6 Best Places to Paddle Board on Kauai, Hawaii

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?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Kauai, Hawaii

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. August is the warmest month, averaging 80 °F.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

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.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case