Aloha! Welcome to Waikiki, Honolulu.
Ever dreamed of gliding through turquoise waters, surrounded by tropical paradise?
The best places to paddle board in Waikiki are calling your name.
Let’s embark on an unforgettable Hawai’i SUP adventure. Are you ready?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Waikiki, Honolulu
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. September 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 Waikiki
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 Waikīkī Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍️ Access Point: Beachfront of Waikīkī (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Mild waves, ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Diamond Head, Waikīkī skyline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of swimmers, follow water safety guidelines
Waikīkī Beach is the most iconic location for paddleboarding in Honolulu. With its clear waters, gentle waves, and stunning views of Diamond Head, it’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experts.
As you paddle, be on the lookout for sea turtles and dolphins in the area.
#2 Ala Moana Beach Park
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: Main entrance of Ala Moana Beach Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Waikīkī skyline, Magic Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep a safe distance from swimmers, follow park rules
Located just west of Waikīkī is the Ala Moana Beach Park. This protected bay offers calm waters, perfect for those looking for a more peaceful paddleboarding experience.
Enjoy the beautiful vistas of Waikīkī and Magic Island while you paddle through the tranquil waters, keeping an eye out for sea turtles.
#3 Kāne`ohe Bay
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: He’eia Kea Pier (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Kāne`ohe Bay, Coconut Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid restricted areas, follow bay regulations
Kāne`ohe Bay, located on the windward side of Oʻahu, boasts vast and calm waters perfect for paddleboarders. Its breathtaking views of lush green mountains, extensive coral reefs, and the infamous Coconut Island make it a memorable paddleboarding experience.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere and encounter the diverse marine life as you explore this beautiful bay.
#4 Hawaii Kai Marina
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Marina
- 📍️ Access Point: Hawaii Kai Marina Shopping Center (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Quiet waters, mild winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Fish, sea turtles
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Koko Head, Ko’olau Mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow marina rules, watch for boats
Hawaii Kai Marina offers a peaceful paddleboarding experience. This calm and quiet marina allows you to enjoy the stunning views of Koko Head and the Ko’olau Mountains at your leisure.
Paddle through the canals and admire the tropical surroundings, keeping an eye out for turtles and colorful fish.
#5 Kailua Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍️ Access Point: Kailua Beach Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle waves, ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of swimmers, follow water safety rules
Though not directly in Waikiki, Kailua Beach is a short drive away and offers another fantastic paddleboarding location. With its soft, sandy beach, and crystal-clear waters, Kailua Beach is a haven for paddleboarders and ocean enthusiasts.
Paddle towards the Mokulua Islands and take in the stunning views of Lanikai Beach – it’s worth the trip.
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.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Waikiki?
Popular spots for paddle boarding in Waikiki include Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park, and Kuhio Beach.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Waikiki?
No, in Waikiki, there is no requirement for paddle boards to be registered.
When is the best time to paddle board in Waikiki?
The best time for paddle boarding in Waikiki is in the morning, around 8-10 AM, when waters are calmer.
Paddle Boarding Near Waikiki, Honolulu
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Waikiki, Honolulu.
- Oahu, Hawaii (8 miles north)
- Haleiwa (29 miles northwest)
- North Shore (30 miles northwest)
- Molokai, Hawaii (44 miles east)
