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FAQ

Whether you’re looking forward to your first day of paddling in Hawaii or grew up here, these tips from our staff at Sun and Salt Adventures will help you get the most out of a day here in Kailua.

When is the best time of year for paddling Kailua Bay?

Kailua Bay enjoys the famously beautiful weather of Hawaii year round. Winter temperatures average in the high 70’s and summer is in the mid to upper 80’s.

Make your plans flexible – when planning for a day of paddling allow for changes due to weather and ocean conditions.

Plan to do your kayaking soon after you arrive, then if the weather is bad, we can re-schedule so that you can go kayaking when the weather is better.

What is included in our packages?

Guided Tour – includes a kayak, life jacket, and paddle, picnic lunch, and a guide that will teach you paddling technique, guide you safely to off-shore islands, and tell you about the birds, marine life and history of Hawaii. Also included in this package is snorkeling gear, a dry bag, and padded backrest for your kayak.

Self-Guided Adventure Package – includes a kayak, life jacket, and paddle, picnic lunch, a dry bag, and padded backrest for your kayak. This is a self-guided package, so you get to explore on your own with the help of our map, orientation, and safety briefing!

Kailua Shorebreak Adventure – includes mask, fins and snorkel, boogie board, picnic lunch and hotel transportation from Waikiki. Kayak rental is not included in this package.

What should we wear?

Comfortable swimwear and shoes or sandals good for walking on rocks. Be prepared for a little exercise and to get wet.

What will be the highlight of the day?

Seeing wild turtles and a Hawaiian Monk seal is always a highlight. Many of our clients have said the guided hike around the offshore islands was the highlight of their visit to Hawaii and one of the most interesting walks they’ve ever been on, EVER!

When will we be back at the end of the day?

You will be picked up at the launch point at 2.30PM. This will get you back to your hotel at approximately 3:45PM – 4.00PM.

Why paddle in Kailua Bay?

Kailua Bay may be the best destination for paddlers on Oahu. For the beginner it offers calm reef protected waters and a number of very interesting small near shore islands within easy reach of Kailua Beach. The experienced paddler will enjoy the waves outside the same reef that keeps the water calm near the beach. With beautiful sandy beaches, calm clear water, and multiple hiking options, these small islands make a great place to spend the day picnicking and exploring. And then there’s the wildlife … Green Sea Turtles. Summer is the nesting season for a number of rare sea birds that use these islands to raise their young. Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and the the very rare Hawaiian Monk Seal are known to come into the bay on occasion. In winter there’s also a chance you’ll see humpback whales just off shore.

Should we go on a guided tour or take a self-guided adventure package?

If you are of average physical ability and enjoy exploring the outdoors on your own, you’ll have a great time on our Adventure Package. However, going on the Guided Tour can make the trip safer, more informative, and help you get the most out of your day. Our guides can take you places you may not find on your own and show you things you might have missed otherwise.

If kayaking is not for you but you want to spend some time on World Class Kailua Beach doing some snorkeling, body boarding, and playing in our warm waters, then the Kailua Beach Adventure would be right for you.

What should we bring?

Sunscreen, underwater camera, hat, sunglasses, and a eyeglass retainer strap if you wear glasses/sunglasses (all of these are available at our shop if you don’t already have them). A Credit Card is required as a security deposit for the kayaks and other gear. Waterproof bags to keep your stuff dry are available to rent at $5.00 a day (included in packages).