Aloha, are you ready for an island adventure?
Oahu, Hawaii is a paradise of warm waters and stunning views.
Let’s unveil the best places to paddle board in Oahu together.
Time to embark on a breathtaking journey, Hawaiian style.
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Oahu
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Waikiki Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Waikiki Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, gentle waves perfect for beginners
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Diamond Head, city skyline, iconic hotels
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid crowded areas, always leash your board
Waikiki Beach is undoubtedly the most popular and iconic destination for paddleboarding in Oahu.
Catering to beginners and experts alike, Waikiki provides a perfect setting with clear calm waters and beautiful scenery, including the Diamond Head crater and an impressive city skyline.
#2 Kailua Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Kailua Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Turquoise water, gentle currents, can be windy
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, tropical fish, occasional dolphins
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be cautious of the wind
Kailua Beach boasts stunning turquoise waters and picturesque views of the nearby Mokulua Islands.
This world-famous beach offers some of the best paddleboarding conditions in Oahu. However, the area can be windy, so beginners should exercise caution.
#3 Anahulu River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Haleiwa Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Green sea turtles, tropical fish, aquatic birds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Lush greenery, historic Haleiwa town
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local rules
Anahulu River offers a tranquil and scenic paddleboarding experience surrounded by lush greenery and a charming historic town.
Paddlers can glide alongside green sea turtles and enjoy a unique perspective of Haleiwa’s beauty.
#4 Kaneohe Bay
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Heʻeia State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Protected bay with calm waters, mild currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays
- 🏞️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Coconut Island, Kaneohe Sandbar, volcanic cliffs
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for coral, respect marine life, avoid private areas
Kaneohe Bay is a tranquil oasis with a unique blend of marine life and pristine waters. Paddle past volcanic cliffs, explore the famous Kaneohe Sandbar, and keep an eye out for sea turtles and stingrays.
But be careful not to disturb the coral, as it is an important part of the ecosystem.
#5 Ala Moana Beach Park
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Ala Moana Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Enclosed lagoon, calm waters, mild wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Honolulu skyline, Waikiki
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid crowds, leash and life jacket recommended
Ala Moana Beach Park offers a relaxed paddleboarding experience with stunning skyline views of Honolulu and Waikiki.
The enclosed lagoon provides calm waters, perfect for beginners or those simply looking for a leisurely paddle.
#6 Sunset Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Sunset Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Clear waters, gentle currents during summer months
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, occasional sea turtles, dolphins
- 🏞️ ️ Landmarks & Views: North Shore coastline, vibrant sunsets
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid high surf during winter months, respect local regulations
Sunset Beach is a world-renowned surf destination, but during the summer months, it can be a fantastic spot for paddleboarding.
Experience the picturesque beauty of the North Shore coastline and enjoy the vibrant sunsets that give the beach its name. However, be cautious during winter months, as waves can be dangerous for paddleboarders.
#7 Waimanalo Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Waimanalo Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Clear waters, gentle currents, consistent trade winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Oahu’s eastern shoreline, lush greenery, Makapu’u Lighthouse
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of strong winds, respect local rules
Waimanalo Beach offers a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise waters on Oahu’s eastern shoreline.
With its clear waters and gentle currents, it’s a great spot for paddleboarding, but keep an eye on the trade winds that can pick up in the area.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Oahu?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Oahu include Waikiki Beach, Haleiwa Beach Park, and Kailua Beach Park.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Oahu?
No, paddle boards do not need to be registered in Oahu.
When is the best time to paddle board in Oahu?
The best time to paddle board in Oahu is during summer when the ocean is calmer.
