#2 Intermediate

This medium length paddle around Le’ahi (Diamond Head) is a good one for novices looking to improve their open ocean skills. We’ll take a break about halfway at Shangri-La.

A medium length cruise past the Ewa plain. Small shore breaks at launch and landing are possible so you need to be comfortable going through the surf.

Vice-President Stan Dalbec has long envisioned completing a round trip paddle from Mokulēʻia to Kaʻena Point. We did it in 2025, but itʻs rare for the wind and surf conditions to line up to make this feasible. Join us on Stanʻs Quest and paddle to Ka’ena Point without the arduous carpool.

A nice cruise across Waimanalo Bay and Lanikai Beach with a stop at Moku Nui. This is a great paddle for beginners to stretch out your paddling distance as it’s all inside the reef and you can stay comfortably close to shore the whole way.

Launching and returning a kayak through surf is one of the most intimidating parts of coastal paddling. Waves, timing, and shallow water can quickly turn a routine paddle into a “Crash & Burn” capsize if approached incorrectly. With the right preparation and technique, however, surf zones can be managed safely and confidently.

A leisurely paddle along the leeward coast. We often see spinner dolphins on this paddle. Small kine surf at launch. Sheltered bay landing.

We play tourist today with a fun cruise across world famous Waikiki Beach. Kayak surfers can drop in on the surf breaks along the way. On our return leg, we’ll pull up on the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and have lunch at the beachfront Mai Tai Bar.

This medium length paddle can be challenging because of potential large trade swells. If conditions allow you can get up close to several islets between Lai‘e Point and Mālaekahana.

A scenic paddle going past all the famous North Shore surf breaks. The first couple miles are the most challenging depending on the swell.

This is a mellow paddle on the calm, leeward coast. Going by World Famous Makaha surfing beach where there is also a turtle feeding station if anybody would like to take a dip and check out some honu.

The first half of this paddle is not the most scenic, but once you pass the Kalaeloa Harbor entrance you cruise by the plush Ko Olina Resort. The reef in front of Ko Olina and the Kahe Power Plant cooling water discharge pipe are great snorkeling spots.