Hanalei Bay kayak and snorkel tour: Hidden beach and sea turtles

Paddle a river, kayak a bay, snorkel a reef, land on a beach most visitors don't reach

A morning kayak and snorkel tour in Hanalei Bay starts at a private dock on the river, paddles downstream to the bay where you'll see Hawaiian green sea turtles, then lands at a hidden beach for 45 minutes of snorkeling and a full lunch. The guides are born and raised on the island and share the history and ecology as you go. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the tour runs 8:30am to 1pm with snorkel gear and lunch included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak, snorkel, and lunch at Hanalei Bay

• Check in at 8am
• Fit snorkel gear
• Kayak down Hanalei River
• Learn Hanalei River history
• Kayak into Hanalei Bay
• See Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
• Land kayaks at beach
• Snorkel for 45 minutes
• Learn reef ecology from guides
• Enjoy deli style lunch
• Relax and talk story on beach

The experience

The tour begins at 8am check-in at a private dock on the Hanalei River. You slip into a double kayak (single kayaks go to odd-numbered groups) and paddle downstream with your guide, learning the river's history and getting comfortable with the paddle before the current opens into Hanalei Bay. The guides are local (born and raised here), and they use the paddle time to share what the river and the bay mean to the people who live on this island.

Once in the bay, you spend most of the tour on the water, watching for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) before the guide steers toward a hidden beach. You beach the kayaks and get fitted for snorkel gear. Bring your own traditional two-piece mask and snorkel if you have one, or use what's provided. Full-face masks are not permitted. The snorkel lasts 45 minutes. Your guide points out what to look for on the reef and explains modern reef ecology as you move through the water.

After snorkeling, you stay on the beach for lunch: a full deli sandwich (turkey or vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free available), Hawaiian-style chips, a cookie, juice and bottled water. This is the time to sit, ask questions, and listen to your guides talk story about the island. The tour ends by 1pm.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear fitted to you (or bring your own traditional two-piece mask and snorkel).
• 45 minutes of guided snorkeling on the reef.
• a full deli lunch with your choice of turkey or vegetarian/vegan sandwich, Hawaiian chips, a cookie, bottled water and juice (gluten-free sandwich available).
• water-resistant dry bags for your belongings.
• use of a double kayak or single kayak depending on group size.
• and the knowledge of guides who are born and raised on the island and share its history and culture throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayak Hanalei

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and shares island knowledge as you paddle and snorkel, so families with kids from age 5 up can follow the whole tour and learn as you go. If you want to snorkel but don't want to arrange gear, transport or a meal, this tour handles all three and lands you on a beach most visitors don't find on their own.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

627 verified traveler reviews

5 ★600

4 ★19

3 ★1

2 ★2

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the snorkeling part of the Hanalei Bay tour actually involve?

You snorkel for 45 minutes on the reef after landing kayaks at a hidden beach. Your guide points out what to look for and explains reef ecology while you're in the water. Snorkel gear is provided, or you can bring your own traditional mask and snorkel set: full-face masks are not allowed.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear on this Hanalei Bay tour?

Yes. You're welcome to bring your own snorkel equipment as long as it's a traditional two-piece mask and snorkel set. Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted on the tour. If you don't bring gear, a complete set will be provided and fitted to you at the start.

How long is the Hanalei Bay kayak and snorkel tour?

The tour runs from 8:30am to 1pm, which is about four and a half hours total. Check-in is at 8am at the private dock on the Hanalei River.

What's included in the lunch on this tour?

Lunch is a full deli sandwich (you choose turkey or vegetarian/vegan at booking, and gluten-free options are available), plus Hawaiian-style chips, a cookie, bottled water and juice. You pick your sandwich preference when you book.

What are the Hawaiian green sea turtles like in Hanalei Bay?

Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) live in Hanalei Bay, and spotting them is part of the kayak portion of the tour. Your guide will point them out as you paddle and share what they know about these turtles and their place in Hawaiian waters.