Kaneohe Sandbar Self-Guided Kayak Adventure

The Kaneohe Sandbar: An Unforgettable Adventure

Imagine gliding over crystal-clear water so transparent you can see the vibrant reef and sea life just beneath the surface. With breathtaking views of the majestic Ko’olau mountains and rare experience of standing in the middle of the ocean, the Kaneohe Sandbar Self-Guided Kayak Adventure is an experience you’ll treasure forever. Kayaking to the Kaneohe Sandbar is one of our most popular bookings given its incredible snorkel opportunities, stunning scenery all around, and one-of-a-kind sandbar experience.

  • A man and a woman kayak in the ocean
  • A group of people hanging out on the Kaneohe sandbar with their kayak rental from Active Oahu
  • A group of people snorkeling around the Kaneohe Sandbar next to their kayak rental from Active Oahu

About the Sandbar

So what exactly is the sandbar? The Kaneohe Sandbar is a naturally raised bed of sand located off of the Eastern Coast of Oahu. It is only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard as it is too far to swim out to. Along the way there are coral reefs and places to free dive into the crystal clear waters. Once you reach the sandbar you can hop out of your kayak and experience the surreal sensation of standing up in shallow water surrounded by deep ocean. Depending on the tide, the water at the sandbar is typically ankle to knee-deep and even at high tide, the water usually isn’t higher than waist-deep. On clear, windless days, it’s like gliding on glass with how smooth and clear the water is and many visitors see turtles gliding alongside them as they paddle.

A group of young adults playing in the water at the Kaneohe Sandbar in front of their kayak rental from Active Oahu

Who Would Enjoy the Sandbar

The Sandbar is about a 45 minute paddle out, making it ideal for those in good physical condition. Families also love this adventure, but keep in mind that constant supervision is essential due to the drop-off into deeper water surrounding the sandbar. Load up with snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen (available for purchase at our shop if you need to pick some up on your way) and make a day of hanging out at the sandbar and enjoying the water and views around you. The self-guided adventure typically takes four hours to complete, including driving to and from our shop with your gear, with the option to extend your adventure for a full-day.

  • A group of people kayaking to the Kaneohe Sandbar with their rentals from Active Oahu
  • A group of young adults doing handstands under the water next to their kayak from Active Oahu
  • Two people kayak on their tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu

Renting from Active Oahu

At Active Oahu, our goal is to make your experience effortless so that you can make the most out of your time on the island. Our gear rental process is quick and easy. Simply show up to our adventure hub in Kailua with any four-door vehicle and we will take care of the rest! Our friendly adventure guides will assist you with our quick check-in process and show you how to transport your kayaks on top of your vehicle with ease. Your guided adventure includes everything you need to have a great day out on the water:

  • Racks and straps
  • Kayaks
  • Life vests
  • Paddles
  • Snorkel gear
  • Dry bag
  • Floating rope to keep your kayak next to you as you snorkel
  • A map along with our guides expertise, tips, and tricks to make your experience an unforgettable one

Whether you are flying solo, adventuring as a couple or with friends, or bringing the whole family along for this incredible experience, we have a kayak option for you. We offer single, tandem, and three person kayaks (two paddlers and one passenger), to best fit the needs of your group! Once all the gear is loaded into your vehicle, you’ll be set to take off and make some of your best memories of Oahu!

  • A kayak rental from Active Oahu strapped on top of a jeep
  • Two tandem kayaks from Active Oahu secured on top of a jeep
  • Three kayak rentals from Active Oahu are strapped on top of a sedan.

Enjoying the Sandbar

You’ll begin by making the scenic 25 minute drive to the He’eia Kea Boat Harbor where you will find convenient parking and restrooms. When you are ready to begin your adventure, you’ll carry the kayaks over to the designated kayak launch location to the left of the parking lot. For your safety, it is important to launch from this location instead of the docks, which are reserved for larger boats. From the launch spot you can paddle at your own pace and explore the area on the way to the sandbar. We recommend getting out and snorkeling at the different reefs along the way. You’ll paddle southeast for about 45 minutes to reach the sandbar. Whenever you get out of the kayak, make sure to attach your floating rope to the kayak with the clip and wear the other end on your wrist/hand to keep your kayak with you at all times.

  • A floating rope kayak anchor a person is holding onto while they snorkel
  • People snorkeling next to their kayak rentals from Active Oahu
  • Two people in their tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu paddle in the ocean.

Concluding the Adventure

When you are ready to head back, simply paddle back to the boat harbor and exit the water at the same place you launched from and head back to our adventure hub in Kailua to drop off your gear. Our adventure guides will be ready to assist you to make the drop off process quick and easy so that you’ll be off on your next adventure in no time. We also have bathrooms and an outdoor shower at our shop that you can use before heading out.

Two people wearing snorkel gear from Active Oahu sitting in a tandem kayak rental.

Make Your Booking Today

Kayaking to the Kaneohe Sandbar is a must-do for any Oahu itinerary. Our unique self-guided adventure includes everything you need to have a safe and adventurous day out on the water. Make your booking today by visiting this link: https://activeoahutours.com/activities/east-oahu-self-guided-kayaking-experience/