Popoia Island Kayaking Adventure

Floating past the banks of the Enchanted Lakes canal under the Lihiwai bridge, a faint breeze carries tropical air as your kayak glides effortlessly downstream toward the waiting ocean. You are in the (not so) well kept secret of Kailua town, about to embark on one of the most memorable adventures on all of Oahu: kayaking to Popoia Island!

  • Drone shot of Popoia Island from above
  • Example of where to kayak on Oahu
  • People paddling to Popoia Island with their tandem kayak rentals from Active Oahu
Launching From Kailua Beach Park

The adventure begins at Kailua Beach Park, the premier watersports destination when traveling to Hawaiʻi. It boasts some of the best ocean kayaking in the world. Whether you’re ready to brave the journey on your own, or be guided by one of our expert kayak tour guides, Active Oahu has everything you need to venture out into the clear blue waters of Kailua Bay.  Once you arrive at the beach park, you will park and make your way to launch your kayaks into the canal. The Enchanted Lakes Canal is the perfect place to begin as it allows you to build your confidence in the calm, inviting waters before making your way into the ocean. Enjoy the beautiful scenery around you as you glide around. Once you’ve had enough practice, it’s time to move on to the ocean. You’ll paddle over to the beach and get out and pull your kayak along the soft sand out into the crystal clear waters of Kailua beach.

  • A guy dragging a tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu towards the kayak launch spot
  • Two people prepare to put a tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu into the water
  • Two people launch into the water with their tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu
Tips for launching into Kailua Bay from Kailua Beach
  • Walk the kayaks out until you are about waist deep to help avoid battling the shorebreak
  • If you are using a tandem kayak, have the person in the front hop in first and hold both of the paddles while the second person hops in. Then the person in front can hand the paddle back.
  • Begin by paddling straight out into deeper water. It will be easier once you get away from the waves. Always paddle perpendicular to any waves to avoid the waves tipping the kayak.
  • Two people paddle in a canal with their tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu
  • People launching kayak rentals from Active Oahu into the ocean at Kailua Beach
  • People begin paddling out to Popoia Island with their tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu
  • people carry a kayak rental into the water at Kailua Beach
  • Two people enter the water with a tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu
  • Example of where to put a kayak in at Kailua Beach
What to Expect on the Water

Kailua Bay, located in the heart of the Pacific, is one of the safest places in the Hawaiian islands to paddle. The entire bay is protected by coral reef, with an average depth of 10 feet. The light trade winds and small, predictable waves make for ideal conditions to kayak to Popoia Island. Also known as flat island, this small offshore islet is an ancient coral reef skeleton that has protruded out of the water following the last ice age  The lifeguard stand located in between the restrooms and boat ramp–within sight from Popoia – is staffed with knowledgeable guards ready to assist any time in an emergency, or answer any questions you have about the weather conditions or ocean safety.

three tandem kayak rentals from Active Oahu with the Mokulua Islands in the distance

As you paddle, take in your surroundings. Feel the sun on your face as you find yourself in the middle of some of the bluest ocean water you’ve ever laid eyes on. The majestic Mokulua Islands stand tall off to the right and you can taste the salty air. As you approach Popoia island, you want to land on the sandy strip and pull the kayaks up out of the water to avoid losing them in a passing wave or rising tide. Once you have secured your gear on the island, it’s time to explore!

  • People paddling to Popoia Island with their tandem kayak rentals from Active Oahu
  • Two people paddle a tandem kayak rental from Active Oahu in front of Popoia Island
Enjoying the Islet

Popoia Island is a bird sanctuary, so you can walk the perimeter of the island, but please respect the nesting endangered birds and avoid walking into the middle. There are some signs located by the landing area that have information about the different birds you can spot on the island. Take your time and enjoy this beautiful island for as long as you like!

When you are done exploring Popoia Island, you can choose where your adventure will lead you next! You can simply paddle back to Kailua Beach Park and spend some time on shore before grabbing a bite to eat at our nearby eateries and visiting local shops, or you can continue your water adventure by gliding around the bay or paddling out to the Mokulua Islands or Lanikai Beach!

A group of people land on Popoia Island with their kayak rentals from Active Oahu

Overhead drone view of the Mokulua Islands

Mokulua Islands

The Mokulua Islands (locally known as the Mokes) are the world-famous picturesque mountains off the shore of Lanikai Beach. It takes approximately an hour to paddle out to them from Popoia Island, making it perfect for families or individuals looking for an extended adventure. Once on the mokes you can explore and snorkel off the shoreline, all while taking in the exceptional view of the Ko’olau Mountain range.

Lanikai Beach

The most popular thing our guests do after exploring Popoia Island is paddle over to Lanikai Beach. It is just a short paddle from Popoia Island, approximately 20 minutes. Lanikai is known for it’s soft white powdery sand and incredible views. It’s an exceptional place to view the sunrise or go for a walk along the beach. Off the shoreline there are tons of great snorkel spots where coral and sea life are plentiful, and if you’re lucky you’ll even spot a green sea turtle among the reef.

Overhead drone view of Lanikai Beach and the reef where people can snorkel
Transportation to Kailua

Kailua is located about a 25 minute drive away from Waikiki and the scenic drive will give you stunning views of the mountains and coastline as you cruise in your vehicle. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can use rideshare apps or take the one hour bus ride down to our shop. When you arrive at our storefront, our friendly adventure guides will be ready to help you get all the gear you need for a great day out on the beach. We rent everything from beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers to Kayaks, paddleboards, and e-bikes, and everything in between! Feel free to give us a call to find out about specifics of what we offer or learn more about or guided and self-guided tours.

A group of people on their electric bike rentals from active Oahu in front of the storefront
Transporting Kayaks to the Beach without a Vehicle

A unique transportation option we offer at Active Oahu is our e-bike rentals, allowing you to cruise down to the beach and avoid battling for parking so that you can spend more time on the sand and in the water! Our e-bikes come with optional attachments of a board carrier, basket to carry snorkel gear and other essentials, and even a trailer to tow a kayak or paddleboard to the beach effortlessly! It’s easily the most scenic and convenient way to get to the launch area.

  • Alternative way to transport a kayak to the beach using an electric bike and a trailer.
  • Two people e-bike across a bridge with their kayak rental from Active Oahu
  • Using electric bikes to transport a kayak to the beach
  • Showing how to attach a kayak trailer to an electric bike.
  • Two people on their e-bike rentals from Active Oahu on a bike path in Kailua
  • Two people on electric bike rentals from Active Oahu on a path toward the beach.
Landing Permits for the Islands

The state of Hawaii requires a landing permit for individuals who intend to land on Popoia Island or the Mokes. At Active Oahu, we take care of the permits for you and will include the $7 fee in your rental cost so that you don’t have to worry about figuring it out on your own.

Make Your Booking Today!

At Active Oahu, we’ll take care of the heavy lifting for you, simply show up at our shop and we will take care of the rest and help you feel confident before heading out on your beach adventure. Popoia Island is a must-do for any Oahu itinerary given its thrills, incredible views, and variety of water activities.

Ready to experience kayaking to Popoia Island for yourself? Click on this link to make your booking today! https://activeoahutours.com/rentals/oahu-tandem-kayak-rentals/