Rainforest River Kayak Self-Guided Tour - Windward - Best Of Hawaii Tours & Activities

3 years and older

Age

4 Hours

Duration

Kailua, Oahu

Location

Available 8:30am to 2:30pm

Tour Times

This is the Best Kayaking Experience on Oahu. This self-guided* Oahu kayak tour takes you up a calm river into the valley then out into the bay for a great view of the coast. Enjoy the picturesque landscape of turquoise ocean, secluded beach, green-clad mountains and plentiful jungle of Kahana Valley. The whole place has an amazonian like feel to it.

*No tour guide provided. You will need a vehicle to transport the equipment for about 1 mile. We provide foam pads and straps that fit most vehicles

Tour Highlights:

Great for anyone, easy to learn, relaxing and beautiful
Calm water on the river
Scenic views and plenty of green
One of the most exclusive places on Oahu to kayak

Schedule:

Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Closed Sunday)
Tour Time: 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM
Duration: 4 Hours

Recommendations:

Apply sunscreen and wear a swimsuit
Bring/wear water shoes or athletic shoes if you want to hike around on Chinaman’s Hat.
If you bring snacks and water, be sure to pack out the trash.
Please leave valuables at home or use a drybag we provide with the self-guided experience.
Foam pads and straps are provided to help transport the kayaks.
Be prepared with a vehicle to transport the kayak for about 1 mile.
Life vests, all other kayak equipment is provided

Restrictions/Requirements:

Minimum Age is 3 years and older. We highly recommend that all participants be proficient at swimming.
Maximum weight is 260 lbs per person. Our tandem kayak weight capacity is 425lbs.
Preferred if guest knows how to swim or have water experience and feel comfortable in the water.
No tour guide provided. You will need a vehicle to transport the equipment for about 1 mile. We provide foam pads and straps that fit most vehicles.
Guests will need to sign a waiver.

Location: Active Oahu Tours, Storefront
Address: 134B Hamakua Dr. Kailua HI, 96734
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/CPBdWVU6BNhUCxVX8

Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour time.
Our friendly team will be there to guide you through strapping the kayak on your vehicle and provide you with all the necessary equipment. All you need is a 4-door car to transport it.

Special Notes:
Please note that it’s a 40-minute drive from our address to Kahana Bay.

Activity Company: Active Oahu Tours

Activity Overview
Welcome to the best local Oahu Kayak tour and self-guided experience. The trip takes place in Kahana valley which is one of the last fully intact Ahupua’a. Ahupua’a is an old Hawaiian land division that has everything for the local population to sustain themselves from the top of the mountains to the ocean. Inside the valley, there are picturesque mountains, plenty of lush greenery, a rainforest river as well as a beautiful ocean bay. Kahana Bay and Valley are some of the last places on the island to be completely commercial development free. Ahupua’a O Kahana is maintained and protected by the state and therefore, Active Oahu will provide the kayaks off-site just around the corner. This is an unforgettable experience most visitors and even locals never get to see.

Kahana Valley Self-Guided Kayaking Experience
Since this is a self-guided experience, no tour guide will be provided. You will be receiving the kayaks at a the meeting location and we can help you load the kayaks on your vehicle so you can transport them to the kayak launch location. Any 4 door Sedan, van or SUV will work fine since we provide soft pads and straps for you to transport the kayaks.

If you do not have a vehicle to transport the equipment, you can optionally experience coastal kayaking from the beach access across the street. You will get some great views of the mountains and the windward coast of Oahu. If you choose this option, we advise you to not go beyond the reef.

Kahana Kayaking Route Options
Under ideal conditions in the summer (end of May to the beginning of Sept), you can choose this option and kayak from the beach access, all the way to the Kahana stream (about 1 mile) then up the stream (about 1 mile) and then back for a total about 4 to 5 miles of paddling. This would be better for experienced paddlers. This is a favorite route for experienced or active groups and still only takes about 3 hours total if you go at a consistent pace. Just be sure to have water and snacks on-hand for the trip. There is a google map of the beach access option at the bottom of the page.

Kayaking in Kahana Valley
The Kahana Rainforest River location is the best Oahu kayak tour experience if you’re looking for epic green scenery or have kids that want to come on the trip too. Since the self-guided tour can be mostly on a river, it’s family-friendly and great for beginners. You start out nestled in a valley between two arms of land that stretch out into the ocean to form a sheltered bay. You will be surrounded by green-clad mountains and a picturesque landscape; ocean, beach, mountains and rain forest. You will paddle up a calm river where you can be immersed in the wonderful landscape.

For the more adventurous sort, there are plenty of rope swings all along our route as we paddle up the valley. This lush valley is culturally and historically significant, so show respect to the community and do not do anything that may seem offensive.

You will get to explore the rain forests of Oahu’s Windward Coast where you get a hidden Amazonian-like feel without the dangers of Anacondas or Parana. If you are attentive you will often see wetland birds in the trees and schools of fish rippling under the water.

If that’s the kind of Oahu kayak tour experience you are looking for, call us up or book online and we can get you your equipment and some more instruction for the self-guided kayak tour.

More info about this Oahu Self-Guided Kayak Tour
For your kayaking experience, we suggest that you start out in a river where the water is placid and peaceful and a perfect place to see the beauty of Oahu.

This is a Rain forest Valley and one of the wettest parts of the island, so there is a high probability of rain. We do not cancel reservations for rain. Rain just makes the experience more refreshing and adventurous. When else can you say you’ve paddled through a Hawaiian Rain forest in the rain? Although, if conditions are dangerous we will notify you as soon as we know to re-schedule the reservation.