Oahu Kayak Trip Packing List — What to Bring

Rental Includes — We Provide

Every Active Oahu rental comes fully equipped so you can hit the water with confidence. Here's what's included in your booking:

Kayak: Sit-on-top ocean kayak (single or tandem options available)
PFD (Life Vest): USCG-approved personal flotation device, sized to fit
Paddle: Lightweight paddle with leash
Soft Racks: Foam blocks and tie-down straps for roof transport (fits most 4-door vehicles)
Dry Bag: Waterproof dry bag for your phone, keys, and small valuables

You Bring — Essential Items

These items are not included with your rental but are essential for a safe and enjoyable day on the water:

Water: At least 1 liter per person — more for longer trips. Hawaii's sun is intense and dehydration happens fast on the water.
Sunscreen: Reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, SPF 30+). Hawaii banned oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens to protect coral reefs — please use reef-safe only.
Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, sandwiches — you'll burn calories paddling.
Water Shoes: Closed-toe water shoes or secure sandals. Lava rock and reef cuts are common — bare feet are not recommended.
Phone: Fully charged for navigation, photos, and emergency contact. Store in the dry bag when not in use.

Optional Add-Ons

Enhance your adventure with these optional add-ons available at checkout:

Snorkel Gear: Mask, snorkel, and fins — perfect for combining kayaking with underwater exploration at Kailua Bay, Sharks Cove, or the Kaneohe Sandbar.
Anchor: A small kayak anchor lets you hold position at the Kaneohe Sandbar or over snorkel spots without drifting.
Cooler: Keep drinks and lunch cold on the water. Fits in the rear tank well of our tandem kayaks.
Rash Guard: UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guard available for rent. Protects from sun and prevents chafing during longer paddles.

What to Wear

Swimwear: Quick-dry board shorts or swimsuit as your base layer.
Rash Guard or Lightweight Long Sleeve: The equatorial sun is intense — cover up.
Hat: Wide-brim hat with a chin strap (the tradewinds will take it otherwise).
Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses with a strap — the glare off the water is significant.
Water Shoes or Secure Sandals: Not flip-flops — they slip off in the water.

Pro Tips

Pack light: Storage space on a kayak is limited. One small backpack per person is plenty.
Double-bag electronics: Put your phone in a ziplock bag inside the dry bag for extra protection.
Freeze your water bottles: They'll melt slowly and stay cold for hours on the water.
Leave valuables at home: Car break-ins can happen at beach parking lots — only bring what you need.

Need gear? Visit our rentals page to add snorkel gear, anchors, coolers, or rash guards to your booking.

Plan Your Oahu Kayaking Adventure

We are based out of Kailua where we have our storefront. Make a reservation with us and we will set you up with kayaks, beach gear and amazing self-guided experiences.

We provide a rental service and can suggest some of the best places to experience Oahu’s natural beauty. We also have some hand-picked self-guided experiences that are perfect if you are looking for something specific, pre-planned, and approachable but don’t have the time to do the research and extra planning that comes with a regular rental.

We offer self-guided stand-up paddle boarding or self-guided kayak tours on a secluded river in Kahana Valley and ocean kayaking to Mokolii, Chinaman’s Hat, where you can hike and see amazing views. We also offer kayaking to the Mokulua islands in Kailua Bay where you will get a permit from our team to land your kayak on the beach of the bird sanctuaries of Popoia island (Flat island) or Moku Nui, one of the Mokulua Islands (Twin Islands).

Join us for a single activity or do a multi-day rental so you can keep adventuring for your whole trip. We help make your Oahu kayaking adventures a breeze so you have more time on the water packed with priceless memories that you can take home with you.

Awards

Testimonials

“We booked kayaks for our family to go to Mokoli’i. I was so impressed with the knowledge and responsiveness. Jared contacted me before our self guided tour and was there on time and available at pick-up. He was friendly and helpful as we navigated this most epic journey. I would 100% recommend this company to others.”

– Mindy S

“…There was great communication with the staff and they were very informative as well. We had a very enjoyable time and would definitely use Active Oahu Tours kayak rental company again!”

– Bri

“Excellent customer service from Logan. I was staying down in Waikiki and he texted me in the morning to confirm all the details before I came out!”…”Super fun morning and I recommend it to everyone interested in a great activity away from the crowds of Waikiki. I ubered out to the meeting location from Waikiki and was able to catch an Uber back easily.”

– C Bland