Kahana Rainforest River Kayak Self-Guided Tour

Activity Overview

Welcome to the best local Oahu Kayak tour and self-guided experience. The trip takes place in Kahana valley which is one of the last fully intact Ahupua’a. Ahupua’a is an old Hawaiian land division that has everything for the local population to sustain themselves from the top of the mountains to the ocean. Inside the valley, there are picturesque mountains, plenty of lush greenery, a rainforest river as well as a beautiful ocean bay. Kahana Bay and Valley are some of the last places on the island to be completely commercial development free. Ahupua’a O Kahana is maintained and protected by the state and therefore, Active Oahu will provide the kayaks off-site just around the corner. This is an unforgettable experience most visitors and even locals never get to see. 

Kahana Valley Self-Guided Kayaking Experience

Since this is a self-guided experience, no tour guide will be provided. You will be receiving the kayaks at our Kailua storefront and we can help you load the kayaks on your vehicle so you can transport them to the kayak launch location. Any 4 door Sedan, van or SUV will work fine since we provide soft pads and straps for you to transport the kayaks.

Kahana Kayaking Route Options

Under ideal conditions in the summer (end of May to the beginning of Sept), you can choose this option and kayak from the beach access, all the way to the Kahana stream (about 1 mile) then up the stream (about 1 mile) and then back for a total about 4 to 5 miles of paddling. This would be better for experienced paddlers. This is a favorite route for experienced or active groups and still only takes about 3 hours total if you go at a consistent pace. Just be sure to have water and snacks on hand for the trip. There is a google map of the beach access option at the bottom of the page.

Kayaking in Kahana Valley

The Kahana Rainforest River location is the best Oahu kayak tour experience if you’re looking for epic green scenery or have kids that want to come on the trip too. Since the self-guided tour can be mostly on a river, it’s family-friendly and great for beginners. You start out nestled in a valley between two arms of land that stretch out into the ocean to form a sheltered bay. You will be surrounded by green-clad mountains and a picturesque landscape; ocean, beach, mountains and rain forest. You will paddle up a calm river where you can be immersed in the wonderful landscape.

For the more adventurous sort, there are plenty of rope swings all along our route as we paddle up the valley. This lush valley is culturally and historically significant, so show respect to the community and do not do anything that may seem offensive.

You will get to explore the rain forests of Oahu’s Windward Coast where you get a hidden Amazonian-like feel without the dangers of Anacondas or Parana. If you are attentive you will often see wetland birds in the trees and schools of fish rippling under the water.

If that’s the kind of Oahu kayak tour experience you are looking for, call us up or book online and we can get you your equipment and some more instruction for the self-guided kayak tour.

More info about this Oahu Self-Guided Kayak Tour

For your kayaking experience, we suggest that you start out in a river where the water is placid and peaceful and a perfect place to see the beauty of Oahu.

This is a Rain forest Valley and one of the wettest parts of the island, so there is a high probability of rain. We do not cancel reservations for rain. Rain just makes the experience more refreshing and adventurous. When else can you say you’ve paddled through a Hawaiian Rain forest in the rain? Although, if conditions are dangerous we will notify you as soon as we know to re-schedule the reservation.

Meeting Location for the Kahana Valley Self-guided Rainforest Kayak Tour

Here is some more info about the meeting location and other helpful links:

134b Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

Try the Google Maps link:
https://goo.gl/maps/vEevFzzGYDjbZtXM8

The valley you will kayak in is a rain forest and has all sorts of hiking trails and rope swings. It’s one of our favorite locations on the island. The whole area is surrounded by epic mountains. It’s a cool place.

The best place to park is in the State Park parking lot. Here is the google maps link for that location:
Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park
https://goo.gl/maps/fEpwrtsv2jk

From there, you carry the kayak to the grassy area and launch the kayaks straight into the river. Please handle the kayaks with care, do not drag the kayaks on the asphalt and please do not sit or stand on the kayaks while on land.

More Links and Maps for Kayaking Kahana Valley

Helpful links and maps for your experience:

• Option 1 (the default route): Google map of the suggested route
  • Photos and a diagram of where to launch the kayaks
• Option 2 (only during summer): Paddle from the beach access ~4.5 miles round-trip (3-4 hours)
• Watch this video on how to kayak. If the person in the back seat of the tandem kayak follows these instructions, you will do great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCyikqdIhmY
• Use Google’s “Offline Maps” to navigate Oahu without using Cell Data
• Be sure to bring your swimsuit
• Wear sunscreen.