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

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration5h

GroupUp to 16

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.