Hilo Kayak Tours

Hilo Kayak Tours - What to Know

Kayaking in Hilo offers a unique adventure to explore the Big Island's natural beauty and rich history. Certified guides will lead you safely through Hilo Bay, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the experience. These guides are passionate nature-lovers who are eager to share their knowledge about the local ecosystem, making the tour both educational and enjoyable. You’ll have the option of private or group adventures, so you can choose what fits your style best. Early mornings are the prime time to kayak, as the waters are calm before the winds pick up, making for a smoother ride. As you paddle, you can expect to see green sea turtles and a variety of tropical birds, while also learning about the significance of the landmarks around the bay.

Why Choose Hilo for Kayaking

Choosing Hilo for kayaking is a fantastic way to explore a blend of history, natural beauty, and rich marine life. As you paddle through Hilo Bay, you can glide past the King Kamehameha Statue, where you’ll learn about the history of the Big Island, including the impact of tsunamis that reshaped the area and created an arboretum filled with tree species recognized as "The Largest of Tree Species outside of Africa." You’ll also have the opportunity to pass under the iconic arching bridge to Moku Ola (Coconut Island), and the Queen Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens.

Along the way, keep an eye out for playful dolphins, green sea turtles, and a variety of tropical birds that inhabit the area. Hilo’s reputation as the rainy side of the Big Island means you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of tropical rainforests and flowing waterfalls, as well as intriguing lava rock formations from the creation of Hawaii’s youngest island. With its combination of cultural insights and natural landscapes, kayaking in Hilo provides an experience that showcases the true essence of old Hawaii.

Where to Go Kayaking in Hilo

Hilo Bay

The bay is home to green sea turtles, playful dolphins, and a variety of tropical fish, providing exciting opportunities for wildlife sightings. Kayaking allows you to quietly glide through these natural habitats, getting up close to the animals in a way that is respectful. Paddling past landmarks such as the King Kamehameha Statue and Moku Ola (Coconut Island) gives you insight into Hilo's rich heritage, including the stories of ancient Hawaiian royalty and the impact of natural events like tsunamis on the landscape.

Coconut Island

Known as Moku Ola, is a small island in Hilo Bay, just offshore from Lili'uokalani Park and Gardens. The island is popular with local families that come here to relax on the grass and have picnics in the small pavilions. The two sandy beaches are sheltered by the Hilo Pier, so the waters are calm. There are also several tide pools to explore, where the local marine life thrives and can easily be seen.

Wailoa River

The calm waters of the Wailoa River are ideal for paddlers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced kayakers. Here you can find hidden waterfalls to enjoy and pass important landmarks to Hilo.

Top Tips for Kayaking in Hilo

• Best Time to Kayak: The summer months will have the warmest weather and calmest water but if you want to avoid crowds, consider traveling during low season between mid-April and May and September to October. The early morning is the best time to kayak, before the wind picks up and when the water is calmest.
• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Please use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid polluting the clear waterways! With so many visitors a year, it is essential to keep the waters as clean as possible for the wildlife!
• Respect Marine Life: Observe wildlife from a distance without chasing or harassing them. Never feed or touch animals, even if they approach you out of curiosity. Please stay off the reef at all times.
• Stay Hydrated: Kayaking and swimming in the hot Hawaiian sun can be intense. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Keep all trash with you and secured down while on the kayak and dispose of it properly when you’re near a trash can or back at your hotel.
• Book in Advance: Popular kayak tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Booking ahead ensures you secure your spot on the desired tour and at your preferred time.

Other Hilo Adventures

Check out other Hilo Activities at Hilo, HI Outdoor Adventures! These include paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, and rappelling!