Paddle a Hawaiian wa'a through the calm sweep of Kailua Bay and trace the shoreline where King Kamehameha once ruled. This one-hour guided outrigger excursion blends hands-on paddling with local history, reef views, and accessible ocean time.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The wooden hull cuts through glassy water as the island morning wakes. Salt spray cools your face while a steady cadence—thrust, glide, breathe—carries six paddlers and a practiced steersperson along the reef line off Kamakahonu Beach. You sit low in a Hawaiian wa'a, the outrigger arm balancing every stroke, and the shore of Kailua-Kona unfolds like a timeline: heiau stones, a white-steepled church, the cluster of shops and pier where voyaging and commerce have collided for centuries.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic upper-body engagement and balance while seated.
Wildlife
History
Kailua-Kona was a royal center under Kamehameha I; Ahuʻena Heiau and surrounding sites mark centuries of governance and early Western contact.
Conservation
Operate with reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral; operators promote low-impact access and brief interpretive stops to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Wa'a Rides and Charters - Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Excursions today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for calm water
Mornings are typically the calmest; plan to arrive 15 minutes early to meet at Kamakahonu Beach and get fitted for a lifejacket.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and skin—use mineral SPF and a hat; long-sleeve quick-dry shirts are useful for sun protection.
Protect your footwear
Reef or water shoes make launching and returning from the sand and rocky edges easier and safer.
Hydrate and stash small items
Bring a small waterproof pouch for keys and a phone; hydrate beforehand since exertion is mostly upper-body.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated—bring a secure bottle you can sip between paddling sets.
Reef or water shoes
Protect feet on rocky launch points and slippery beach entries.
summer
Wide-brim hat or cap with strap
Sun protection that stays put while paddling.
summer
Light windbreaker or long-sleeve UV shirt
Shields against sun and early-morning chill as you glide across the bay.
spring