Kauai: the Garden Isle of Hawaii.
Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery.
The best places to paddle board in Kauai are calling you.
Embrace the aloha spirit and let’s discover Kauai’s stunning coastlines together. Are you in?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Kauai
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 Hanalei Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: Hanalei Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, protected by surrounding mountains
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, dolphins, fish
- ????️ Landmarks & Views: Lush green mountains, waterfalls, iconic pier
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Check for seasonal surf and weather conditions
Hanalei Bay, located on Kauai’s North Shore, offers a picturesque paddle boarding experience surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls.
Its calm waters and vibrant marine life make it the perfect location for first-time and advanced paddlers alike.
#2 Anini Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Anini Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, protected by a large reef
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, occasional dolphins
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Clear turquoise waters, surrounding coastline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Check for high surf and strong currents
Anini Beach is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and stunning coastline, making it an ideal paddle boarding destination.
Glide through the turquoise waters while observing sea turtles and colorful fish swimming below the surface.
#3 Kalapaki Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Kalapaki Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm and protected by surrounding breakwater
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Nawiliwili Harbor, cruise ships, near Kauai Marriott Resort
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats and other watercraft
Kalapaki Beach is a popular paddle boarding spot due to its calm waters and proximity to Nawiliwili Harbor.
The beach is protected by a large breakwater, allowing for easy paddling in its clear waters while enjoying views of the harbor and cruise ships.
#4 Wailua River
- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Wailua River State Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Slow-moving, generally calm
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, occasional monitor lizards
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Fern Grotto, Opaekaa Falls, lush rainforests
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect ancient Hawaiian sites
The Wailua River offers a tranquil, scenic paddle boarding experience through lush rainforests.
Paddle along the river to discover hidden gems like the Fern Grotto and Opaekaa Falls, while observing abundant wildlife along the way.
#5 Poipu Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Poipu Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, small waves in designated areas
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, dolphins, fish
- ????️ Landmarks & Views: Poipu coastline, Spouting Horn
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe lifeguard flags, watch for swimmers
Poipu Beach, on Kauai’s South Shore, is a family-friendly beach perfect for paddle boarders.
With its clear waters and gentle waves, it’s easy to navigate while taking in views of the surrounding coastline and observing marine life such as sea turtles.
#6 Koloa Landing
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Koloa Landing Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Protected cove, usually calm
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, occasional dolphins
- ????️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Colourful reefs, near Kukui’ula Harbor
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, respect marine life
Koloa Landing is a hidden gem tucked away near Kukui’ula Harbor on Kauai’s South Shore.
The sheltered cove offers a calm paddle boarding experience perfect for exploring the colorful reefs and observing the abundant underwater life, including sea turtles and tropical fish.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Kauai?
Kauai offers several places for paddle boarding including Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, Wailua River, and Kalapaki Beach.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Kauai?
No, you do not need to register paddle boards in Kauai.
When is the best time to paddle board in Kauai?
In Kauai, it’s best to paddle board in the mornings, particularly from April to October, for calm sunny weather.
