Things to do / Travel Guide
Kayaking and paddling are unique and exciting ways to explore Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. On Lanai and Molokai, for instance, there are some areas that are only accessible from the water. Paddling to these more remote and isolated areas of the islands is considered by many to be the best and easiest way to observe their natural beauty.
Some of the things kayakers will see while on a paddling trip, for instance, might include sea turtles, eels, manta rays, and dolphins, as well as a plethora of native tropical fish and other aquatic creatures who might pop up to the surface to say hello. All of these sea creatures are native to the Hawaiian archipelago and can be seen almost anywhere there is tranquil, open water.
Maui
Maui is a great place for kayaking and various other water activities for the adventurous traveler. For those who wish to enjoy a truly Hawaiian kayaking experience while around the island of Maui, the best time to get out is early in the morning, when the waters are most tranquil. Some of Maui's best spots for kayaking include Olowalu, Kihei (in the south) and Kapalua (in the west).
In addition to getting the view from the Pacific while kayaking around the island of Maui, kayakers can also see Hawaiian green turtles, Hawaiian monk seal, manta rays, spinner dolphins, bottle-nose dolphins, and, during the winter months, humpback whales as well as pods of pilot whales.
On Maui there are plenty of spots where you can combine paddling with a kayak and/or snorkeling excursion. Turtle Reef is one of these sites, where you can get all of these activities in without having to change your location. Turtle Reef starts at the southern tip of Maui just before Olowalu, stretching 12 miles towards the upper west side of the island, just past Kapalua. Many towns, such as Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kahana, sit on the coast along the stretch of dry land near Turtle Reef. There are many rental shops located along the way and those who go out paddling might see (surprise!) green turtles, as well as eels and manta rays.
Molokai
The Hawaiian island of Molokai is one of the worldwide hotspots for paddling. The north shore of Molokai is a veritable Hawaiian Garden of Eden overflowing with lush, tropical plants and flowers, waterfalls, tropical birds, and hidden beaches. Those who have visited Molokai specifically to take advantage of the paddling opportunities scattered all across the island have claimed that walking onto the island of Molokai is like stepping into a living picture-perfect postcard.
Popular spots for paddling on Molokai are the scenic north shore or southern shore. During the winter months, Humpback whales can be seen while paddling, and, during the rest of the year, dolphins, blue marlin, and sea turtles can be viewed up close. On Molokai's north shore, the world's highest sea cliffs, some reaching as high as 3,300 feet, can be best admired while paddling around in the water. Located between Kalaupapa to Halawa, Molokai's north shore is also home to Hawaii's tallest waterfall, the 1,750-foot-high Kahiwa Falls.
Plenty of ocean kayaking options are available for visitors to Molokai. One popular kayaking activity is to rent equipment and paddle your way across the water over to Oahu. This journey takes just a couple hours, but is not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced kayaker. In addition to seeing dolphins, manta rays, eels, and sea turtles, kayaking off the coast allows travelers to take have a unique perspective of Molokai's beautiful scenery.
Lanai
The main spots for kayaking on Lanai are the same spots where you'll find people diving and snorkeling. Most kayaking operators are located in Lanai City, and it is from there that you can paddle out into the open water. In the waters off the coast of Lanai, lots of different kinds of tropical fish can be seen, as well as sea turtles, eels, dolphins, and manta rays.
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