Basics of Kayaking in Kane’ohe Bay

Kane’ohe Bay is the flattest, calmest, most protected bay on Oahu’s windward coast, which makes it an ideal place for kayaking.  

Wind and tide can still have an effect on your paddling experience, so those two conditions are the most important things to be aware of that will determine the difficulty level and accessibility of different possible destinations.

Our staff will give you a waterproof map of the bay and a personalized briefing of the conditions, possible destinations, and everything you need to know to have a safe, fun, kayaking experience!

Kayaking to the Kane’ohe Sandbar

Ahu o Laka, aka the famous Kane’ohe Sandbar is one possible destination to kayak to in Kane’ohe Bay.  The sandbar is not an island.  Most of the time it is actually submerged, but usually anywhere from ankle to waist deep in its shallowest areas.  You can always go there, and it is always shallow enough to stand on, but it only becomes a dry, exposed beach at extreme low tides, which doesn’t happen every day.  You can always check the tide predictions with us before scheduling your kayak rental.

The sandbar is located over one mile out from our location at the outer reaches of Kane’ohe Bay.  It will always be the most challenging paddling destination relative to other reefs strictly because of the distance.  But it is totally worth it!  Just remember to check the wind forecast.  The wind will be the most important factor that will determine the difficulty level.

Minimizing Your Impact on the Environment

Kayaking and snorkeling can be very low-impact, sustainable, non-invasive way to explore this amazing marine ecoystem.  Here are the most important things to keep in mind:

Look but don’t touch!  It’s okay to observe marine life in its natural habitat.  But please look from a respectable distance and don’t chase.  If an animal reacts to your presence, then you are too close.

Never touch, take, feed, harass, or otherwise harm or interact with any marine life, including coral.   Remember that we are guests in their home.  We want our presence to go as unnoticed and with as little impact as possible.

Remember that coral is a living animal, even if it looks like rock.  There is no such thing as rock that is okay to touch or stand on.  The living coral provides shelter and food for all life on the reef.  Assume anything that isn’t sand is a living creature and should not be touched.

Use only reef safe sun protection.  SPF clothing is the best, but reef safe sunscreen should have only “non-nano” mineral compounds such as zinc oxide as its active ingredients.

Be mindful not to litter or leave anything behind out there.  You can also have a positive impact by removing marine debris or garbage you find in your travels.  The ocean and its inhabitants will thank you!

Anchoring Your Kayak

Make sure to rent an anchor (or the total yak pack that includes an anchor) if you want to be able to leave your kayak unattended to swim, snorkel, or relax without having to hang onto the kayak.  

The anchors are small, easy to use, and will be already attached to your kayak so you don’t need to tie or untie anything.  Just set it and forget it.  But always keep an eye on your kayaks when anchored to make sure the anchor is staying set and not coming loose.

Be sure to only anchor in the sand.  Assume everything that looks like rock is living coral.  Please avoid all contact with coral at all costs.  In the sand is the only place for feet and anchors.