Hawaii Kayaking Destinations
Kayaking Hawaii can be as peaceful as a solitary paddle trip along a tranquil river or as wild as a rough ocean adventure. Popular kayaking destinations can be found on Kauai, Maui and Molokai. Some of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii are extremely difficult to access via land but kayaking gives paddlers immediate access to appreciate and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a river suitable river for kayaking. Wailua River on the eastern side of the island is a favored destination. The right side of the river is reserved for kayaking.
Wailua River Valley was once reserved for royalty. It is still considered sacred and special by many. The river is typically gentle with little current.
Lush tropical foliage, beautiful exotic blooming flowers, ancient ruins, sacred waterfalls, old Hawaiian villages, pristine canyons and tropical rain forests are just a portion of the scenic beauty kayakers can experience.
Several tour companies operate in the region. Single, double, and triple kayaks are available for rent. The Secret Falls and Fern Grotto are popular Hawaii kayaking destinations.
There are times when access to one or more areas (such as the grotto) is restricted but there’s so much more to see that kayakers aren’t left with time on their hands.
Maui kayaking tours include beginner tours, Makena tours and Honolua Bay tours. Kayak surfing tours are available and at least one tour company welcomes physically challenged kayakers.
Kayaking Makena Landing gives paddlers the opportunity to see turtles, eels, octopus, reef sharks, tropical fish and occasionally whales or dolphins.
The secluded and beautiful Pali Sea Cliff area features rugged shoreline, sharp sea cliffs and stunning coral reefs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are a highlight of kayaking Makena Bay.
Honolua Bay is a marine reserve. The coral reef teems with fish. Kayaking here does require paddling into moderately strong trade winds.
Kayaking Hawaii’s Molokini Crater allows kayakers to access areas powerboats can get to. Some of the island’s most spectacular sea life is said to be found here.
Molokai is best reserved for experienced kayakers. Ocean swells and rough waves make paddling too difficult and dangerous for beginners. The island’s undeveloped north shore may be paddled from east to west but kayakers rarely paddle the return route. Ten mile-per-hour winds make the trip a rough one.
Kayaking Hawaii’s Kona coast gives paddlers the opportunity to explore Kealakekua Bay, Keahou, Ho’okena, Honaunau and Kailua.
Kealakekua Bay is the most protected deep water bay and is designated a Marine Life Conservation District. The Bay was the home of many Hawaiian Chiefs and is where Captain Cook landed. A Captain Cook monument stands there today.
Across the bay, kayakers will find pristine reefs where over 250 species of fish have been identified. Glass kayaks can be rented in Kona, making kayaking Hawaii a truly amazing and different experience.
Keahuou Bay, birthplace of Kamehameha the great, boasts calm waters. Kayakers paddling along the south cliffs will pass sea caves. One of the sea caves can often be entered by kayak, making for a unique Hawaiian kayaking experience.
Kayaking Hawaii can be a tranquil experience or an adrenalin rush. From tropical waterfalls to rushing rapids, from sea caves to historical ruins, paddlers can choose the perfect kayak trip.
Kayaking in Australia
Australia offers a variety of kayaking options, from mild to wild. Here are some popular Australia kayaking destinations.
Perth
Perth, in Western Australia, offers serious whitewater kayaking. Winter in Australia is July to September. One winter destination is Murray River. The Murray features grade 2-4 rapids and a steep gradient. Rapids include Tricky Dick, Columbines, Fast Eddies, Gobbly Girl and Terminations Rapid.
Broome
Sheltered bays and abundant marine life greet kayakers along this clean coastline. Birds, fish, dolphins and manta rays are some of the marine life present. Turtle Bay Lookout is a leisurely kayak trip exploring reefs, rock formations and watching birds and marine life.
Sea kayaking south of Broome to the Eco Beach and Cape Villarette area is a leisurely paddle. Ocean kayaks are recommended.
Sydney
Kayakers can see one of Australia’s largest tourist attractions, the Sydney Harbour, from sea level. Sydney Harbour is home to the Opera House, the Admiralty House (General Governor’s Residence), Kerribilli House (Prime Minister’s Residence), some of Sydney’s most expensive water front real estate and more.
Kayaking tours of the area are available. Some tour guides have changed their policies and no longer accept inexperienced kayakers. They state that the Harbour has much more motorized boat traffic and that it’s best if only experienced sea kayakers paddle through the more crowded areas.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is part of the Port River Estuary. Kayaking is an excellent way to meet up with the Port River dolphins and to tour the Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage trail.
Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy sea kayaking the world’s largest reef system. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is 1400 miles long and home to 1800 known species of fish and 450 species of coral. 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands make up Great Barrier Reef. The biggest problem in kayaking the area is in deciding where to paddle first.
Green Island is a 6,000 year old coral cay and National Park on the Great Barrier Reef. Sandy beaches, clear water and a tropical rain forest make it a popular kayaking destination with some tours.
Tully River in the World Heritage Rainforest
Reef and rain forest tours are available from various tour operators. The Tully River, a Class IV, in the World Heritage Rain Forest is Australia’s most famous whitewater kayaking destination.
The Tully is located 87 miles south of Cairns. The river flows through the World Heritage Rain Forest. It’s a steep, technical grade 4 river. A five hour kayaking trip covers 45 rapids, including the Alarm Clock, the Wet & Moisty, Staircase and Theatre.
Prince’s Bridge to Westgate Bridge
The Yarra River used to be the lifeblood of Melbourne. Kayakers can see the old docks, boats and bridges from water level. Paddle alongside tankers and cargo boats for a new perspective on size. The area now contains a casino, restaurants, shops and cycling track. Kayakers can pull up at Southbank or the Docklands and grab some refreshment.
From the magnificent Sydney Harbor to the wild Tully River, Australia offers something for both experienced and beginning kayakers.
