Kayaking to Kaneohe Bay Sandbar — A Million People & Places

Close your eyes and imagine paradise.

Welcome to the Kaneohe Sandbar on Oahu, Hawaii.

Kayaking to the sandbar is my favorite mode of transportation but you can also rent a boat for about $125 per person. If you’re part of the US military, you should look into renting a boat from the Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Total Time Needed:

35 min drive from Honolulu
4 hours from picking up to dropping off kayak rental

Time Breakdown:

15 minutes to the marina from kayak rental store
10 min to unload
30 minutes to kayak to sandbar
2 hours to enjoy & snorkel
30 minutes kayak back
10 min to pack up
15 minutes to kayak rental store & return

Things you want to check before you go:

When the Negative Tide is. There is high tide, low tide, and negative tide. The negative tide means that the water recedes below the sand, hence giving you the sandbar.
Tide chart: http://www.tides4fishing.com/us/hawaii/waikane-kaneohe-bay#_tides
Is it Sunday? Then you can’t rent kayaks since it’s a day of rest for nature in this area.
Weather. It rains in Hawaii.

Cost:

About $55 for the day. If you’re on a budget, get a double kayak for about $10 more. Check Groupon for good deals.

Kayak Rental Stores:

Holokai Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
Winward Watersports (only one I've tried)
Kailua Beach Adventures
Two Good Kayaks Hawaii

Five Steps Total:

Rent your kayaks and ask them for directions.
Load your kayaks on top of your car (rental place will include the proper gear for you to do this -- sandbags to rest the kayaks on & prevent car roof scratching as well as straps).
Drive to Kaneohe Bay Marina and park in the Marina parking lot. Pay attention to parking signs, because some spots are reserved for larger vehicles.
Get on the water! Remember sunscreen, water, hat, dry sack, protein bar, etc.
Paddle for 20-30 minutes. If you climbed Koko Head no problem, it’ll probably take you 20 minutes. If you’re wondering if you’re in shape enough, maybe 35. Don’t let this deter you though, it’s the most a beautiful & healthy way to spend an afternoon.