Hilo Ocean Adventures – Hilo Bay & Coconut Island Kayak Adventure
Slip your kayak into the calm waters of Hilo Bay and follow an experienced guide toward Coconut Island, with Mauna Kea’s snow-tipped...
Sea Caves, Rivers and Falls
Big Island Kayaking
Big Island kayaking can mean paddling the Keauhou Coast past sea caves and lava cliffs, floating near Umauma Falls or taking a calmer Hilo route by Coconut Island or the Wailoa River. Pick the water that fits your mood, from ocean edges to river bends.
Your Big Island Kayaking Tour
Kayaking on the Big Island changes depending on which side of the island you choose. Kona-side paddles bring lava shoreline, sea caves, reef water and open coastal views, while Hilo-side routes feel calmer, greener and closer to town.
Ocean Safaris runs the Keauhou Sea Cave Kayak Tour, listed at about 3.25 hours, along the Keauhou Coast. Umauma Experience offers a 1.5-hour Umauma River Swim & Kayak Experience with lunch and time in a private section of Umauma Falls. Hilo Ocean Adventures offers 2-hour kayak tours on Hilo Bay near Coconut Island and along the Wailoa River toward the King Kamehameha Statue.
Before booking, think about ocean comfort, swimming plans and how active your party wants the tour to be. Keauhou is the better match for sea caves and lava coastline, Umauma adds waterfall swimming, and the Hilo routes keep the paddle shorter and more sheltered.
Big Island Kayaking
Hilo Ocean Adventures – Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Statue Kayak Adventure
Glide into the calm, glassy waters of Hilo’s Wailoa River and trace its three branching channels beneath elegant, dragon-arched Japanese bridges. As...
Big Island Kayaking FAQ
What Big Island kayaking tours can I book?
Big Island kayaking options include Ocean Safaris' Keauhou Sea Cave Kayak Tour, Umauma Experience's Umauma River Swim & Kayak Experience, and Hilo Ocean Adventures kayak tours on Hilo Bay and the Wailoa River.
How long are Big Island kayaking tours?
Current Big Island kayaking tours range from about 1.5 to 3.25 hours. Umauma is the shortest listed option, Hilo routes are about 2 hours and the Keauhou sea cave tour is about 3.25 hours.
Which Big Island kayak tour should I choose?
Choose Keauhou for ocean kayaking, sea caves and lava cliffs. Choose Umauma for a waterfall swim and a short kayak outing. Choose Hilo Bay or Wailoa River for calmer water near Hilo.
Do Big Island kayaking tours include swimming?
Some do. The Umauma River Swim & Kayak Experience includes swimming in a private section of Umauma Falls. Other kayak tours may focus more on paddling, shoreline views or river scenery.
What should I bring for Big Island kayaking?
Wear water-friendly clothes and secure footwear. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water, a towel and a dry change of clothes. For ocean routes, consider motion comfort and follow the guide’s safety instructions.