easy
2–4 hours (kayak + beach time)
Suitable for participants in basic physical shape comfortable with light paddling and swimming.
Paddle beside sea turtles and discover a seabird sanctuary on a 2-hour kayak trip with Kailua Beach Adventures. Finish with beachside snorkeling and lunch on Oahu’s stunning windward coast.
Starting at $179 | Great For Families and Beginners
Embark on a thrilling 2-hour guided kayaking excursion to Popoi'a Island, perfect for beginners and families. Paddle through sea turtle feeding grounds, enjoy a guided eco-hike, and savor a delicious lunch. Afterward, relax with snorkeling gear and boogie boards at Kailua Beach, making unforgettable memories in Hawaii's stunning nature.
Ideal for Beginners looking for a Hawaiian kayaking tour with the safety of a guide in sea turtle feeding grounds. All levels welcome from kids 8 years old and up. Includes Snorkeling, Lunch and Free Parking.
• Adults - $179 + tax • Children - $159 + tax • Adult/Child (Private Tour) - $339 + tax • Adult Child (Private "Family" Tour) - $239 + tax *2 person min *Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
A professionally trained kayak guide greets the customers when they arrive at Kailua Beach Adventures Pro Shop in the Kailua Beach Center.
The guide explains the tour logistics and gives paddling instruction to prepare the customers. The paddlers then walk to Kailua Beach Park where they will begin and end their kayaking tour. Customers will then launch the stable sit-on-top kayaks and head towards Popoi’a Island, a protected seabird sanctuary. As they near the island, they will likely encounter “Honu” or the Hawaiian green sea turtle as they pass through their natural feeding grounds!
Once landed on the soft, sandy beach of Popoi'a, customers grab their cameras and head for a 20-30 minute guided eco-hike around this unique bird sanctuary. If they are lucky, they may be able to see a new hatchling wedge-tailed shearwater pip its egg! They may also see rock crabs, Bulwer’s Petrels, and a variety of endemic marine life in and around the hidden tide-pools. Guides unlock the secrets of the ocean and share the volcanology, ecology and history of Kailua with guests. Customers then grab a light snack of granola bars and water before heading off.
The return trip is usually quicker, with the trade winds at their back, making an easy paddle to Kailua Beach. After landing, guests walk back to the shop for a debriefing to share photos and enjoy lunch from one of three restaurants.
Guests can choose from pizza and calzones, Hawaiian plate lunches, sandwiches, or salads. Our pizza and calzones are made to order in the Beach Center at Bob’s Pizzeria. Our plate lunches are made to order at K&K BBQ where guests will find inside and outside seating. Lanikai General Store provides picnic lunch options including sandwiches and wraps, and salads are available at Aloha Salads in Kailua Town.
After lunch we supply boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and beach mats for an additional 2 hours of free time at Kailua Beach. Customers often rent bikes and head to Lanikai Beach or into Kailua Town for some shopping.
- Tour may operate on reverse schedule (e.g. Free Time/ Lunch / Kayak Tour).
- Beginners (adventure minded and physically able) to experienced
- Professional Tour Guide (1 per 8 customer ratio)
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Checking in 15 minutes before your tour allows extra time to enjoy snorkeling, boogie boarding, or beach gear before your kayak adventure begins.
Protect both your skin and Kailua’s delicate marine environment by choosing sunscreen that is safe for coral reef ecosystems.
Use water shoes or sandals with straps to keep feet protected and stable during beach landings and rocky tide pool walks.
All participants must be able to swim comfortably as the tour crosses open ocean areas with occasional current.
Popoi’a Island holds cultural significance as a traditional seabird sanctuary and has ecological protections dating to state conservation efforts.
Kailua Beach Adventures operates under DLNR permits that regulate landings on Popoi’a Island to minimize impact, preserving the habitat for native birds and marine species.
Prevents sunburn and protects fragile coral reefs during the paddle and beach time.
summer specific
Protect feet during shallow water entries and while hiking tide pool areas.
Wear under clothing for easy transition between kayaking and snorkeling.
Useful for drying off after paddling and snorkeling on Kailua Beach.