Hawaii water sports
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.
