Oahu is the ultimate paddle board travel destination in the world for a reason:
It offers some of the world’s best beaches paired with a bouquet of paddles & kayaking to meet the wants and needs of any paddler looking for places to paddle board or kayak near them.
This list covers the best places to paddle board on Oahu in Hawaii as well as provides a link to an online guide for paddling there.
Check out this brief video of the launch locations below:
-Perfect Paddles Travel Brief- Best Time of Year to Visit: The best time to visit Hawaii during the year often depends on your reason for the trip. While Hawaii is a great destination year-round, the best opportunity for good weather exists during April, May, September, and October. If you plan on catching surf, as the tradewinds pick up over the winter months, so do the showers, and surf swells, particularly on the north/northeast (windward) shores of each island. (https://www.hawaii-guide.com/best-time-to-visit-hawaii) Average Temperature: There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer (kau) from May to October and winter (hooilo) from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° (25.6° C). (www.gohawaii.com) SUP Environments to Paddle In: Ocean Rivers Bay Marina SUP Activity Highlights: Excursions Tours SUP Surf SUP Yoga Downwinders Race Training
Wildlife Paddles: Hawaii is a truly wild place. And one of the best ways to experience the vast array of wildlife is on an eco-tour or excursion!On any given day, paddles will often spot turtles, rays, dolphins,s and even whales! To get in on a wildlife paddle, use our Locations/Activities guide HERE! Best Places to SUP Surf (for beginners): This depends on which island you visit and your skill level. Of course, Hawaii is home to some of the biggest waves on the planet. These famous breaks include Jaws, Waimea Bay, and more! If you are on the skill level to conquer these giants we don’t think you need any help in finding the best spots. For our purposes, we will be highlighting only the best beginner breaks for visitors. Oahu: South Shore head to Ala Moana Beach, Diamond Head, and Kewalo. On the North Shore head to Velzyland. And of course the famous Waikiki.
Self-Guided SUP Tours One of the best ways to explore the island of Oahu is on a SUP tour. If you are interested in exploring Kailua Bay by Stand-Up Paddle Board on your own and want a complete package including transportation from Waikiki, lunch, and beach gear, then the Self Guided Stand-Up Paddle Tour offered by our friends at Kailua Beach Adventures is your place to check out!
Perfect Paddles Gear We Like to Get You Ready for Your Trip:
Mustang Beltpack PFD - An essential piece of gear for any paddler. But especially important for anyone paddle boarding swift currents found in and around NYC.
Insta 360 Camera - Capture every moment on the water with the brand-new, fully waterproof, easily transportable Insta Camera!
Interested in any of these extra activities? Be sure to head HERE to find a list of paddle pros in the area and what they offer! Additional Attractions (source here): 1. Take surfing lessons at Waikiki: The famed beach at Waikiki is one of the best places to learn how to surf. The gentle wave is enough to propel a surfboard through the water without it being overly dangerous for the beginner. 2. Sunbathe at Lanikai Beach: Lanikai Beach is located in Lanikai, a community in the town of Kailua and on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii. It is famous for its clear water and white sany beaches. 3. Watch the sunset on Waikiki Beach: Waikiki is famous for its beaches and every hotel room is just two or three blocks away from the ocean (if it's not directly on the beach). With Mount Leahi (Diamond Head) as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. 4. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center: The Polynesian Cultural Center is a Polynesian-themed theme park and living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. 5. Attend the Luau at Paradise Cove: Seaside luau at Ko Olina Resort with Hawaiian fare & drinks, plus a show with hula & fire dancers. 6. Watch the surfers on the North Shore: The laid-back North Shore is a stretch of coast known for big waves and professional surfing contests at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. In summer (May–Oct), Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District has calm water for snorkeling among colorful coral and fish. 7. Explore Haleiwa town: Known as the 'surfing capital of the world', Haleiwa is located in the North Shore of Oahu between two beautiful stretches of road. The 8 miles from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach is considered to have some of the world's best surfing beaches, including Bonzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay For reference, be sure to check out our Perfect Paddles Activities map! For Hawaii, you will find it below:
Hands down one of the best paddles on the island, the Mokulua Islands (Twin Islands) paddle starts off of Lanikai to go out to one of the small islands off the coast.
Not only are these islands beautiful places to rest and enjoy as a private island, but they offer some of the most stunning views of the island of O’ahu itself.
Additionally, these islands are state seabird sanctuaries for the wedge-tailed shearwaters.
Catch a glimpse of endangered Monk seals who regularly visit the beaches on these islands for a snooze or snorkel with sea turtles (honu) directly off the island.
If you’re looking for a quick paddling/hiking/climbing adventure, then head to Kaneohe for a paddle to “Chinaman’s Hat” island.This is a short paddle, but offers the opportunity to climb to the top of the island for a great view of the surrounding area.
After Chinaman’s Hat, if you’re still planning on going to the windward side of Oahu & want another day paddle, check out the naturally occurring tidal sand bar in Kaneohe Bay.Why:Picture a private beach in the middle of the sea all to yourself… Yep. That’s why! Get more information on paddling there here.
4. Waimea Bay Paddle in Haleiwa
If you’re on the North Shore during the summer, Waimea Bay is a must stop for paddlers.With some of the most clear waters on the entire island, Waimea bay is one of the best leisurely paddles to simply take a break on, relax, & enjoy everything that Oahu has to offer. Get more information about paddling there here.
The Haleiwa Paddle is a fun & leisurely paddle — perfect for an overcast day on the bay or a short paddle in-between having lunch & heading to the beach.This paddle begins in the Haleiwa boat dock & traverses through the marina to the Anahulu river. Get more information about paddling there here.
Paddling in the Hawaii Kai Marina is tons of fun and a great way to explore the area on water.You’ll be alongside outrigger canoe paddlers if you make your way out to Maunalua Bay as well.Whether you stop at a coffee shop or are just looking for a place to paddle that is protected from the elements, the Hawaii Kai Marina is a great place to stop by and paddle.Get more information about paddling there here.
