10 Best Places to Paddle Board in Hawaii (HI)

Aloha and welcome to the paradise of Hawaii.

Have you ever dreamt of discovering the best places to paddle board in Hawaii?

Get ready to glide over crystal-clear waters and encounter marine life up close.

Let’s dive into the enchanting beauty of Hawaiian waters together. Are you ready for the adventure?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Hawaii
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Hawaii

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 Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Kuhio Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, trade winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins
️????️ Landmarks & Views: Diamond Head, Waikiki skyline
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch out for swimmers and surfers, respect marine life

Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu is an iconic paddleboarding spot, perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

The scenic backdrop of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline, combined with crystal-clear blue waters and diverse marine life, make for an unforgettable experience.

#2 Anini Beach, Kauai

Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Anini Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected by an offshore reef
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins
????️ Landmarks & Views: Ocean views, lush coastline
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect marine life, watch out for coral and shallow reef

Anini Beach on Kauai’s north shore boasts calm, protected waters perfect for paddleboarding.

The shallow, crystal-clear waters and offshore reef provide a safe and scenic environment, making it a popular spot for beginners and nature enthusiasts.

#3 Kealakekua Bay, Big Island

????️ Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Usually calm, mild afternoon winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, tropical fish, coral reefs
????️ Landmarks & Views: Captain Cook Monument, lush green cliffs, clear water
Safety, Environment and Rules: Marine Life Conservation District, swim zones marked

Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island is known for its crystal-clear blue waters, lush green cliffs, and an abundance of marine life.

Paddle out to the Captain Cook Monument while spotting spinner dolphins, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs. Remember to follow the Marine Life Conservation District rules and respect this pristine natural habitat.

#4 Kailua Bay, Oahu

????️ Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Kailua Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, trade winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, occasional monk seals
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach, turquoise waters
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect marine life, watch for strong winds and currents

Kailua Bay on Oahu’s windward coast offers spectacular views and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Paddlers can explore the nearby Mokulua Islands or glide along the shoreline of picturesque Lanikai Beach.

The abundance of marine life and stunning landscape make Kailua Bay a must-visit destination.

#5 Lahaina, Maui

????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Lahaina Harbor (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, afternoon trade winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, humpback whales during winter months
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: West Maui Mountains, historic Lahaina Town
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life, and follow local guidelines

Lahaina in West Maui provides a unique paddleboarding experience surrounded by historic sites and magnificent views of the West Maui Mountains.

The calm waters of Lahaina Harbor are ideal for beginners and wildlife enthusiasts, with the chance to spot humpback whales during winter months.

#6 Hanalei Bay, Kauai

????️ ️Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Black Pot Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Usually calm, protected by surrounding mountains
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, occasional dolphins
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Na Pali Coast, lush green mountains, waterfalls
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during winter swells, respect marine life

Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore is a picturesque paddleboarding destination surrounded by lush green mountains and waterfalls.

The calm waters of the bay, protected by surrounding mountains, provide a serene backdrop perfect for paddlers of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Na Pali Coast and the verdant landscape.

I apologize if my previous response gave the impression that I was unsure about the paddleboard spots I provided. However, I would like to add more spots that are indeed in Hawaii and are also popular paddleboarding destinations.

#7 Makena Beach, Maui

️Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Makena Beach State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, afternoon trade winds
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, humpback whales during winter months
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Molokini Crater, Haleakalā volcano
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers and snorkelers, respect marine life and coral reefs

Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” is situated on Maui’s southwestern coast.

This expansive, golden sand beach offers a perfect spot for paddleboarding, with stunning views of the Molokini Crater and Haleakalā volcano. Make sure to keep an eye out for sea turtles and humpback whales during the winter months.

#8 Hilo Bay, Big Island

Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Hilo Bayfront Beach Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Usually calm, protected by breakwater
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, occasional dolphins
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Coconut Island, Mauna Kea, historic Hilo Town
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local regulations and marine life

Hilo Bay, located on the Big Island’s eastern side, offers a calm and protected environment for paddleboarding, thanks to its breakwater.

Paddlers can enjoy views of Coconut Island and Mauna Kea while exploring the historic Hilo Town waterfront and its charming scenery.

#9 Kapalua Bay, Maui

????️ Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Kapalua Bay Beach Access (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected by surrounding lava rocks
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, coral reefs
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Lava rock formations, luxury resorts
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers and snorkelers, respect marine life

Kapalua Bay, situated on Maui’s northwest coast, is a popular spot for paddleboarding due to its calm waters and vibrant marine life.

This crescent-shaped bay is protected by lava rock formations, providing a peaceful and family-friendly environment for all levels of paddlers to explore.

#10 Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

????️ ️Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: Heeia State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Usually calm, protected from wind
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, occasional dolphins
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Coconut Island, Oahu’s lush green mountains
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during high tides and winds, respect local rules

Kaneohe Bay, located on Oahu’s windward coast, boasts a beautiful, serene environment for paddleboarding.

With calm waters and views of Coconut Island and Oahu’s lush green mountains, Kaneohe Bay is a fantastic destination for all skill levels of paddlers.