Kama’aina Kayak and Snorkel Eco-Ventures
Kama’aina Kayak and Snorkel Eco-Ventures
Kayak and Snorkel Rentals on Kane'ohe Bay, Oahu
Kayak and Snorkel Rental Options
Aloha! And welcome to Kama’aina Kids Kayak and Snorkel Eco-Ventures at He’eia State Park!
Kama’aina Kids is a Hawai’i based nonprofit childcare organization. We are also the steward of He’eia State Park, one of Oahu’s hidden gems on Kane’ohe Bay.
We are proud to offer safe, eco-friendly kayaking and snorkeling activities for ocean lovers of all ages to experience Kane’ohe Bay. This is also nonprofit, and the proceeds directly fund He’eia State Park! We couldn’t do it without you, so mahalo for your support!
Kayak to the famous Kane’ohe Sandbar and spectacular coral reefs full of amazing marine life! This calm, protected bay provides ideal kayaking and snorkeling conditions, as well as breathtaking views of Oahu’s Ko’olau mountains that you can only get from the water. Your kayak is set up right on the water’s edge, where your adventure awaits!
Testimonials
Best Kayak Rental On The Windward Side Kama'aina Kayak is located at the beautiful He'eia State Park on Kaneohe Bay. I use to frequent this place as... read moreKama'aina Kayak is located at the beautiful He'eia State Park on Kaneohe Bay. I use to frequent this place as a child and young adult. I have since moved to the mainland but still have family here so we visit the islands regularly. I wanted to take my wife to the sandbar and give her a snorkeling experience without the crowds of Hanauma Bay.Our first contact was with Andy at the check in desk. Andy was assisting a couple from another country and included us in on the do's and don'ts of kayaking the bay. By the time Andy was done I did not have any questions because he touched on everything and more.
After we finished with Andy, we were directed down to the bayfront to get our kayaks and equipment. Kevin and another gentleman (I forgot his name, so sorry) greeted us with smiles. His instructions we very clear and left no doubt in my mind on what to do while on the water.
Living in Kailua, I had sailed/boated many times to the sandbar and over the reefs in the bay, but I have never snorkeled the bay myself. Kevin went the extra mile for us. We asked Kevin which reef spots were the best to snorkel. Like a ninja, Kevin took my phone and before I blinked he had entered in a multitude of pins on Google Maps of the best spots to check out.
We had a fantastic time on, and in, the water while on the bay. The employees made this experience one to remember. I highly recommend visiting them while on the Windward side of island. read less
Matt D
9/02/2023
Great kayaking experience! From making a reservation to the actual kayaking, the place is great. Reservations were easy online (plus a discount) or... read moreFrom making a reservation to the actual kayaking, the place is great. Reservations were easy online (plus a discount) or walk up and pay if kayaks are available. This is inside a well kept state park, and the kayaking is available on calmer waters within the bay. The guides explained where to go for snorkeling, and anchors were available for rent. Lots of reefs to explore. We were lucky enough to see turtles! Great waters, great views of the island! read less 
Sandy B
8/15/2023
Best place to rent kayaks in Oahu! Kama'aina Kayak & Snorkel was so great and helpful with our kayak rentals. We were running late to our check-in... read moreKama'aina Kayak & Snorkel was so great and helpful with our kayak rentals. We were running late to our check-in time, and they were very laid back and accommodated us. They made sure that were were very knowledgeable about the water conditions and destinations for our adventure. They provided detailed instructions for how to get out and back, and we had no problems. The sandbar at Kaneohe is a must-do while in Oahu. It is beautiful and peaceful, and you can spend a couple hours there just relaxing and taking in the beautiful backdrop of the Kualoa Ranch mountains. The location within the Ke'eia State Park is ideal for an easy visit. Lots of parking, showers, and an easy push off and return. I highly recommend you rent your kayaks from them! read less 
S4298TFchristinef
7/31/2023
Amazing family adventure! The people working here were very friendly and knowledgeable! Kayaking to the sandbar was my families favorite... read moreAmazing family adventure! The people working here were very friendly and knowledgeable! Kayaking to the sandbar was my families favorite adventure in Oahu! read less
Jenny Dillon
7/14/2023
We loved Tandem Kayaking with Kama'aina from 9am -12:30pm on July 5. Check in was easy at He'eia State Park.... read moreWe loved Tandem Kayaking with Kama'aina from 9am -12:30pm on July 5. Check in was easy at He'eia State Park. Instructions were included in our confirmation email. The front desk worker was friendly and gave us a sheet with our information to take down to the ramp. The next person was also friendly and talked us through the map, weather, and tides. He gave us good suggestions about the sandbar and nearby island reefs to snorkel. We signed our sheet to show we were updated about conditions. Then we took our sheet to the bottom of the ramp to get our kayak. We were given life jackets and paddles (and a sand anchor for $5). We chose to paddle to the sandbar because it was exposed (whereas the reefs would have been hard to park our boat at with the low tide). It was gorgeous! The wind started picking up on our paddle back, which helped us, but I felt bad for the people heading out. 5/5 experience for <$100! read less
Kayleigh Wall
7/11/2023
We loved Tandem Kayaking with Kama'aina from 9am -12:30pm on July 5. Check in was easy at He'eia State Park.... read moreWe loved Tandem Kayaking with Kama'aina from 9am -12:30pm on July 5. Check in was easy at He'eia State Park. Instructions were included in our confirmation email. The front desk worker was friendly and gave us a sheet with our information to take down to the ramp. The next person was also friendly and talked us through the map, weather, and tides. He gave us good suggestions about the sandbar and nearby island reefs to snorkel. We signed our sheet to show we were updated about conditions. Then we took our sheet to the bottom of the ramp to get our kayak. We were given life jackets and paddles (and a sand anchor for $5). We chose to paddle to the sandbar because it was exposed (whereas the reefs would have been hard to park our boat at with the low tide). It was gorgeous! We brought our own snorkel gear and waded around in the shallow waters. We saw lots of sea cucumbers and even a sea turtle was we paddled back out! I hopped out of the kayak to swim with it. Remember not to get too close! The wind started picking up on our paddle back (we even got a little rain shower). The wind helped us, but I felt bad for the people heading out. 5/5 experience for under $100! read less 
Kayleigh W.
7/11/2023
The check in process was very easy and the staff made it more so by giving detailed (but not too... read moreThe check in process was very easy and the staff made it more so by giving detailed (but not too detailed) briefing of the area. The equipment (kayaks, snorkels, etc.) were all in good shape. We didn't have any issues with anything breaking while we were there. One thing to know: most people kayak to the sand bar. It is 1.5 miles from the kayak launch. If you aren't comfortable in a kayak, you need to pair with someone who is. We saw 5 sea turtles between shore and the sand bar. Overall, it was great! read less
Joe Vinas
7/08/2023
Rented a kayak with an anchor to paddle out and snorkel by the corals. Beautiful patch reefs, huge variety of... read moreRented a kayak with an anchor to paddle out and snorkel by the corals. Beautiful patch reefs, huge variety of fish, and SO MANY sea turtles resting in the coral. We saw a gorgeous snowflake moray near the sandbar. An incredible experience! The staff was super nice and we got a very helpful orientation + map of the area. Highly recommend renting for the full 8 hours, there is so much to see! I would definitely come back again. read less
Dawn Haken
7/07/2023
A Fabulous Day on KBay We could not be more pleased with the service and information we received upon checking in for our 4-hour two... read moreWe could not be more pleased with the service and information we received upon checking in for our 4-hour two personkayak adventure on Kaneohe Bay. read less
Kathy R
7/07/2023
Una delle esperienze più belle e più faticose. Faticoso perché pagaiavamo contro vento, bastava che ti fermavi un secondo e... read moreUna delle esperienze più belle e più faticose. Faticoso perché pagaiavamo contro vento, bastava che ti fermavi un secondo e ti rimandava indietro di metri. Però stupendo se vi fermate a fare snorkeling quindi fatevi dare l'ancora. Tantissime tartarughe e pesci incredibili: un sogno! Scarpe per coralli necessarie. I ragazzi gentilissimi ti spiegano tutto e ti danno una cartina e ti segnano i punti più belli su maps. Super consigliato! read less
Ilaria Vittori
7/02/2023
Best Kayak experience ever! Staffs are very nice to explain every detail in person and how to enjoy. I’m glad... read moreBest Kayak experience ever! Staffs are very nice to explain every detail in person and how to enjoy. I’m glad that you can go out kayaking in the Hawaii ocean without any limitation (of course there are some restriction for your own safety). Anyhow, it was the best kayaking in the ocean exp for me and I’d def go here again when I visit Hawaii later. read less
Matt Minsub lee
7/01/2023
Excellent experience with an excellent staff!! I am so glad I booked this for me and my Girlfriend. Kaneohe... read moreExcellent experience with an excellent staff!! I am so glad I booked this for me and my Girlfriend. Kaneohe sandbar is such an amazing piece to see in person. read less
john pena
6/30/2023
Best Kayak experience ever! Staffs are very nice to explain every detail in person and how to enjoy. I'm glad... read moreBest Kayak experience ever! Staffs are very nice to explain every detail in person and how to enjoy. I'm glad that you can go out kayaking in the Hawaii ocean without any limitation (of course there are some restriction for your own safety). Anyhow, it was the best kayaking in the ocean exp for me and I'd def go here again when I visit Hawaii later. read less 
Matt Minsub l.
6/30/2023
A Must Do! Bucket list! What an AMAZING experience for all! We rented 2 kayaks one single and one double. Had they told us the... read moreWhat an AMAZING experience for all!
We rented 2 kayaks one single and one double. Had they told us the struggle with a double with 20 mph winds, we all would’ve had singles so mark my words, if the winds are high, go single kayaks. (We had previous kayak experience.).
The double kayaks tend to turn toward the wind making it VERY difficult to paddle except on one side. This exhausts you.
The kayak place itself is hard to find with the lack of signs and so is the sand bar .or the kayak place to bring them back. We did mention to the workers that a flag of some sort would’ve been helpful to find our way back. They told us the manager knows this but ignores their request. Do better manager! Just be very clear where you need to go to get back. We aimed towards the tall trees. Oh and they aren’t snakes sea cucumbers in the water. Lol.
Is it worth the experience OMG yes! You will experience something that cannot be described with words. Do it, hit a bucket list. read less
BuckeyeTripReviewer
6/23/2023
My teenage daughter and I rented a double kayak and paddled to the sand bar. It was a beautiful day... read moreMy teenage daughter and I rented a double kayak and paddled to the sand bar. It was a beautiful day with cloud cover while the sand bar was all sun! We saw a large (3 foot wide) sea turtle at edge of sand bar! We kept our distance and stayed in kayak to observe and witness it breathtaking beauty….a wonderful day! Wear Reef-safe sunscreen y’all; pack some snacks (sans plastic!); bring water, a snorkel and maybe some light, easy to transport water games. It’s a day with remembering! read less
Dee Anna Behle
6/18/2023
Great setup to launch kayaks.Nice equipment, Friendly staff. Would do it again
Mark Burkhardt
6/16/2023
Do the double kayak! Much more fun to be with your friend/partner. The wind was intense on our day kayaking... read moreDo the double kayak! Much more fun to be with your friend/partner. The wind was intense on our day kayaking but we survived! We also saw a seal and multiple sea turtles. We did not rent snorkel gear and were happy with just the kayaks. Would do again. read less
Kate Retherford
6/14/2023
Supportive and friendly staffs. The rental is smooth, and they suggest alot of great spots and tips. I was able... read moreSupportive and friendly staffs. The rental is smooth, and they suggest alot of great spots and tips. I was able to see some great wildlife. read less
Steve Lee
6/14/2023
We wanted to snorkel and see marine life in a reef setting that is free from large crowds and we... read moreWe wanted to snorkel and see marine life in a reef setting that is free from large crowds and we got it in spades! Our paddle was mid week in June and encountered only three other kayaks on the water. We found a reef about a mile away where half a dozen turtles slept or swam around! Also there were plenty of fish and worms. We didn't feel the need to explore the more popular sand bar because that wasn't our thing and it was a mile in the opposite direction of the reefs. If bringing cameras and phones, be sure to keep them in a zip-loc bag because things will get wet. Definite rent an anchor if you intend to snorkel or you might resurface to find you boat has left with all your stuff. Depending on the tide and wind, the the paddling may be quite challenging. Adults paddling with small children in the bow will need some basic boat control skills to maintain heading as well a pay close attention to time management. The nearest productive reef is just under half a mile away. As a reference our two tandem kayaks paddled by four moderately skilled adult paddlers averaged about 2.5 mph. Do ask the helpful employees on their recommendations based on your party's skills and goals. The only downside I can think of is the minor annoyance of the noise from private jets from the nearby airfield and military jets from a nearby air base while paddling. The jet sounds are barely perceptible while snorkeling. read less
Frank Huang
6/12/2023
Service was friendly and did a wonderful job at explaining directions to sites.
Carrie Coate
6/12/2023
Long paddle to the reefs, but well worth the time! We wanted to snorkel and see marine life in a reef setting that is free from large crowds and we... read moreWe wanted to snorkel and see marine life in a reef setting that is free from large crowds and we got it in spades! Our paddle was mid week in June and encountered only three other kayaks on the water. We found a reef about a mile away where half a dozen turtles slept or swam around! Also there were plenty of fish and worms. We didn't feel the need to explore the more popular sand bar because that wasn't our thing and it was a mile in the opposite direction of the reefs. If bringing cameras and phones, be sure to keep them in a zip-loc bag because things will get wet. Definite rent an anchor if you intend to snorkel or you might resurface to find you boat has left with all your stuff.Depending on the tide and wind, the the paddling may be quite challenging. Adults paddling with small children in the bow will need some basic boat control skills to maintain heading as well a pay close attention to time management. The nearest productive reef is just under half a mile away. As a reference our two tandem kayaks paddled by four moderately skilled adult paddlers averaged about 2.5 mph. Do ask the helpful employees on their recommendations based on your party's skills and goals.
The only downside I can think of is the minor annoyance of the noise from private jets from the nearby airfield and military jets from a nearby air base while paddling. The jet sounds are barely perceptible while snorkeling. read less
frankhI8096ET
6/12/2023
This is the easiest and bast place to rent kayaks to snorkel Kaneohe Bay. They are friendly and knowledgeable.... read moreThis is the easiest and bast place to rent kayaks to snorkel Kaneohe Bay. They are friendly and knowledgeable. They pointed us in the right direction for a great day is snorkeling!!! I would 100% recommend!!! read less
Gail Dolan
6/11/2023
Absolutely enjoyed kayaking around KBay! Incredibly friendly staff. Would definitely go back. Also, I would recommend getting an anchor if... read moreAbsolutely enjoyed kayaking around KBay! Incredibly friendly staff. Would definitely go back. Also, I would recommend getting an anchor if you even think you wanna get off the kayak(s) over by the sandbars, snorkel, etc. read less
Brandon Holliday
6/10/2023
The best place to rent kayaks and snorkel Kaneohe Bay We have done this twice now. We originally rented a tandem kayak in April 2022. We liked it... read moreWe have done this twice now. We originally rented a tandem kayak in April 2022. We liked it so much we brought back our 3 children and 5 of their friends. We had ages from 11 yrs to 21 years with us and we all had a great time. The reef in Kaneohe bay is one of the best snorkel places that doesn’t require a boat or tour to access. The kayaks are easy to maneuver even for those of us who are inexperienced. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They pointed us in the right direction for a great day of snorkeling. I would 100% recommend kayaking Kaneohe Bay. Being in the park is extremely convenient as well. read less 
gaild597
6/10/2023
Great place
Kevin Cave
6/09/2023
Great staff and informative personal. Had such a great time at the sandbar. Kayak was well maintained as... read moreGreat staff and informative personal. Had such a great time at the sandbar. Kayak was well maintained as well as the paddles. Life Vest (PFD) provided as well as anchors. read less
Selena Lu
6/08/2023
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Easy to find.
Michael Sayler
6/05/2023
Very smooth check in and detailed safety brief. Staff was very welcoming and I would recommend to book now!!
Ronnie Jaralba
5/29/2023
Awesome spot cuz go check em out!!!
Jackie Pagan
5/29/2023
Great place to rent kayaks and snorkel gear! We had intended to kayak out to the sand bar but one... read moreGreat place to rent kayaks and snorkel gear! We had intended to kayak out to the sand bar but one of the employees mentioned that the marine life at one of the coral patches was a must see. Boy are we glad we listened to them! We ended up snorkeling at a reef where we saw and swan with Turtles, hammerhead sharks and tons of fish!! An amazing adventure, this is a must do for anyone visiting Oahu! read less
Sam Leung
5/29/2023
