Kaneohe Sandbar Kayak Rental & Snorkeling Tour - Active Oahu [Not available]

Paddling in the calm and scenic waters of Kaneohe Bay is a must-do activity for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure in Hawaii. Explore this ocean paradise at your leisure with a self-guided kayaking adventure complete with snorkeling equipment so you can dive in and see over ten underwater reef formations, or continue to the Kaneohe Sandbar to explore this popular windward Oahu destination. Keep an eye out for the many Hawaiian green sea turtles that call the Kaneohe Bay their home, and enjoy incredible views of the Koolau Mountain Range, and for the movie lovers, paddle to Waikane Pier to see the “Hukilau Cafe” featured in the Hollywood hit "50 First Dates".

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

If you are looking for an unforgettable way to experience Oahu's natural beauty, Kaneohe Bay is one of the best places on Oahu to explore by kayak. Kaneohe Bay's barrier reef creates perfect kayaking and snorkeling conditions, and with its calm, clear waters, it is great for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

This self-guided tour not only provides an excellent experience where you can explore at your own pace, but the area also features over ten unique reef formations that are home to a wide variety of tropical fish, and also the resting areas for Hawaiian green sea turtles.

You will have the opportunity to see Hawaii’s only barrier reef which was formed millions of years ago when a massive volcanic caldera collapsed and left behind the soaring and scenic Koolau Mountain cliff sides, and a protected bay at its base. The protected bay and barrier reef have become a sanctuary for marine life, and a must see for any ocean goer.

What is the difference between the packages?

3-Hour Kaneohe Bay Coral Reef Kayak & Snorkel Package: A great option for those interested in snorkeling among reef formations. Due to the shorter tour length and departure location, this option is not suggested for guests wanting to go to the Kaneohe Sandbar.

4-Hour Kaneohe Bay Sandbar Kayak & Snorkel Package: The perfect choice for those wanting to explore the famous Kaneohe Bay Sandbar since you will have more time to kayak across Kaneohe Bay.

Local expert tips

• During the summer months (end of May to the beginning of September) ocean conditions are calmer and more predictable, and the area is much more accessible.
• The best time of the day to kayak in Kaneohe Bay is in the morning since the wind has a tendency to pick-up in the afternoon and can cause rougher ocean conditions and murkier water.
• To check when high and low tide is predicted at the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, click here to be directed to the official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
• You are asked to adventure responsibly! The reef is beautiful, but please do not touch it. The reef is a combination of millions of microscopic living things and has taken thousands of years to grow into the large beautiful formations you see in the bay
• The tour includes a small 15-liter dry bag to keep your personal belongings safe and dry, and while it is highly recommended that you bring water and snacks with you, please bring back any rubbish back to shore since litter will harm the marine life.
• Wear a swimsuit, and bring a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Since this tour is for participants 13 years old and above, guests with younger children should check out our kid-friendly Kaneohe Bay tour options.

How does it work?

After your check-in, the experts at Active Oahu will go over the basics of how to kayak and snorkel, and point out the routes for the best way to experience Kaneohe Bay by kayak. Although snorkeling equipment is provided, you do not need to go into the water to enjoy this tour, and if you do intend on going in the water, you should be able to physically get back into the kayak.

How to get there?

Check-in location to pick-up the kayak: Meet Active Oahu Tour's staff in Kailua Town (134 Hamakua Dr. Unit B Kailua, HI 96762).
The friendly team will be there to guide you through strapping the kayak on your vehicle and provide you with all the necessary equipment. All you need is a 4-door car to transport it. Please show up 15 minutes before your booking time.

Itinerary: Please note that it's a 20-minute drive from the Kayak shop in Kailua to Kaneohe Bay. You will be launching the kayak into Kaneohe Bay from the He’eia Kea Boat Harbor (46-499 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744). You can use the public parking at the harbor for your vehicle.