Half-day Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$161
per adult
Kayak Hanalei
Kayak Hanalei
5
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
We are a Hawaiian Family owned and operated company specializing in Kayak tours, kayak rentals, & SUP rentals. Open Sunday-Friday 8am-5:30pm (closed Saturday), Office closes for lunch 11:30am-12pm daily/Dock remains open. No Reservations for rentals. Rentals are all first come, first serve. Last rental at 3:45pm daily. Kayak Tours currently offered with an 8am or 2pm check in. Snorkel gear, dry bags, & lunch (am tour) or snacks (pm tour) included. Reservations are needed for tours.
Hanalei, Hawaii
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Kayak Hanalei
Half-day Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$146
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
762 reviews
Excellent
669
Very good
60
Average
13
Poor
8
Terrible
13
mar3442022
Littleton, CO1 contribution
Mar 2022
What a fantastic experience! The company was so easy to work with from booking onward- they accommodated our five person booking as well as food allergies. A perfect mix of kayaking while also snorkeling and just enjoying the sunshine. The extra touches of ukulele songs on the beach and eating a fresh coconut topped off our experience. On a more serious note, there was one older man who was in the group with us who needed assistance with kayaking and at one point even needed to be rescued from the water and the guides were so incredibly attentive and supportive I felt entirely safe.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth it the answer is yes!
If you’re wondering if it’s worth it the answer is yes!
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
donjobe3
Windsor, CO1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
If you are looking for a relaxing and fun activity, Kayak Hanalei is the place to reserve a morning or afternoon Kayak and snorkel excursion. My wife and I along with our two sons had a blast Kayaking, snorkeled with sea turtles, and made some great memories during our time. I would suggest morning kayaking as it can get hot in the afternoon in a kayak. :) But if you’re getting wet who cares what time of day it is! We Highly recommend Kayak Hanalei. They guys were knowledgeable about the island culture, history, they were funny and even climbed a coconut tree so we could all try fresh coconut! Awesome experience.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty I
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
This kayaking/snorkeling adventure was awesome...just the right amount of adventure and fun for our family of four adults. All equipment, a beautiful snorkeling spot, and lunch were provided. Kolo, our guide and a native Hawaiian, added personal stories to his history lesson which gave it so much more value. His personality made this fun trip even better!
Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bezie7
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Aug 2022
My family (wife, 2 younger daughters) rented two kayaks hoping for a relaxing afternoon river ride and ended up with the worst experience of any of the dozen times we have been to the Hawaiian islands. We started out around 3:00 and understood we needed to be back by 5:30 with the expectation being we would turn and head back at 4:30 no matter where we were.
The first warning sign should have been the life vests that smelled like death but we figured we could wear it over our clothes and wash them later. The trip up and down river wasn’t bad but the fireworks started when we were close to docking. The kayak I had with my youngest daughter (9) was a little out in front of the one my wife and older daughter (10) was in. We decided to turn into the tiny, poorly marked docking channel early, hoping to dock and take good video of them coming up the channel to remember our experience. (Seriously the sign for this place on the reasonably-sized river is maybe 8” by 20”). After docking we got out our phone and waited and waited and waited. It became clear they missed the turn in and were headed down river to where it emptied into the ocean. We told the dock workers that and they gave us the shoulder shrug and said they hoped they would find their way back.
They didn’t. I had to drive down to the beach at the end of the river and as luck would have it, ran into some actual kind locals who took us up river on their boat and towed my wife back to the docking channel, taking me back down river to the car. When they returned ALL the employees had gone home. EVERY ONE. My wife and 10 year old daughter had to dock their own kayak which included them pulling it up on to the ramp at 6:01pm. They could have cared less if that kayak ever came home and whether their customer lived or died. Our reward was an extra $100 charge for being 31 minutes late despite not having to pay any of their employees to stay for us.
The next day I stopped back in to have a pleasant conversation with the owner and asked if they could waive the charge in light of the fact that they didn’t bother to keep any of their employees late to help. His response: Rather than try and get some memories on video, I should have stayed back to help my wife dock because “we all know women can’t be left alone to do things like that!” He took no responsibility for literally almost losing a customer at sea, felt no remorse for letting the workers go home, and welcomed the poor reviews saying “they have no effect on our business.” I hope this one at least helps a few travelers avoid the same negative experience.
The first warning sign should have been the life vests that smelled like death but we figured we could wear it over our clothes and wash them later. The trip up and down river wasn’t bad but the fireworks started when we were close to docking. The kayak I had with my youngest daughter (9) was a little out in front of the one my wife and older daughter (10) was in. We decided to turn into the tiny, poorly marked docking channel early, hoping to dock and take good video of them coming up the channel to remember our experience. (Seriously the sign for this place on the reasonably-sized river is maybe 8” by 20”). After docking we got out our phone and waited and waited and waited. It became clear they missed the turn in and were headed down river to where it emptied into the ocean. We told the dock workers that and they gave us the shoulder shrug and said they hoped they would find their way back.
They didn’t. I had to drive down to the beach at the end of the river and as luck would have it, ran into some actual kind locals who took us up river on their boat and towed my wife back to the docking channel, taking me back down river to the car. When they returned ALL the employees had gone home. EVERY ONE. My wife and 10 year old daughter had to dock their own kayak which included them pulling it up on to the ramp at 6:01pm. They could have cared less if that kayak ever came home and whether their customer lived or died. Our reward was an extra $100 charge for being 31 minutes late despite not having to pay any of their employees to stay for us.
The next day I stopped back in to have a pleasant conversation with the owner and asked if they could waive the charge in light of the fact that they didn’t bother to keep any of their employees late to help. His response: Rather than try and get some memories on video, I should have stayed back to help my wife dock because “we all know women can’t be left alone to do things like that!” He took no responsibility for literally almost losing a customer at sea, felt no remorse for letting the workers go home, and welcomed the poor reviews saying “they have no effect on our business.” I hope this one at least helps a few travelers avoid the same negative experience.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha,
Kayak Hanalei's departure and return is visible from the river as there are only 2 turn offs on the entire lazy river between the Wildlife Refuge & Kayak Hanalei. The sign, large Hawaiian flag, and canal is just past the only homes you will see on the river when returning from the Wildlife Refuge.
The 1st double kayak of 2 returned at 5pm. The customer stated his wife had been just behind him but must have missed the turn off. If paddlers miss the turn and continue paddling downstream to the ocean, but turn around a soon as they see Hanalei Bay, it should take no longer than 20 minutes at most to return to the dock. If paddlers continue to the beach and pull up on the beach or choose to go out into the bay, it will take 45 minutes to return to the dock.
All equipment is due back at the dock by 5:30pm. Upon closing & prior to leaving for the day, Kayak Hanalei messaged the customer that office staff & dock personnel would wait until 5:45pm for the kayak to return and if they were not back by that time, to pull all equipment up on our dock and an employee would return later in the evening to put all equipment away.
All rentals are self guided rentals. Staff remain on the dock during business hours of 8am-5:30pm to assist customers. If customers return late (we've had people return up to 2 hours late for various reasons- loss of time, wanted to stay out later, etc) they will have to pull their own equipment up. This is in consideration to employees that we do not expect to work more than a 10 hour day waiting an extra 30 mins to upwards of 2 hours for late returnees.
As Kayak Hanalei has security cameras throughout the property, we were notified when the last double kayak returned to the dock at 6pm. The customer was notified via text that we were aware that the final double kayak had returned at that time.
We have the exchange between owner and customer on video and the owner definitely did not say what is stated in this review. The owner stated, "You should never leave your family (wife & child) behind and stick together." As it is a summer month and the ocean is flat and calm, many customers paddle in the bay and most turn around prior to going out into the bay or pull up on the beach. Office staff go over a map with all customers indicating turn offs and time frames. The final kayaker was not in any danger as the Hanalei River and Bay areas are very calm this time of year.
The customer did not want to pay the late fee, but as stated on the waiver form signed, all late returnees will be charged the listed late fee.
Written August 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
comguyab
Gilbert, AZ1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
Kulo and Laa were wonderful guides. They enhanced our experience with there energy, stories, uke playing and knowledge of the area. Wish this was one of of first outings in Kauai because of the exposure we had to the culture, food and hospitality that gave us a further appreciation for all the the islands have to offer. It is an experience our family will remember as a highlight of our trip. Mahalo!
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dtrav6
San Jose, CA4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
What a great time my husband and I had with Kayak Hanalei. It was a highlight of our trip. Kolo and Gabe were excellent guides. They were informative of the beautiful island of Kauai, kind, so fun to talk and listen to. They both were very prepared in dealing with our group of 16. We had a great time kayaking and snorkeling. Not only did we have a tasty filling lunch, but we were also entertained by Kolo singing on his ukelele some of my favorite Hawaiian songs. Ahh couldn’t have asked for more. Aloha Kolo, Gabe and Kayak Hanalei for an enjoyable time.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin H
Grand Junction2 contributions
Jul 2021
This was a great trip. We were provided all of the kayak necessities and then headed out down the river with stops for stories about the area. The snorkeling area was good, we saw a sea turtle, but not much else unfortunately. Lunch was good and we had some time to relax before heading back to the starting point. I chose this because at the time I was 28 weeks pregnant and most other adventure companies won't allow you to participate. I exercise regularly so this was not exhaustive and I appreciated being able to do something fun and somewhat adventurous on our trip. Would highly recommend.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danieladamson10
1 contribution
Jun 2024
Great experience great info. Our guide was a character and fantastic super patient with my million questions and made me feel vary comfortable guiding us snorkeling way farther out then I would have gone by myself. Food was nice even snagged some fresh papaya on the way. Defiantly recommend.
Written September 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NotaonehitHunter
Atlanta, GA14 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This trip was great. Kolo was such a wonderful guide. We learned a lot on the trip about Kauai culture, the reefs, and the fish. We got to see puff the magic dragon. It has rained the day before so we knew snorkeling wasn’t gonna be great but we still saw turtles and lots of fish. The lunch provided was really good. Kolo even climbed a coconut tree to grab us coconuts. He also grabbed fresh papaya. Great trip and would defiantly recommend.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Boston, MA6 contributions
Aug 2023
Our family of 3 had a wonderful time with Kayak Hanalei We did the afternoon kayaking/snorkeling. Kolo and Gabe did a wonderful job of making sure we had a wonderful, relaxing and safe time. Kolo told us really great stories of the history of the area, and info about the fish and other wildlife we would be experiencing. I highly recommend this trip! It was magical to kayak into Hanalei Bay, and we saw beautiful fish and several turtles, just a few feet away from us! Would highly recommend!
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Approximately how long would it take to go up the river and back?
Written December 24, 2017
With a tour it was a half day adventure approximately 4 hours as it included lunch and a stop for snorkeling but if you were just kayaking the river yourself you may only need a couple hours depending upon your experience as a kayaker
Written December 24, 2017
We will be on Kauai near Poipu for the month of March. Any possibility of a tandem kayak rental for the month?
We are staying at Kuhio Shores.
Mahalo and Merry Christmas.
Bill & Debi
765.606.5547
Written December 23, 2016
Kayak Hanalei R
Hanalei, Hawaii
Aloha Bill & Debi,
Unfortunately, we do not offer car topping of our kayaks as they all go out from our private dock here in Hanalei. We are located on the opposite side of Poipu, which is about 1.5 hours drive away. It would be better if you could find a kayak rental that is closer to you. You may want to try Wailua kayak companies (about 30-40 minutes away from you) or a company in the Poipu area.
If you'd like to rent kayaks/SUPs to go up the Hanalei River feel free to give us a call and we can get you the information you'd need.
Hope that helps(-: Have a great stay in March!!!
Aloha,
Kayak Hanalei
Written December 26, 2016
My wife and I are unsure to rent for a half day unguided or to go for the full meal deal with lunch? What are your prices for tomorrow?
Thanks,
Ted
Written April 3, 2015
We rented SUPs for a couple hours at the end of the day. It gave us enough time to paddle up to the bridge, at a relaxed pace.
Written April 4, 2015
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