8 Best Places to Paddle Board on Big Island, Hawaii

Big Island: a tropical paradise with endless adventures.

Have you ever imagined discovering the best places to paddle board in Big Island, Hawaii?

From pristine bays to majestic waterfalls, get ready for a unique experience.

Embark on a Hawaiian paddleboarding journey and embrace the aloha spirit. Are you in?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Big Island
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Big Island

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 Keauhou Bay

️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Keauhou Bay Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manta rays, spinner dolphins, sea turtles
Landmarks & Views: Mauna Loa volcano, lava cliffs, historical sites
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect marine life, avoid sharp lava rocks

Keauhou Bay, located on the western coast of Big Island, offers a stunning setting for paddleboarding. With its clear, calm waters, paddlers can glide over coral reefs and spot manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles swimming below.

Be sure to take in the surrounding view of Mauna Loa volcano and explore nearby lava cliffs and historical sites.

#2 Hilo Bay

️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Hilo Bayfront Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, windier conditions in the afternoon
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, colorful fish, dolphins
Landmarks & Views: Downtown Hilo, scenic coastline, Mauna Kea in the distance
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, take caution in windier conditions

Hilo Bay on the eastern coast of Big Island presents a tranquil and scenic paddleboarding experience. Enjoy the vibrant marine life beneath the calm waters while taking in the views of downtown Hilo and the towering Mauna Kea volcano.

Be mindful of occasional wind gusts that may pick up in the afternoon and stay alert for boat traffic.

#3 Kailua Bay

️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Kailua Pier (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swells
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish
Landmarks & Views: Kona coastline, historical sites, oceanfront hotels
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for ocean swells, respect marine life

Kailua Bay, also on the western coast of Big Island, is a popular paddleboarding spot. The calm bay waters offer an opportunity to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish while paddling alongside the picturesque Kona coastline and historic sites.

Be aware of mild ocean swells and always respect the local marine life.

#4 Anaehoʻomalu Bay

️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Anaeho’omalu Beach (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm and clear bay waters
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Green sea turtles, tropical fish
Landmarks & Views: Ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Waikoloa Beach Resort
Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay within the bay’s calm waters, respect historical sites

Anaehoʻomalu Bay, often referred to as “A-Bay,” is a picturesque spot on the western coast of Big Island. Set against the backdrop of beautiful ancient Hawaiian fishponds, paddleboarders can explore the bay’s crystal-clear waters and encounter green sea turtles and colorful fish.

Remember to respect historical sites and stay within the calm bay waters.

#5 Kahalu’u Bay

️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Kahalu’u Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional ocean swell
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Green sea turtles, butterflyfish, yellow tangs
Landmarks & Views: Lush coastline, historic sites
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect marine life, avoid sharp coral

Kahalu’u Bay is yet another popular paddleboarding spot on Big Island’s western coast. Known for its calm waters and abounding marine life, paddleboarders can glide over vibrant coral reefs alongside green sea turtles and a variety of colorful fish.

Be sure to respect the marine life and avoid touching the delicate coral during your paddleboarding adventure.

#6 Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

️Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Punaluʻu Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional ocean swell
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Green sea turtles, various fish species
Landmarks & Views: Unique black sand, coconut palm trees
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during periods of high surf, respect marine life

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach offers a unique paddleboarding experience on Big Island’s southern coast. Known for its striking black sand and calm waters, paddlers can encounter green sea turtles and various fish species while exploring the coastline.

Stay cautious during periods of high surf and always respect the local marine life during your paddleboarding adventure.

#7 Ahalanui Park and Warm Ponds

️Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Ahalanui Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, geothermal-heated waters
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species
Landmarks & Views: Natural warm ponds, lush scenery
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of ocean waves during high surf, avoid sharp rocks

The Ahalanui Park and Warm Ponds, located on the island’s eastern coast, provide a unique and relaxing paddleboarding experience. Paddlers can enjoy the natural warm ponds heated by nearby volcanic activity, surrounded by lush greenery.

Be cautious of ocean waves during high surf and avoid sharp rocks in the area.

#8 Kealakekua Bay

️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Napo’opo’o Beach Park (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Typically calm, protected waters
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Spinner dolphins, tropical fish, green sea turtles
Landmarks & Views: Historical sites, Captain Cook Monument, shoreline cliffs
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect marine life, use caution during windy conditions

Kealakekua Bay, located on Big Island’s western coast, is a historic and picturesque paddleboarding destination. Known for its calm and protected waters, paddlers can spot spinner dolphins, tropical fish, and green sea turtles while exploring the shoreline cliffs and historical sites.

Always respect the marine life and use caution during windy conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.