Ocean Kayaking

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Experience is Vital

Three guys in three kayaks aligned with each other in the ocean.Although very popular in Hawaii, many students, even those with kayaking experience from other locations, may be surprised by the altogether different experience that is found in ocean kayaking around the Big Island.

Instead of whitewater rapids or smooth lakes, Big Island waters are usually wave-filled with sometimes very strong currents that require experience to safely navigate. Knowledge and experience with local weather patterns and forecasts are also very important. Students should initially gain experience in the more protected waters of Hilo, Reed, and Radio Bay before venturing out into more open water environments which can be quite remote.

One guy and three females sitting in a kayak on shore.Another popular kayaking location is Kealakekea Bay on the west side of the island, approximately 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona. This bay lies in a scenic area with sheer cliffs running down into the water that is crescent shaped. After a short paddle across 1/2 mile of ocean, kayakers can beach their kayak along the rocky shore and explore the monument erected by the British in 1874 that marks the location where the battle began that claimed the lives of Cook, five British sailors, four Hawaiian chiefs and thirteen kanaka maoli (Hawaiian commoners). Be sure to wear shoes that will get wet. Dry boxes should be a significant consideration for items (cameras, towels, etc.) that should be kept dry.

Marked by beautiful coral reefs, this area is a Marine Life Conservation District, the results of which are larger numbers of fish and other marine life found there. Some of the more popular life includes spinner dolphins, turtles, seals, and on occasion, humpback whales. For your safety and the protection of specific marine life, Marine Conservation Laws prohibit chasing, feeding, or harassing turtles, whales, dolphins, and seals. Any participant that violates these laws are subject to fines and other legal alternatives by both state and federal government agencies.

Further up the coast toward Kohala (north), Waialea Beach provides a site that makes launching kayaks much easier. Closer to Hilo, a visit to this location allows more paddling time (weather permitting). Approximately 1/2 mile south of Hapuna Beach, kayakers can paddle past a secluded cove and around a point that hosts a sea arch. Next is beautiful Hapuna Beach which can be viewed from the ocean. Kayaks can not be launched from the Hapuna Beach State Park.

Available Kayaks

Type of Kayak Number
2-Person 3 units
Single 9 units

Inherent Risks

It is the responsibility of each participant to evaluate the various risks that they may be exposed to if they decide to participate in this program. Some of the inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Exposure to the sun and strong winds
  2. Drowning
  3. Van or other vehicles that may be used to transport participants to and from the planned site
  4. Ocean vessel traffic operates in these waters. These include, but are not limited to: sail and powered water vessels of all sizes, small recreational crafts, and ocean liners,
  5. Changing weather and water conditions
  6. Dehydration
  7. Being struck by paddles used in the confined areas around kayaks
  8. Exposure to cold.(water temp. appx.75 °F)
  9. Water that is too deep for someone to stand-up in
  10. Strong tides, waves and off-shore currents
  11. Wet surfaces that can contribute to falling or slipping
  12. High surf and tsunamis
  13. Encounters with fishing lines, hooks and other fishing equipment and/or gear
  14. Ocean canoes and kayaks that can flip-over with little or no warning
  15. Glass and other sharp items on the beach in grassy areas or in the sand
  16. Water, both fresh and salt, that could be contaminated with bacteria, toxins, or other hazardous chemicals
  17. Injuries that could occur in lifting, launching, and recovering kayaks
  18. Encounters with marine life

Students must have PFDs (Personal Floatation Device) for each person in their kayak. Non-swimmers must wear a PFD while near or in the water. It is strongly suggested that each person wear their PFD. Students are required to remain with the group during this program and not go on un-authorized selected activities or excursions without the group. If transportation is involved, participants must wear seat belts if available and are expected to return with the group.