Stand Up Paddle Lesson on Oahu: Learn with Sea Turtles

Glide through calm waters as the sun sets over Oahu’s historic bay

A two-hour stand up paddle lesson on Oahu's North Shore where you learn paddling technique on land, then paddle across Haleiwa Bay into the Anahulu stream. The stream is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles, which are common in the area. Instructors are certified lifeguards. The school has run for over a decade and holds a Certificate of Excellence. Children from age 4 are welcome.

The experience

You start on the beach with a brief lesson on land (stance, paddle grip, how to balance on the board) before heading onto the water. The bay is calm, which is why the school chose this location. You'll paddle across it and into the Anahulu stream, where the turtles live. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but they're common enough that most paddlers see them. The stream also gives you a chance to practice what you just learned in a protected setting, with your instructor watching and offering tips as you go.

This is a group lesson, so you'll paddle alongside other travelers, usually a small cluster, not a crowd. That means you're learning together, not alone, and the instructor can adjust the pace to match the group's level. All the instructors are certified lifeguards and trained to work with beginners, people who've never swum much, and anyone nervous about balance. The school has been running for over 13 years and holds a Certificate of Excellence. Many paddlers say it's the best part of their trip to Oahu.

You can choose a morning or evening session. The evening option includes a Hawaiian sunset over the water, which changes the light and the mood of the paddle without changing what you learn or where you go. Bottled water and a lifejacket (available if you want one) are included. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a water bottle if you have them.

What’s included

• Stand up paddle board and paddle.
• lifejacket available upon request.
• bottled water.
• two-hour instruction from a certified lifeguard guide in English or Portuguese.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs Monday to Saturday at 11:00, from US$ 104 per person, with a live guide in English and Portuguese, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 11:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 101 private ›

Live guideEnglish and PortugueseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Rainbow Watersports Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Waikiki or central Oahu without a car: pickup and dropoff are included, so you skip the logistics of reaching Haleiwa Bay on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 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.

I've never paddled before, will I be able to keep up?

The lesson starts on land with a full introduction to stance, grip and balance before you touch the water, and the instructors are certified lifeguards trained to work with complete beginners. The bay and stream are calm, which is why the school chose this location. You'll practice in protected water with the instructor watching and adjusting the pace to your group's level.

How often do you actually see the sea turtles in the Anahulu stream?

Sightings aren't guaranteed, but Hawaiian green sea turtles are very common in the stream. Most paddlers do see them during the lesson, though the exact number and how close they come varies.

What's included in the two-hour lesson?

The stand up paddle board, paddle, lifejacket (available upon request), bottled water, and instruction from a certified guide are all included. Gratuities are optional and not included in the price.

Can my four-year-old come paddling with me?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. The instructors are trained to work with young paddlers, though you may want to discuss your child's swimming ability and comfort on the water when you book.

Do I need to arrange transportation to Haleiwa Bay, or is it included?

Transportation to the beach is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point on Oahu's North Shore. If you don't have a car, a taxi or rideshare from your hotel in Honolulu or Waikiki will get you there.

What's the difference between a morning and evening session?

Both sessions are two hours and cover the same paddling lesson and route into the Anahulu stream. The evening session includes a Hawaiian sunset over the water. The morning session starts earlier and gives you the rest of the day free.