Kailua: Self-Guided Kayak & Snorkel Day with Lunch & Islands

Summary

Kayak to Oahu’s offshore islands at your own pace with lunch

You’ll paddle out from Kailua Bay with everything set up—kayak, snorkel gear, lunch packed—and chart your own route to Oahu’s offshore islands or hidden beaches. Swim in tide pools, spot birds or turtles if you’re lucky, and finish with time to relax on shore or ride bikes along the coast. It’s your pace all day—no rush.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color—Kailua Bay is this wild blue-green that doesn’t quite show up in photos. We dragged our kayaks across the sand (I got more water in my shoes than I’d planned) and pushed out past the reef, where the water suddenly turned glassy and quiet. There was a couple next to us who waved and then just disappeared toward one of those little islands—Mokulua, I think. You can pick whichever island you want, but we aimed for the one with the bird sanctuary because our guide at check-in said sometimes you see wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting there. Not sure if we did, but we did see a lot of birds swooping low over the water. I tried to pronounce “Mokulua” right—Li at the rental shop laughed and corrected me gently.

We stopped halfway to let our arms rest, drifting a bit while eating the sandwiches they packed for us (turkey for me, veggie for my friend). The air tasted salty and there was this mix of sunscreen and plumeria from someone’s bag nearby. At some point, a family with kids paddled by—one of them shouted “turtle!” and everyone just spun their kayaks around trying to spot it. We didn’t see it but honestly just floating there felt good enough. The whole thing is self-guided so you’re on your own schedule; nobody rushing you along or telling you where to go next.

After landing on the island (the sand’s rougher than it looks), we wandered around tide pools and tried snorkeling—mask fogged up instantly but after fixing it I caught flashes of yellow fish darting between rocks. On the way back, sunburn started creeping in even though I thought I’d covered everything. There’s an option to grab bikes after if you still have energy—I only made it as far as Lanikai Beach before collapsing into a beach chair. Still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and explore Kailua Bay

• Pick up kayak and snorkel gear
• Kayak to offshore islands
• Visit Mokulua Island bird sanctuaries
• Stop for a swim at tide pools
• Relax on a deserted beach
• Enjoy included lunch
• Use free bike rentals to Lanikai Beach
• Snorkel at Lanikai Beach
• Return equipment and end tour

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Kailua kayaking tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your self-guided kayak day in Kailua.

Can beginners join this self-guided kayaking trip?

Yes, all levels and ages are welcome on this kayaking experience.

Are snorkel gear and bikes provided?

Snorkel equipment is included, plus free bike rentals for ages 13 and up.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Optional hotel pickup/drop-off is available for $30 per person at 9:15am.

Which islands can I kayak to from Kailua?

You can choose between several offshore islands including Mokulua Island bird-nesting sanctuaries.

How long does the kayak trip take?

You explore at your own pace; most people spend several hours paddling and relaxing on beaches.

Are beach chairs or boogie boards included?

Your package includes use of beach chairs and boogie boards after kayaking.

Is parking free at the starting point?

Yes, free parking is included with your booking in Kailua.

What’s included

Your day includes use of single or double kayaks, snorkel gear, packed lunch, beach chairs, boogie boards, free bike rentals for guests aged 13+, all necessary island landing permits, optional hotel pickup for a fee, and free parking near Kailua Bay before setting out on your adventure.