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| Kayaking in the Hawaiian Islands. |
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HAWAII KAYAKING ADVENTURES |
Among all the outdoor activities available in Hawaii, few are as versatile as kayaking. You can paddle along a tranquil valley river or ride the rough ocean waters. You can ride alone or with a partner. You can go kayaking on your own or with a guided tour.
You don’t need to be an Olympic-level athlete to enjoy kayaking. Today’s kayaks are extremely stable, all but eliminating the prospect of capsizing. (Most kayaks, including all tandems, have the option of a rudder that makes turning as simple as pressing a foot pedal.) If you have the ability to sit comfortably and have at least moderate strength in your arms and shoulders, you’re ready for a Hawaiian kayaking adventure!
Kauai is considered the only Hawaiian island that has navigable rivers suited for kayaking. The Wailua River on the eastern part of the island is well known as a kayaking spot. In the Lihue area, the Huleia River winds through Kipu Ranch, the site of several prominent Hollywood films, including Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. And the Hanalei River on Kauai’s North Shore takes paddlers on a scenic excursion through Hanalei Valley.
Kauai is also notable for its ocean kayaking, especially the tours along the spectacular Napali Coast. These trips are usually reserved for the wintertime, when the northern ocean swells and surf have subsided.
Great kayaking adventures are also available on Oahu. The main attractions here are the tiny offshore islets that make ideal spots for picnicking. The most well known of these destinations are the pyramid-shaped Mokulua islets off Lanikai Beach. Affectionately dubbed the "Mokes" by locals, the twin islets have small beaches on the leeward shores—a white sand beach on the larger island and a pebble beach on the smaller one.
On the Big Island, Kealakekua Bay on the island’s Kona side is a favorite kayaking spot. Paddle about a mile straight across the bay to the Captain Cook monument. Dolphins are often seen in the bay.
There are a number of kayaking options on Maui. Explore the waters off Kapalua and make a stop at Honolua Bay’s marine preserve for some snorkeling. Or set out on an early-morning paddling trip to Molokini, one of the world’s premier snorkeling and SCUBA spots.
Memorable ocean kayaking adventures are also available on Molokai. Because the waters here are fairly rough, however, Molokai is best left to experienced kayakers. Photo Credits:Photo1: Phillip Rosenberg ©2003-2004 Media-HI, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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