This half-day tour starts in Hanalei town and takes you on a quiet paddle up the only navigable river on Kaua‘i before opening into the sweeping beauty of Hanalei Bay, the island’s largest natural bay. Led by local guides, you’ll learn about the legends, ecology, and history of the area while gliding past jungle-lined riverbanks and mountain views. The trip includes a snorkeling stop among vibrant reef life (keep an eye out for sea turtles), and wraps up with a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. It’s mellow, immersive, and full of moments that feel like stepping back in time.
"Paddle down the river into the ocean and onto the beach to snorkel, awesome!! Followed by lunch and fresh papaya. Wonderful time."
Verified Review
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 5 and up, group size limited to 18 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate — kayak paddling
WHAT TO BRING
Swimwear, water-friendly shoes, sun protection, towel.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.8★ from 800+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests consistently appreciate the combination of engaging storytelling, calm paddling, and abundant marine life. Many note the guides’ friendly and accommodating approach, calling the tour both “fun and informative.” Snorkeling alongside turtles, exploring hidden beaches, and enjoying a relaxing lunch make this an unforgettable and immersive morning on Kauaʻi’s North Shore.
“Kayaking down the Hanalei River into the ocean was a nice workout. The snorkeling was amazing. We saw all kinds of beautiful fish and a large ray. Very majestic …”
Verified Review
Slip back into time. Experience the feeling of old Hawaii.
A completely personalized narrated tour of the beautiful Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay, the largest natural bay on Kaua’i. Learn about Kauai’s rich history, legends, folklore, and natural beauty.
The only river on Kaua’i where no commercial motorized boats are allowed. Visit the home of the green sea turtle, snorkel amongst the beautiful reefs exploring the abundant marine life; followed by a relaxing lunch on a secluded beach.
All snorkel gear, waterproof bags and deli style lunch are provided.
Please note that Double/Tandem kayaks are required with all tour bookings except in the case of odd numbered groups in which a single kayak will be used.
Private tour option: pricing is for up to 12 participants with 17% gratuity with the option to add on as needed up to a total of 18 participants.
Restrictions:
*Full Face Snorkel Masks Not Permitted
*Double kayaks provided, limited amount of single kayaks available for odd numbered group bookings
*225lb weight limit per person (exception of up to 250lbs if 6' or taller)Luana of Hanalei Inc. (operating as Kayak Hanalei) is a Hawaiian family–owned outfit renowned for immersive, personalized river and bay tours. Launching from their private dock, their guides blend local history, folklore, and reef ecology as they lead guests down the serene Hanalei River into the bay. With snorkel gear, water bags, and deli-style lunches included, their small-group excursions foster an intimate feel and deep connection to old Hawaii.
Check in at our shop: 8:00 am. Tour duration: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Check in at the Kayak Hanalei shop at 5‑5070A Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714—look for the green & white building with stacks of kayaks on the right after crossing Hanalei Bridge.Customers will receive a full refund with a minimum of 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation with at least 48 hours notice. Changes cannot be made to bookings with less than 48 hours notice for any reason (including illness). No-shows and late cancellations will be charged the full price. See cancellation policy below for various group sizes.
• Groups of 1-5 guests: 48-hour cancellation or change policy
• Groups of 6-9 guests: 72-hour cancellation or change policy
• Groups of 10-14 guests: one-week cancellation or change policy with a one-week prepayment paid in full
• Groups of 15 or more guests/Private Tour Buy Outs: two-week cancellation or change policy with a two-week prepayment paid in full
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Kayak Through the Heart of Hanalei
Some places let you slow down. Hanalei forces you to. The morning starts quietly—kayaks pulled from a rack, paddles passed around, the soft shuffle of bare feet and sunscreen-slapped shoulders. The Hanalei River winds past us like it’s got nowhere to be, framed by impossibly green jungle and the purple blur of distant peaks. Our guide points out birds and plants we’d never have noticed otherwise—names we’ll forget, but the feeling of drifting past them sticks.
The river gives way to the bay with no fanfare, just an opening that suddenly fills with light. Out here, the land pulls back and the sky takes over. Hanalei Bay is big, wild, and soft all at once. No motors, no noise, just the quiet rhythm of paddles and the occasional whoop when someone spots a turtle.
“No motors, no noise—just the river, the reef, and a rhythm you fall into without trying.”
We beach the kayaks and wade into the water. It’s warm and glassy. The reef is busy—fish flicker past, the sun cuts through the shallows, and there’s that floating, in-between feeling that snorkeling always brings. There’s nothing extreme about it, but that’s kind of the point. Everything feels just right. Afterward, we sit on the sand with sandwiches, a little salty, a little sun-drunk, and a lot grateful.
It’s not a tour you brag about in miles or adrenaline. But it’s the one that creeps into your memory when you’re back home and missing Hawai‘i—not the postcards, but the pause.
