Active Oahu Kayak Rental - Kahana Valley Rainforest & River Tour
Highlights
Neat way to see the rain forest
Overview
Oahu
4.5 hour(s)
Available Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Pick-up not available
Not Accessible
What to expect
Why do travelers choose this tour?
Kahana Valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places on Oahu, and it is an unforgettable experience that most visitors and even locals never get to see. The area is truly a special place, and perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers wanting to explore the hidden beauty of Oahu.This self-guided tour not only provides an excellent experience where you can explore at your own pace, but is one of the few ways that visitors to Oahu can see the natural wonder of Oahu's windward side on the east shore of the island.
Go on a kayaking tour that takes you "off the beaten path" and you can explore the ocean, river, and rainforests all in one tour.
Local expert tips
- This activity books up quickly, and we highly suggest booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer and spring break.
- During the summer months (end of May to the beginning of September) ocean conditions are calmer and more predictable, and the area is much more accessible.
- The best time of the day to kayak on Oahu is in the morning since the wind has a tendency to pick-up in the afternoon and can cause rougher water conditions which can make paddling more difficult.
- Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water if planning on swimming or snorkeling, and this tour is recommended for experienced or advanced kayak paddlers.
- The tour includes a small 15-liter dry bag to keep your personal belongings safe and dry, and while it is highly recommended that you bring water and snacks with you, please bring back any rubbish back to shore since litter will harm the marine life.
- Wear a swimsuit, and bring a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Kahana Valley is one of the wettest ares on Oahu, so there is a high probability of rain. Your booking will not be cancelled on the account of rain, and the showers are often quite refreshing when kayaking.
How does it work?
After your check-in, the experts at Active Oahu will go over the basics of how to kayak and snorkel, and point out the routes for the best way to go through Kahana Valley. Although snorkeling equipment is provided, you do not need to go into the water to enjoy this tour, and if you do intend on going in the water, you should be able to physically get back into the kayak.There are two kayaking options available with a family-friendly and beginners route where you will want to drive to the departure point approximately one mile from where you received your equipment, or an advanced route available only during the summer months to experienced kayakers where you depart from the near by beach access and paddle one mile to the Kahana river.
How to get there?
Check-in location to pick-up the kayak: Meet Active Oahu Tour's staff in Kailua Town (134 Hamakua Dr. Unit B Kailua, HI 96762).
The friendly team will be there to guide you through strapping the kayak on your vehicle and provide you with all the necessary equipment. All you need is a 4-door car to transport it. Please show up 15 minutes before your booking time.
Itinerary: Please note that it's a 40-minute drive from the Kayak shop in Kailua to Kahana Bay. The best place to park is in the Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park parking lot, across from Kahana Bay Beach Park (52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730).
Once you arrive at Kahana Valley, you will have to carry the kayak to the grassy area and launch the kayaks straight into the river. Please handle the kayaks with care, do not drag the kayaks on the asphalt, and please do not sit or stand on the kayaks while on land.
Go on a self-guided kayaking adventure, and paddle the calm river waters of Kahana Valley!
• Rental times: Every hour from 8:30AM - 3:30PM
• Tour duration: 4 hours
• Includes kayak, paddles & dry bag
• A 4-door vehicle that can accommodate a kayak is required
• Available for beginners and experienced paddlers of all ages
• Check-in is at Kailua Town, a 40-minute drive to Kahana Bay
Overview
Schedule
Check-in at Active Oahu - Kailua Town

Upon check-in, your local expert will be on hand to assist you in strapping on the kayak to the roof of your vehicle (large sedan, SUV or van is needed), while also providing you with all of the necessary equipment you will need during your kayaking tour through the rainforests of Kahana Valley.

Drive 40 minutes from your check-in location so you can launch the kayaks from an easy and calm area. There is ample parking available in the area, and once you have removed the kayaks from the roof, it is just a few steps till you arrive at the calm and clear Kahana Rainforest River to kayak.

Slip into the water on your easy-to-use kayak, and start your four to five mile journey through Kahana Valley, Oahu's untouched paradise. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can even pull off to the riverbanks to try out some of the many rope swings that have been placed throughout the trail.
Return kayak & equipment at Active Oahu Kailua
Check-in at Active Oahu - Kailua Town

Upon check-in, your local expert will be on hand to assist you in strapping on the kayak to the roof of your vehicle (large sedan, SUV or van is needed), while also providing you with all of the necessary equipment you will need during your kayaking tour through the rainforests of Kahana Valley.

Drive 40 minutes from your check-in location so you can launch the kayaks from an easy and calm area. There is ample parking available in the area, and once you have removed the kayaks from the roof, it is just a few steps till you arrive at the calm and clear Kahana Rainforest River to kayak.

Slip into the water on your easy-to-use kayak, and start your four to five mile journey through Kahana Valley, Oahu's untouched paradise. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can even pull off to the riverbanks to try out some of the many rope swings that have been placed throughout the trail.
Return kayak & equipment at Active Oahu Kailua
Check-in at Active Oahu - Kailua Town

Upon check-in, your local expert will be on hand to assist you in strapping on the kayak to the roof of your vehicle (large sedan, SUV or van is needed), while also providing you with all of the necessary equipment you will need during your kayaking tour through the rainforests of Kahana Valley.

Drive 40 minutes from your check-in location so you can launch the kayaks from an easy and calm area. There is ample parking available in the area, and once you have removed the kayaks from the roof, it is just a few steps till you arrive at the calm and clear Kahana Rainforest River to kayak.

Slip into the water on your easy-to-use kayak, and start your four to five mile journey through Kahana Valley, Oahu's untouched paradise. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can even pull off to the riverbanks to try out some of the many rope swings that have been placed throughout the trail.
Return kayak & equipment at Active Oahu Kailua
Check-in at Active Oahu - Kailua Town

Upon check-in, your local expert will be on hand to assist you in strapping on the kayak to the roof of your vehicle (large sedan, SUV or van is needed), while also providing you with all of the necessary equipment you will need during your kayaking tour through the rainforests of Kahana Valley.

Drive 40 minutes from your check-in location so you can launch the kayaks from an easy and calm area. There is ample parking available in the area, and once you have removed the kayaks from the roof, it is just a few steps till you arrive at the calm and clear Kahana Rainforest River to kayak.

Slip into the water on your easy-to-use kayak, and start your four to five mile journey through Kahana Valley, Oahu's untouched paradise. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can even pull off to the riverbanks to try out some of the many rope swings that have been placed throughout the trail.
Return kayak & equipment at Active Oahu Kailua
Check-in at Active Oahu - Kailua Town

Upon check-in, your local expert will be on hand to assist you in strapping on the kayak to the roof of your vehicle (large sedan, SUV or van is needed), while also providing you with all of the necessary equipment you will need during your kayaking tour through the rainforests of Kahana Valley.

Drive 40 minutes from your check-in location so you can launch the kayaks from an easy and calm area. There is ample parking available in the area, and once you have removed the kayaks from the roof, it is just a few steps till you arrive at the calm and clear Kahana Rainforest River to kayak.

Slip into the water on your easy-to-use kayak, and start your four to five mile journey through Kahana Valley, Oahu's untouched paradise. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can even pull off to the riverbanks to try out some of the many rope swings that have been placed throughout the trail.
Return kayak & equipment at Active Oahu Kailua
Check-in at Active Oahu - Kailua Town

Upon check-in, your local expert will be on hand to assist you in strapping on the kayak to the roof of your vehicle (large sedan, SUV or van is needed), while also providing you with all of the necessary equipment you will need during your kayaking tour through the rainforests of Kahana Valley.

Drive 40 minutes from your check-in location so you can launch the kayaks from an easy and calm area. There is ample parking available in the area, and once you have removed the kayaks from the roof, it is just a few steps till you arrive at the calm and clear Kahana Rainforest River to kayak.

Slip into the water on your easy-to-use kayak, and start your four to five mile journey through Kahana Valley, Oahu's untouched paradise. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can even pull off to the riverbanks to try out some of the many rope swings that have been placed throughout the trail.
Return kayak & equipment at Active Oahu Kailua
Transportation add-ons
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Start time :

08:15
- Check-in Counter

09:15
- Check-in Counter

11:15
- Check-in Counter

12:15
- Check-in Counter

14:15
- Check-in Counter

15:15
- Check-in Counter
Location, direction and description
-
Meet Active Oahu Tour's staff at 134 Hamakua Dr. Unit B Kailua, HI 96762.
The friendly team will be there to guide you through strapping the kayak on your vehicle and provide you with all the necessary equipment. All you need is a 4-door car to transport it. Please show up 15 minutes before your booking time.
Itinerary
-
Please note that it's a 40-minute drive from the Kayak shop in Kailua to Kahana Bay.
The best place to park is in the Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park parking lot, across from Kahana Bay Beach Park (52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730)
Once you arrive at Kahana Valley, you will have to carry the kayak to the grassy area and launch the kayaks straight into the river. Please handle the kayaks with care, do not drag the kayaks on the asphalt, and please do not sit or stand on the kayaks while on land.
Start time :

12:30
- Check-in Counter

13:30
- Check-in Counter

15:30
- Check-in Counter

16:30
- Check-in Counter

18:30
- Check-in Counter

19:30
- Check-in Counter
Important activity information
Important activity information
Restrictions
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Participants should be experienced or advanced paddlers.
Other requirements
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
- A 4-door vehicle (large sedan, SUV, van, etc.) is required to transport the kayak. Foam pads and straps are provided to help transport the kayak.
- You will need to transport the kayak from Kailua Town to Kahana Bay using your own transportation.
Required items to bring & attire
- Towel
- Swimsuit
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water and snacks are highly recommended
- Athletic shoes, water shoes, or reef shoes are necessary to hike around the riverbanks.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The tour guide has full discretion to refuse service to customers based on attire, behavior, physical fitness and condition.
- Complimentary parking available.
- There are no guides on this activity.
- For an easier kayaking experience, it is highly recommended that you begin directly from the river as ocean conditions can be rough and difficult to navigate.
- During ideal conditions in the summer months (end of May to early September), advanced and experienced paddlers can launch from the nearby beach instead of driving to the river head. Departing from the beach adds an additional two miles of ocean paddling, and is not recommended from October to April due to rough and hazardous ocean conditions.
- Kahana Valley is a rainforest area and there is a high probability of rain. This activity operates regardless of the weather, and will not be cancelled due to rain.
- Do not bring any valuables with you on this activity, and if you do have any with you, do not leave them in your vehicle. Any valuables should be placed into the provided dry bag, and brought with you on the kayaking tour.
Important activity information
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Participants should be experienced or advanced paddlers.
- Towel
- Swimsuit
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water and snacks are highly recommended
- Athletic shoes, water shoes, or reef shoes are necessary to hike around the riverbanks.
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
- A 4-door vehicle (large sedan, SUV, van, etc.) is required to transport the kayak. Foam pads and straps are provided to help transport the kayak.
- You will need to transport the kayak from Kailua Town to Kahana Bay using your own transportation.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The tour guide has full discretion to refuse service to customers based on attire, behavior, physical fitness and condition.
- Complimentary parking available.
- There are no guides on this activity.
- For an easier kayaking experience, it is highly recommended that you begin directly from the river as ocean conditions can be rough and difficult to navigate.
- During ideal conditions in the summer months (end of May to early September), advanced and experienced paddlers can launch from the nearby beach instead of driving to the river head. Departing from the beach adds an additional two miles of ocean paddling, and is not recommended from October to April due to rough and hazardous ocean conditions.
- Kahana Valley is a rainforest area and there is a high probability of rain. This activity operates regardless of the weather, and will not be cancelled due to rain.
- Do not bring any valuables with you on this activity, and if you do have any with you, do not leave them in your vehicle. Any valuables should be placed into the provided dry bag, and brought with you on the kayaking tour.
Important activity information
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Participants should be experienced or advanced paddlers.
- Towel
- Swimsuit
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water and snacks are highly recommended
- Athletic shoes, water shoes, or reef shoes are necessary to hike around the riverbanks.
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
- A 4-door vehicle (large sedan, SUV, van, etc.) is required to transport the kayak. Foam pads and straps are provided to help transport the kayak.
- You will need to transport the kayak from Kailua Town to Kahana Bay using your own transportation.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The tour guide has full discretion to refuse service to customers based on attire, behavior, physical fitness and condition.
- Complimentary parking available.
- There are no guides on this activity.
- For an easier kayaking experience, it is highly recommended that you begin directly from the river as ocean conditions can be rough and difficult to navigate.
- During ideal conditions in the summer months (end of May to early September), advanced and experienced paddlers can launch from the nearby beach instead of driving to the river head. Departing from the beach adds an additional two miles of ocean paddling, and is not recommended from October to April due to rough and hazardous ocean conditions.
- Kahana Valley is a rainforest area and there is a high probability of rain. This activity operates regardless of the weather, and will not be cancelled due to rain.
- Do not bring any valuables with you on this activity, and if you do have any with you, do not leave them in your vehicle. Any valuables should be placed into the provided dry bag, and brought with you on the kayaking tour.
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Activity Provider Active Oahu
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FAQ
Payment / Cancellation Policy
- Credit card payment
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- Any cancellations made after 12:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 12:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
FAQ
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.
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- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Participants should be experienced or advanced paddlers.
- Towel
- Swimsuit
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water and snacks are highly recommended
- Athletic shoes, water shoes, or reef shoes are necessary to hike around the riverbanks.
- Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.
- A 4-door vehicle (large sedan, SUV, van, etc.) is required to transport the kayak. Foam pads and straps are provided to help transport the kayak.
- You will need to transport the kayak from Kailua Town to Kahana Bay using your own transportation.
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The tour guide has full discretion to refuse service to customers based on attire, behavior, physical fitness and condition.
- Complimentary parking available.
- There are no guides on this activity.
- For an easier kayaking experience, it is highly recommended that you begin directly from the river as ocean conditions can be rough and difficult to navigate.
- During ideal conditions in the summer months (end of May to early September), advanced and experienced paddlers can launch from the nearby beach instead of driving to the river head. Departing from the beach adds an additional two miles of ocean paddling, and is not recommended from October to April due to rough and hazardous ocean conditions.
- Kahana Valley is a rainforest area and there is a high probability of rain. This activity operates regardless of the weather, and will not be cancelled due to rain.
- Do not bring any valuables with you on this activity, and if you do have any with you, do not leave them in your vehicle. Any valuables should be placed into the provided dry bag, and brought with you on the kayaking tour.
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