What’s there to do in Hawaii’s ocean?
If you love the ocean, Hawaii is a great location for all
kinds of water sports. The climate is warm year round and
ocean temperatures range between 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27.2
C) in the summer to 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24.4 C) in the
winter. Besides
surfing,
bodyboarding, and
snorkeling, other popular water activities in Hawaii
include kayaking, scuba diving and parasailing.
Kayaking in Hawaii
One of the most popular spots for kayaking on Oahu is Kailua.
There is a protected reef, which allows you to paddle to
the Mokulua Islands, which are located just offshore. Besides
the area’s beautiful ocean views, you might come across
sea turtles and other marine life. What makes Kailua one
of the world’s best kayaking spots is its usually calm and
warm ocean water. However, you should know that ocean conditions
can change and the water could be rough with more wave action.
So if you prefer an easy kayaking tour, you might want to
paddle down the Waimea River in the northern part of Oahu.
If you like Waikiki Beach, you can go on an ocean canoe
ride, which is a popular activity in the area.
If you are on Kauai and want to go sea kayaking, the best
place to do so is in Hanalei Bay, on the north shore (Na
Pali Coast) during the summer when the water is calm and
on the south shore (the area of Poipu) during the winter.
Kauai also offers fantastic easy kayaking adventures down
the Wailua River. This is a great chance to get close to
nature and explore some of the most hidden places and scenic
waterfalls on Kauai.
Maui is home to many wonderful kayaking locations. Among
the most popular are Makena Landing in South Maui, the shoreline
of Olowalu, which has one of the largest reef areas and
the scenic coastline off the Pali and Honolua Bay in West
Maui. While paddling along the shores of Maui, you can enjoy
a remarkable reef eco-system, stunning sea cliffs and diverse
marine life, including green sea turtles, dolphins and tropical
fish.
Famous kayaking spots on the Big Island of Hawaii include
the picturesque Keauhou Bay (the birthplace of Kamehameha
the Great) and Kuamoo Bay, where you can see many turtles,
dolphins and manta rays. Kuamoo Bay is surrounded by many
sea caves and cliffs, blow holes, arches and lava tubes,
which make the place an adventurous and favorite spot among
kayakers.
Kayaking equipment can easily be rented in Hawaii. However,
if you are in Hawaii for the first time and you are not
aware of the ocean conditions here, it is recommended that
you book a guided kayaking tour, where you will be provided
with all necessary kayaking equipment and will be given
a guided kayaking tour in the open ocean. Sea kayaking is
not for everybody. The ocean can be rough and dangerous,
so if you’re a novice kayaker, you might want to try river
kayaking first or join a guided open ocean kayaking tour.
Scuba Diving in Hawaii
Scuba Diving is another popular water activity in Hawaii.
There are many companies in the islands that offer scuba
diving adventures for beginning and experienced certified
divers. They can provide you with all the necessary equipment
and instructions.
Hawaii is a perfect scuba diving location year round because
of its warm tropical waters. Scuba divers enjoy clear visibility
and may see a variety of underwater inhabitants, including
many colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles, eels, stingrays,
sharks and dolphins. The coral reef is magnificent in certain
areas and divers can also explore shipwrecks, underwater
tunnels and caves.
Some of the best scuba diving locations on Oahu are Kahuna
Canyon near Mokuleia on the North Shore of the island, Ala
Moana Beach Park, Hanauma Bay and Shark’s Cove.
On Maui, scuba divers should visit the Molokini Marine Life
Conservation District. This prime snorkel location features
spectacular coral formations and a variety of marine life.
Scuba divers, you should not miss Kauai. It has some of
the best diving locations in the world. If you are there,
check out the Sheraton Caverns, located off Poipu; Black
Mountain, near Kipu Kai; Aquariums, near Nawiliwili; and
Brenneckes Ledge.
The Kona Coast is the Big Island’s finest scuba diving location.
It has it all – blue and calm crystal clear water with a
perfect underwater visibility and a variety of spectacular
marine life.
Parasailing in Hawaii
Parasailing is a fun sport and it is for those of you who
want to fly high, anywhere from 300 to 800 feet (90
to 245 m) above the ocean. Imagine the stunning views up
there! You will rise up and be able to enjoy a 360 degree
bird’s-eye-view of the area, plus you will feel your adrenaline
rushing through your body while you sore above the blue
ocean. Parasailing tours are offered on Oahu, Maui and the
Big Island.
There are several licensed parasailing companies on Oahu
that use safe and state-of-the-art equipment. Some of them
will take you above Ala Moana and Waikiki Beach, and others
offer flights in the area of Koko Marina near Hanauma Bay.
On Maui you can go on a safe and thrilling parasailing adventure
above the famous Kaanapali Beach. And if you are on the
Big Island, you can soar above the scenic Kona Coast.
… and More!
Besides these abovementioned ocean activities, there is
much more to do in Hawaii. Other popular ocean sports include
jet skiing, SNUBA, windsurfing, kitesurfing and fishing.
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Ala
Moana Beach Park, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, is a
favorite beach among local Oahu residents. Often times less crowded than
Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana is a great place to swim, picnic, stroll on the
beach or to relax.
Wailea
Beach on Maui’s west coast is long and has golden sand. It’s one of five
beaches that are part of the Wailea resort complex, so it's often times
crowded. 
Kaena,
which means “red hot” or “glowing” in the Hawaiian language, is the name
of the northwestern tip of the island of Oahu. Kaena Point State Park is
so remote that no road leads here.
