5 Best Places to Paddle Board on Lanai, Hawaii

Discover the tropical paradise of Lanai, Hawaii.

Are you ready to experience the best places to paddle board in Lanai?

Let the crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking landscapes enchant you.

Join us as we embark on an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure. Aloha!

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Planning Your Paddle in Lanai, 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 85 °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 Lanai

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 Hulopo’e Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Hulopo’e Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Waters, Light Afternoon Breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Colorful Reef Fish, Turtles, Dolphins
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Manele Bay, Pu’u Pehe Rock
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Marine Life Conservation District, Follow Snorkeling and Paddleboarding Regulations

Hulopo’e Bay, located on the southern coast of Lanai, is a prime spot for paddle boarding, thanks to its serene waters and vibrant marine life. The bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation District, ensuring a pristine environment for all to enjoy.

Paddle through the crystal clear waters, and you might spot a friendly turtle or dolphins swimming nearby.

#2 Kaumalapau Harbor

Forest and Kim Starr, Starr-060406-7148-Cenchrus ciliaris-habitat-Kaumalapau harbor-Lanai (24860592505), Scaling by stand-up-paddling.org, CC BY 2.0

🏖️ Location Type: Harbor
📍️ Access Point: Kaumalapau Harbor Dock (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Waters, Sheltered from Strong Wave Currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Seabirds, Fish
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rugged Coastline, West Maui Mountains
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid Docking Area, Follow Harbor Regulations

Kaumalapau Harbor is situated on the west side of Lanai, offering paddle boarders a sheltered environment to explore the rugged coastline.

The calm waters are perfect for all skill levels, and the harbor’s location provides breathtaking views of the West Maui Mountains. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds as you enjoy this serene spot.

#3 Manele Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Manele Bay Road (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Waters, Protected from Strong Wave Currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Fish, Coral Reefs, Turtles
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Lush Coastline, Pu’u Pehe Rock
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use Caution Near the Harbor, Follow Marine Regulations

Manele Bay is another popular spot for paddle boarding, located near Hulopo’e Bay. This protected bay offers a calm and beautiful environment to explore Lanai’s coastline.

With an abundance of marine life, including fish, turtles, and coral reefs, Manele Bay promises an unforgettable paddleboarding experience.

#4 Polihua Beach

️🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Polihua Beach Access Road (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate Waves, Stronger Ocean Currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, Green Sea Turtles
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Molokai Island, Secluded Beach
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use Caution with Currents, Unpaved Access Road

For those seeking a more secluded adventure, Polihua Beach is a remote oceanfront destination on the northwestern side of Lanai.

This uncrowded spot offers moderate waves and stronger ocean currents, making it more attractive for experienced paddle boarders. Enjoy the serene, secluded beach and the view of Molokai Island from afar.

#5 Lanai-Kahoolawe Channel

🏖️ Location Type: Channel
📍️ Access Point: Manele Harbor (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Open Ocean Conditions, Stronger Currents and Wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Humpback Whales (seasonal)
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Island of Kahoolawe, Open Ocean Views
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Exercise Caution, Open Ocean Paddle Boarding Experience Required

For those seeking an incredible adventure, the Lanai-Kahoolawe Channel offers an open ocean paddle boarding experience. Located between the two islands, this channel boasts stronger currents and wind, making it ideal for more adventurous and experienced paddlers.

Keep an eye out for dolphins and seasonal humpback whales while soaking in the breathtaking open ocean views.

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