Welcome to Kona, Hawaii’s aquatic playground.
Dreams come true on the Big Island as you glide across the crystal waters.
Discover the best places to paddle board in Kona and immerse yourself in paradise.
Join us as we unveil Kona’s breathtaking coastline and its hidden gems. Let’s ride the waves together!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Kona
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Kailua Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Kailua Pier (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light winds, mild currents
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish, occasional whales
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Kailua Kona shoreline, Ironman Triathlon start point
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, keep a respectful distance from wildlife
Kailua Bay, located in the heart of Kailua Kona, offers pristine waters and picturesque shoreline for paddleboarding. With calm waters and an abundance of marine life, it’s a popular spot for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders.
Don’t forget to enjoy the views along the coast and keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles as you paddle.
#2 Kahalu’u Beach Park
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Kahalu’u Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, shallow bay, gentle waves
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, snorkelers
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lava rock formations, Kahalu’u Beach
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay out of designated swimming areas, respect marine life
Kahalu’u Beach Park offers a serene and sheltered spot for paddleboarding in Kona. Known for its abundance of fish and sea turtles, it’s perfect for those interested in wildlife encounters.
The shallow bay and gentle waves make it a great option for inexperienced paddleboarders, but be mindful of snorkelers and swimmers.
#3 Kealakekua Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Napo’opo’o Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild currents
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, tropical fish, sea turtles
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Captain Cook Monument, coral reefs
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear sun protection, respect marine life, preserve coral reefs
Kealakekua Bay, a Marine Life Conservation District, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Paddleboarding here offers a unique opportunity to explore this protected marine ecosystem.
Keep an eye out for dolphins, as they are known to frequent the bay, but remember to respect the wildlife and conservation rules.
#4 Kamakahonu Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Kamakahonu Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Shallow, calm waters with gentle waves
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Kailua Kona shoreline, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay out of designated swimming areas, respect marine life
Kamakahonu Beach, located near the Kailua Kona pier, offers a family-friendly option for paddleboarding. Its shallow waters and calm conditions make it an excellent spot for beginners and children.
Surrounded by the Kona shoreline, it provides a scenic paddle experience and opportunities to spot tropical fish and sea turtles.
#5 Anaeho’omalu Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Anaeho’omalu Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, gentle waves
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Waikoloa Beach Resort, ancient Hawaiian fishponds, palm trees
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay out of designated swimming areas, respect marine life
Located in Waikoloa, Anaeho’omalu Bay offers a beautiful and tranquil paddleboarding spot. Surrounded by palm trees and ancient Hawaiian fishponds, this location is full of natural beauty and history.
The calm bay waters and gentle waves make it suitable for paddleboarders of all skill levels. Be sure to watch for sea turtles as you glide along the tranquil water.
#6 Honokohau Harbor
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Usually calm, mild currents
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, fish, occasional sea turtles
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, marina view
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life, avoid docking areas
Honokohau Harbor offers a unique paddleboarding experience in a bustling marina setting. Located within Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, this harbor provides a blend of history, culture, and ocean adventure.
While paddling, watch for dolphins or fish swimming alongside your board. However, be sure to watch for boat traffic and respect harbor rules as you paddle through this scenic area.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Kona?
Keauhou Bay, Kailua Pier, and Kahaluu Beach Park are great locations for paddle boarding in Kona.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Kona?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Kona.
When is the best time to paddle board in Kona?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Kona is from May to November due to the calmer waters and pleasant weather.
