Explore the tropical waters of the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay on this guided kayak and snorkeling tour. Paddle through the lush tropical surroundings as you make your way down the Hanalei River out into the open Hanalei Bay, where you can glimpse the famous cliffs of Makana Peak (also known as Bali Hai). Snorkel through the marvelous underwater world of the Bay Reef Lagoon, home to sea turtles and brightly colored tropical fish.

Guided kayak and snorkel tour of Hanalei River and Bay Reef Lagoon
Kayak down the Hanalei River surrounded by lush greenery
Snorkel in the pristine turquoise waters of Bay Reef Lagoon and see the tropical fish
Enjoy spectacular views of Makana Peak as you kayak in Hanalei Bay

What's Included

Lunch
Tandem (double) kayak
Snorkel gear (please provide male/female shoe/fin sizes)
Water-resistant bag
Tropical juice - To reduce plastic waste we now have a Water Filtration Station.
Snacks

Hotel pick up and drop off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

3-5971 Kuhio Hwy
3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
Guest will meet at the Wailua River Marina store location at 8:00 am.

Start time

08:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Splash into the watery wonders of Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay as you explore some of Kauai’s most picturesque landscapes. Meet your local guide at the departure point near the Hanalei River, and then hop aboard a double kayak and begin your leisurely paddle downriver. Along the way, soak in the peaceful atmosphere and passing scenery of taro fields and tropical forests.

After approximately 45 minutes of kayaking, disembark on the shores of beautiful Hanalei Bay and recharge with a snack break. Admire spectacular views of the bay, made famous by the 1958 film South Pacific, and learn about ancient Hawaiian fire-throwing ceremonies conducted from the dramatic Makana Peak.

Slip on a snorkeling mask and fins, and then dive into the warm turquoise waters of Hanalei’s Bay Reef Lagoon. Explore underwater reef formations and be on the lookout for Hawaiian marine life such as brilliant tropical fish and sea turtles. You’ll also have a chance to ride the gentle waves of the bay on a sea kayak if you like. Finish your 5-hour tour with another short kayak ride and a drive back to the original departure point.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Please bring the following items: sun protection, light shirt, bathing suit, footwear for the beach (tabis, aqua socks or tennis shoes), towel and change of clothes
Please include your choice of lunch: Ham, Turkey, Veggie or Peanut butter jelly
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Guests much be comfortable in the ocean. Smaller waves during certain times of the year.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Carol_C

We had a great time with our small group! Our guides Pahatu and Jay were a perfect combination of guide, host, and a fun friend showing us an island they clearly love! It was a perfect way to see the coast and we are so happy to have been a part of this experience.

Reviews

4.5

132 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 132 reviews

Gotta do it

Anthony_R, Feb 2023

Started in the rain and ended in the rain. Beautiful in between. Hanalei is a magical place and should not be missed. Kayaking and snorkeling are pretty low impact and can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Our guide Elijah was knowledgeable and personable. He knew all the landmarks, names of all the fauna and explained the language, culture and history. Top quality equipment.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Aloha Anthony, Gotta dot it and we are glad you did! Without rain can't have rainbows + it can drape the Hanalei landscape with mystery. Glad to her that Elijah continues to give 100%. Our guides try to keep you safe and informed while having fun. Thanks again....gotta go. A hui hou, Micco

Disappointing

David_M, Feb 2023

Substandard experience not living up to it's billing. Guide with more of a political agenda than providing a great experience for patrons.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Aloha David, Sorry that politics spilled over into the "great quiet". What day was it that you went on our tour? I have an idea of who our culprit might be. If you scroll down to our past reviews, most of our guides leave politics on the shore and emphasize natural history, while keeping it fun and safe. Apologize again that your guide did not "punch out" with national and world affairs to allow you to enjoy the healing/soothing qualities natural environment A hui hou, Micco

It was a rare, calm...

BradPope, Jan 2023

It was a rare, calm winter day on the North Shore. The guides were very knowledgeable, and we saw too many turtles to count

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Aloha Brad, Guaranteed on our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel you will see not only turtles and some colorful fishes but also distant waterfalls that festoon the mountains behind Hanalei. Thanks for the 5stars. Stay well and paddling. A hui hou, Micco

Great tour

Lala_H, Jan 2023

Great tour. We had a lot of fun. Instructions were great. Tour guides were fun. Was not the best place to snorkel because the beach was very rocky. Definitely a tour for people with little to no experience with Kayaking.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Aloha Lala, Glad you enjoyed our Hanalei Blue Lagoon tour and inspite the imperfect snorkeling, that you still enjoyed the guides and the panorama of mountains and waterfalls that festoons Hanalei. Enjoy the new year. A hui hou, Micco

Highly recommend

Ginger_M, Jan 2023

Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Great mix of letting us explore on our own and making sure we were safe. Appreciated all of the history and language lessons.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Aloha Ginger, We try to gauge everyone on our tour and give just enough scope so you can enjoy on your own while joining and engaging with the guide and others. Glad you left a bit more “akamai” and hope to see you back. Thanks for 5 stars. A hui hou, Micco

Paddle and Snorkel

Mary_D, Dec 2022

Beautiful day for a paddle and snorkel. Elijah took good care of us. Hanalei River and Bay are unforgettable! The fish were abundant.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Aloha Mary, Mele Kalikimaka! Good to know that Elijah took cae of you on our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel. All our guides know how to have fun and inform while keeping you safe. Our Hanalei Blue Lagoon is one of the best kept secret. Happy Holidays. Micco

Wonderful adventure

Janice_V, Nov 2022

Our guide Mike was knowledgeable of Kaui’s history, flora and Fauna. He could identify mountains, and Hawaiian culture. He made our kayaking experience easy and enjoyable. Snorkeling was fun as well

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Aloha Janice, Thanks for your Thanksgiving review. Glad your enjoyed your Hanalei Blue Lagoon tour as much as I enjoyed my Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Mike is great to work with and brings real knowledge and aloha to all his tour. We are all very lucky to work and tour with him. Thanks for your review. Stay paddling and snorkeling. A hui hou, Micco

Lots of fun

Sharon_S, Nov 2022

Had a great experience kayaking. Our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. The only issue we had was during snorkeling. The equipment was not that great. They broke and sea water got in our eyes. Overall we made it work.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Aloha Sharon, Sorry about the faulty snorkeling gear and glad we/you were able to "make it work". Thanks for the 4 stars and hope you enjoyed when surfacing the beautiful landscape and waterfalls that festoon the hinterland of Hanalei. A hui hou, Micco

Ask for Guide Pohaku!

Roxann_M, Oct 2022

Our guide, Pohaku (aka, PK - our nickname for him), made this whole experience spectacular. His love for his culture and Hawaii came shining through. He was a blessing to be around and we enjoyed learning from him. The sights were beautiful, lunch was fresh and good, and PK was awesome!! Mahalo from Michigan!!

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Aloha Roxan, I like PK...will start calling Pohaku this abbreviation. Always a pleasure to work with the man and know he loves to impart his love for Hawaii and his culture. Thanks for your kind words and will share with PK. A hui hou, Micco

Don't miss out!

Teresa_D, Oct 2022

Fantastic time! J entertained, informed and guided us through the estuary then into the ocean where we snorkled after a picnic on the beach. Epic kayaking!

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Aloha Teresa, Will let Jay know that you enjoyed his Blue Lagoon paddle and snorkel on the Hanalei Bay and River. Come back for some more epic paddling in other venues, e.g. whale watching Po'ipu in the winter or Na Pali summer. Thanks for letting us know we are doing a good job; we try. A hui hou, Micco

Great time in a kayak

Jason_M, Sep 2022

The guide funny and very knowledgeable about the islands. Awesome time .saw a great amount of the islands birds fish and as well as turtles and a seal. Thanks

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Aloha Jason, Of all our tours...the Hanalei Blue Lagoon paddle and snorkel is my personal favorite. Glad you enjoyed the scenery under water and on top. Thanks for sharing and will let our guides know you enjoyed. A hui hou, Micco

Kuaui Kayak and Snorkel Trip!

Carole_S, Sep 2022

Jay and Darren were awesome guides! Super friendly and engaging. Very knowledgeable about Kuaui (of course) with excellent tips on where to eat, get amazing coffee (Small Town Coffee, Kapa’a) and hiking! Great advice on Okolehao Trail, especially to bring gloves! Trip and guides highly recommended! Thanks!

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Aloha Carole, I will have to ask Jay and Darren where I can get a good burrito. (Smiling Face). All our guides are a wealth of information, from the natural and cultural history....to where, of course, you can find a good burrito. Will let them both know you enjoyed the paddle and snorkel and their tips. Stay well and active. Thanks for making it possible. A hui hou, Micco

Best snorkeling!

Wendy_V, Sep 2022

This was an amazing experience! We had great tour guides- Jay and Dennis. They were knowledgeable and friendly and made sure everyone was safe. We went to the best snorkeling spot I’ve been to on the island and got to see all kinds of fish, sea turtles and coral. The views of the mountains coming back into Hanalei Bay are breathtaking. Really it’s one of my favorite experiences on the island.

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Aloha Wendy, Compared to our Wailua River paddle and hike to the waterfalls...the Blue Lagoon tour you went on is not as well known. As you learned it is a classic. Even in the winter, when the surf is up, after exploring the river, we can extract some satisfying snorkeling and paddling within the barrier reef. Will let Jay and Darren know you enjoyed your day. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

Perfect!

Lawrence_C, Sep 2022

Great time! Love kayaking and being so close on the water. Snorkeling is always fun. The beach was a great little spot. Jay was a perfect guide. He made sure everyone knew what to do and that all were having fun. Lunch was tasty especially fresh pineapple. A very nice way to spend a few hours.

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Aloha Lawrence, Thanks for taking the time to let us know that Jay continues to "shine". Jay not only does a great job in the field but also is responsible in general for our "award winning" sea kayak program. Thanks for sharing and keep paddling and exploring. A hui hou, Micco

Highly recommended

Benjamin_W, Jun 2022

Our trip was canceled due to my negligence. Great company to deal with. The man gave me explicit instructions where to be picked up and I did not follow them. My apologies.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

Aloha Benjamin, Sorry the "turnout" was not to be. But thanks for the nice review anyway. Here's to the next time. Stay well. A hui hou, Micco

Professional, friendly, safe, and fun!

Patricia_D, Mar 2022

We had a great time. Jay and Nick were excellent guides. Jay was very knowledgeable about the Hawaiian Islands and specifically, Kauai. We felt safe dispite a couple of us having little or no kayaking experience. Snorkeling was great with lots of colorful fish and a big green turtle to see. I would definitely recommend. Great family fun!

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Aloha Patricia, Always felt that our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel is the perfect tour for the more active family and couples. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for taking the time to share with others this tour, which is beginning to rival our more popular Wailua paddle and hike to the falls. Stay active and keep enjoying the outdoors with your 'ohana. A hui hou, Micco

Travel time exceeds activity time, better options available.

Colleen_G, Mar 2022

Most of time spent traveling to and from Kapaa to Hanalei Bay. If you want to do this trip pick a company based in Hanalei. However, guide Pohakukauea was fantastic! Very professional and knowledgeable about Hawaiian and Kauaiian culture.

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Aloha Colleen, Sorry you did not enjoy the drive up to our staging area in Hanalei, For most, the drive up from our shop at Wailua River Marina, is considered quite picturesque; many years ago there was even a movement to make Kaua'i in its entirety a National Park. But glad you enjoyed Pohaku and the tour. Stay well and thanks for the review. A hui hou, Micco

Fun group of people our...

Roxanne_H, Mar 2022

Fun group of people our tour guide, Hawaiin Brian, was so very knowledgeable and spirited. The hike was beautiful and the swim at the waterfalls was refreshing. A memorable experience of a lifetime

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Aloha Roxanne, We don't have a Brian in our employ, but that said, all the companies plying and sharing the Wailua River complex, all sport a real passion and knowledge of the terrain one traverses. Glad you enjoyed and here's to more lifetime experiences. A hui hou, Micco

Great tour and guides!

Carol_J, Mar 2022

Jay was incredibly informative in the drive up to the river and Steve and Jay were awesome tour guides during the paddle and snorkel!

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Aloha Carol, Actually overlooked, but the drive up from our Wailua River Marina location, where you checked in, to the staging are in Hanalei is "a tour in itself". Kaua'i is a scenic wonder and our panoramic Hanalei paddle and snorkel compliments the drive up. Glad you enjoyed. Stay paddling and snorkeling. Thanks for you kind review. A hui hou, Micco

Fantastic kayaking experience!

Maureen_P, Feb 2022

We had a fabulous trip kayaking in the Hanalei River and the bay and then snorkeling in Hanalei Bay. Our tour guide, Jay, was amazing! He had a great vibe, was a wealth of information about Kauai and made absolutely sure that we had a safe and very fun adventure. I would definitely book a trip with this vendor again! Five stars (and more) for Jay!!!

Response from Host, Feb 2022

Aloha Mauree, Will have to lobby for more stars for these reviews! Jay is one of our top ocean guide. You should come back with Jay and paddle with him along the robust and challenging Na Pali Coast. Our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Tour is one of the lesser known gems and your kind words are helping others to enjoy it as well. Until our wakes cross again. Stay well and thanks. A hui hou, Micco

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