person

Each price is the tour's starting price in U.S. dollars, from an option that runs in the next ten weeks; a tour with a later season shows its season's price. Prices, ratings and review counts are re-read every day, last on October 30, 2026. Each rating combines the booking platform's own reviews with Tripadvisor's where a tour has both. Hours are the length of the lowest-priced option where the operator states one, else the tour's range. Times and what's in the price are the operator's own terms.

The 12

Our most recommended kayak and paddleboard tours on Oahu

Ranked by reviews. Cards show your option and price alongside pickup and limits.

#1 Self-guided Permits included

Kailua Bay, Oahu: Kayak and Snorkel to the Islands

The self-drive option gives you a kayak and route briefing in Kailua; children under 16 share a tandem with an adult. Landing permits and snorkel gear are included. Choose it if you're a swimmer who can move the kayak to the beach on a cart.

5 hours Kailua Bay · by Kailua Beach Adventures

★★★★★ 4.8 (1,383 reviews)

Ages 8-12 5 h maximum 8, 10, 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 p.m.; Mon-Sat Gear and permits Kailua shop Swimmers; 280, 400 lb single/tandem Free cancel: 24 h Bookings within 1 day: operator approval

The catch: Return by 5 p.m.; lunch and transport aren't included.

Our page on this tour

from $114.58 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#2 Boat transfer Shared paddleboards

Kaneohe Sandbar Snorkeling Tour

Captain Bruce's boat takes you from Heeia Kea Harbor to the Kaneohe sandbar. You can snorkel or try a shared paddleboard; light snacks and soft drinks are included. Take this trip for water time without an offshore paddle; your outing lasts 2 hours 45 minutes.

2 hours 45 minutes Kaneohe sandbar · by Captain Bruce Private Yacht Charters

★★★★★ 4.9 (509 reviews)

Ages 2-11 2 h 45 min 9 a.m., 12:15 p.m.; Mon-Sat except federal holidays Snorkel gear and snacks Heeia Kea Harbor, slip 316 High fitness; swimmers for snorkeling Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: Lunch and hotel transport aren't included.

Our page on this tour

from $180 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#3 Waikiki pickup 23 guests maximum

Kevo's Beach Bus Paddleboard and Snorkel Adventure, North Shore

Kevo's Beach Bus collects you in Waikiki for a North Shore day; beach stops share the route with time on the Anahulu River. The price includes snorkel gear and the guide. It's a choice for friends who want several stops and don't want to drive.

8 hours North Shore · by Kevo's Beach Bus

★★★★★ 5.0 (508 reviews)

Ages 4-11 8 h 7:20 a.m.; Mon, Wed, Fri Guide and snorkel gear Selected Waikiki stops, including Ilikai Moderate fitness Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: Paddleboard or kayak rental isn't included.

Our page on this tour

from $149 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#4 Guided paddle Lunch included

Kayak to the Mokulua Islands, Queen's Bath and Snorkel, Kailua

The guided Twin Islands route takes you along Lanikai toward Moku Nui; your guide leads the paddle and the island visit. Lunch and landing fees are included with snorkel gear. It's the better fit for active swimmers who want a guide throughout an ocean outing.

5 hours Kailua and Moku Nui · by Kailua Beach Adventures

★★★★★ 5.0 (430 reviews)

5 h 8, 9, 11 a.m.; Mon-Sat Guide and lunch Kailua shop Swimmers aged 13+ Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: The offshore paddle needs moderate fitness.

Our page on this tour

from $275.12 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#5 Beach gear Bikes included

Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu

The Discovery package pairs your kayak outing with beach gear back at Kailua. You get a locker and snorkel equipment. Bikes are included for ages 13 and up. Choose this package to split your day between paddling and time ashore without hiring each item separately.

5 hours Kailua Bay · by Kailua Beach Adventures

★★★★★ 4.8 (295 reviews)

Ages 8-12 5 h maximum Starts 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Mon-Sat Gear and permits Kailua shop Swimmers aged 8+ Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: The shuttle costs extra. Late starts still require returns by 5 p.m.

Our page on this tour

from $110.17 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#6 Private launch Basic instruction

Haleiwa River Paddleboard Rental with Blue Planet Adventure

Blue Planet's rental starts from a private deck beside Haleiwa's Rainbow Bridge. You choose a paddleboard or single kayak for the Anahulu River. Basic instruction helps you get going. Your rental includes a hot shower afterward, though you'll paddle without a guide on the water.

2 hours Anahulu River · by Blue Planet Adventure Company

★★★★★ 4.9 (232 reviews)

Ages 8+ 2 h Hourly 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; daily Equipment; life jacket on request Rainbow Bridge deck Moderate fitness Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: Lockers cost $2 each; dry bags cost $4 each.

Our page on this tour

from $39.99 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#7 Family lesson Waikiki pickup

Family, Private and Group Standup Paddle Lessons in Waikiki

The family option is a 1-hour paddleboard lesson in Waikiki with an instructor. You learn on your own board alongside your child; equipment and designated Waikiki transfers are included. It's a compact outing for families whose children can already swim and manage a board themselves.

1 hour Waikiki Beach · by Ohana Surf Project

★★★★★ 4.9 (144 reviews)

1 h 3 p.m.; daily, dates vary Gear and instructor Designated Waikiki stops Parent and child under 13 Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: Non-swimmers need a private lesson.

Our page on this tour

from $116.18 per person for 2 or more

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#8 Anchored boards No swimming required

Paddleboard Yoga Class in Honolulu

Yoga Floats anchors your board in shallow water at Magic Island. You practice poses on your board with an instructor; beginners can join without swimming skills. It's a 75-minute balance class with equipment included; you spend the session near the launch instead of touring the coast.

1 hour 15 minutes Magic Island · by Yoga Floats, LLC

★★★★★ 4.9 (124 reviews)

Ages 8-17 75 min 9 a.m.; daily Board and instruction Magic Island, south parking lot Under 17 with adult Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: Photos and transport aren't included.

Our page on this tour

from $57.36 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#9 Private dock River rental

Kahana Bay River to Ocean: Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

Kahana Adventures' rental starts at a private dock across from Kahana Bay Beach Park. The sheltered river suits learning to paddle; you get a single kayak and life jacket for 3 hours. It's useful for windward stays when you want a river outing without a guide.

3 hours Kahana River · by Kahana Adventures

★★★★★ 4.9 (119 reviews)

Ages 18-64 3 h Hourly 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; daily Kayak and life jacket Opposite Kahana Bay Beach Park All fitness levels Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: You won't have a guide.

Our page on this tour

from $79 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#10 Clear bottom Guide included

Clear-Bottom Kayak Tour, Guaranteed to See Turtles

Clear panels let you look beneath the surface while paddling near Haleiwa. A guide takes you along the river or toward the ocean when conditions allow. No experience is needed. It's for beginners who want help on the water and equipment included in their price.

2 hours Haleiwa and Anahulu · by Sea and Board Sports Hawaii

★★★★★ 4.7 (70 reviews)

2 h 8, 11 a.m. or 5 p.m.; Mon-Sat Guide and gear Opposite Haleiwa Beach House Adult price ages 3+; under 3 free Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: The lowest rate needs four paying guests.

Our page on this tour

from $125.65 per person for 3 to 8

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#11 Self-guided Car required

Mokolii Island Self Guided Kayak Tour

Active Oahu supplies the gear for your paddle from Kualoa Regional Park to Mokolii. You collect it from the Kailua shop first. A map and launch instruction help you plan your outing. It's for paddlers comfortable at sea who can carry kayaks on their car.

4 hours Kualoa and Mokolii · by Active Oahu Tours

★★★★★ 4.7 (46 reviews)

Ages 0-12 4 h 8, 9, 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2, 3 p.m.; Mon-Sat Gear and roof straps Active Oahu, Kailua 4-door car; moderate fitness Free cancel: 24 h

The catch: You transport and return the kayaks.

Our page on this tour

from $82 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#12 Lesson included River route

Group Stand Up Paddle Lesson and Tour

Rainbow Watersports starts with a land lesson before you paddle across Haleiwa Bay into the Anahulu River. Your instructor travels with the group; the price includes a board and drinking water. It's for beginners who want a lesson followed by a river outing with other paddlers.

2 hours Haleiwa and Anahulu · by Rainbow Watersports Adventures

★★★★★ 5.0 (43 reviews)

Ages 4+ 2 h 11 a.m.; Mon-Sat Board and instructor; water Rainbow van, Haleiwa Bay Beginners; life jacket on request Free cancel: 24 h Bookings within 1 day: operator approval

The catch: Bookings within 1 day need approval.

Our page on this tour

from $104 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

Every button opens the booking page at its price. A booking made through a button here earns this site a commission; you pay the same. Nothing on this page is sold here.

Which one

Which kayak or paddleboard tour is right for you

A Waikiki hotel without a car favors Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery with its shuttle. The shuttle option costs more, and children aged 8 to 12 pay less. Departures run at 9:15 a.m. Monday to Saturday. You're paddling without a guide.

Ko Olina and windward guests drive to Captain Bruce's sandbar tour. It suits a first visit focused on snorkeling. Active couples can take the Twin Islands tour from $275.12 per person. Your guide and lunch are included.

A family with young children needs the right Ohana Surf Project lesson. The from $116.18 per person for 2 or more family option requires swimming and independent paddling. A parent and child must join together. Choose the private 1-hour lesson for children aged 2 to 6; it costs more.

A budget favors Blue Planet's river rental from $39.99 per person; you get 2 hours with basic instruction. A cruise-ship day can fit Yoga Floats at Magic Island if your port hours allow. The 75-minute class has no pier pickup.

Above the bar, without a card

Popoiʻa Island Hopper Guided Kayak Tour + Snorkeling Kailua, Oahu guided Popoia kayaking, from $199.94 per adult; 504 reviews at 4.95; the same operator already has cards · dates and prices ↗
Stand Up Paddle Nature and Turtle tour-Guaranteed to see turtles an Anahulu paddleboard tour, from $146.60 per person for 3 or more -10 paying guests; 56 reviews at 4.96; the operator's kayak tour already has a card · dates and prices ↗
2 hour tandem kayak rental at our private launch area in Hale'iwa a tandem rental, from $49.95 per boat for up to 2; 30 reviews at 4.97; Blue Planet's single-person rental already has a card · dates and prices ↗
Night SUP Yoga in Honolulu, Hawaii night yoga, from $74.26 per person; 59 reviews at 4.88; Yoga Floats' daytime class already has a card · dates and prices ↗

Good to know

Know before you go

Getting there Waikiki pickups don't serve Ko Olina or the cruise pier. Arrange your own ride from those bases; times are HST.
Price and extras Kailua Beach Adventures includes landing permits with its packages. Kevo's price doesn't include lunch or paddleboard rental, so budget for both.
Ages and swimming Children need swimming skills for some activities. Captain Bruce snorkelers must swim 16 yards (15 m) wearing a life jacket without fins.
Booking and refunds Most bookings are instant. Your own cancellation earns a full refund until 24 hours before departure; later cancellations aren't refundable.
What to bring Wear your swimsuit. Bring a towel and drinking water; sun protection matters too. Blue Planet's lockers and dry bags cost extra.
Tides and wildlife Tides can leave the sandbar submerged; weather can cancel trips. NOAA recommends at least 10 feet, or 3 m, from sea turtles.

Good to know

Top 12 Oahu kayak tours, paddleboarding and the Kaneohe sandbar (2026)

Kayak, paddleboard and Kaneohe sandbar tours on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Our most recommended kayak and paddleboard tours on Oahu

Which kayak or paddleboard tour is right for you

Know before you go

People also ask