Kayaking with Turtles - Hale’iwa, Oahu, Hawaii
Hale’iwa, O’ahu, Hawaii, is an incredibly beautiful location with some of the richest history on the island. We found ourselves at this spot thanks to Coastal Kayak Tours. Our guide, Dave, was an incredible host and a fount of information on the history of this area and the Hawaiian islands. I could have listened to his tales for hours more; alas, we only paid for the 3 hour Haleiwa anahulu river kayak tour. Of all the other activities we did in Hawaii, I think this was our favorite.
First Contact
We contacted Coastal Kayak Tours through their website. At the bottom of the homepage is a form you can fill out, and they will contact you, usually by text, shortly thereafter. The process was painless, and they were incredibly accommodating since we had one person who wasn’t sure they would attend, leaving one without a companion paddler. As the date approached, they informed us where and when we would need to meet. Later, we found that being on time was less common than I had imagined, as they were very happy we arrived early. They had some stories that blew our minds when it came to the truly late crowd.
Pro Tip: Be courteous to those you are buying services from and respect their time and efforts by arriving before you are supposed to begin. Otherwise, you’re a horrible person and I hope your kayak tips.
Equipment
*Consult the FAQ for additional details and information.
Sunscreen
Hat
Comfortable water shoes or sandals
Dress for the weather and the water
Water Bottle
Approach
Coastal Kayak Tours met us at the Haleʻiwa Beach Park. We would spend the first half of our adventure in the bay and then make our way up the Anahulu River for the second half. To reach Hale’iwa Beach Park, you’ll take the H2 until it splits. Stay in the right lane, which will put you on Highway 99. You’ll pass the Dole Plantation. Don’t worry; you can stop there on your way back if you are taking the early morning kayak tour. Otherwise, plan, and you can stop for some Dole Whip on your way up to the kayak tour. Highway 99 will become Highway 83 when it turns North. You’ll pass through Hale’iwa, and the beach will be on your left. There is plenty of parking along the road, but if you go later in the day, it may become difficult to find a spot.
Preparing for the Water
Your guide will be there well before your start time. If you arrive early enough, offering to help move the kayaks to the water doesn't hurt. There will be some instructions and an introduction to the historical significance of this area of the O’ahu island. Much more history is to come, but the teaser was certainly fascinating. With some safety tips and donning of PFDs, you’re heading into the water.
The Bay
From the moment we entered the water, we began to see the sea turtles entering the bay. The timing could not have been more perfect. As we paddled out into the bay, we became surrounded by turtles. There must have been a hundred. Some would get close enough to film. If you have a camera that can go underwater, you can get some great shots, but they do have to be pretty close. During the near constant oohs and aahs every time a sea turtle would appear, Dave would explain the seasonal migration of the turtles, how to identify the males and the females, and how the reef in this location was able to better sustain itself compared to other reefs around the island. It was both magical and insightful.
Time passes quickly in the bay when you are surrounded by sea turtles. Before we made our way to the river portion of our tour, we made an effort to go a little further out to sea than the peaceful cove we had been in. The water quickly changed from smooth and pleasant to rough, and some of our group members began to get motion sick. We turned our kayaks back to the bay and had a little fun riding the waves back into the calmer water.
Anahulu River
We paddled our way across the bay and around the point to the river’s delta. Along the rocky shore, we saw more crabs than we could count. Watching them skitter around the rocks as we passed was fun. Our guide shared more history of the Hawaiian islands with us as we paddled up the meandering river. We covered the original tribal monarchy, the appearance of other nations, the transitions of power, the end of the monarchy, and the final claim by the US on the Hawaiian islands. He shared so many fascinating stories that really helped you understand what the Hawaiian people went through and some of the plights that they are dealing with today as a result.
The Return Trip
Because the tides were low during our tour, we eventually reached a point where we could no longer proceed. We turned around and headed back to the bay. Dave regaled us with more stories and history as we gently paddled back. We didn’t see many turtles in the river, but we did catch a few surfacing, and one was sleeping under the water near shore. The trees with root systems largely exposed were so interesting. So many trees with complete root systems embedded in the soil fail to stand in my neck of the woods, yet these trees stood tall and strong with half their roots exposed along the river bank.
Saying Farewell
Back at shore, we took some time to chat with Dave. Now, I want to mention that if you are unfamiliar with O’ahu, I recommend scheduling this tour on the first or second day of your trip. As I mentioned earlier, Dave is a fount of information. If you want to know the best places to eat, Dave can give you 20. Looking for the best-shaven ice, Dave knows where to go. The Best Garlic Shrimp—it’s not Giovani’s. I’m serious; ask away, and you will end up having the best experiences on the island.
Lunch
After all the paddling, we were hungry and ready for food. Luckily, Hale’iwa was right there. Uncle Bo’s is out of this world if you want my recommendation. I suggest making a reservation to ensure you get a table. I had the Moonfish followed by Ube beignets for dessert. It was out of this world. Matsumoto Shave Ice is a good option if you want something a little cool.
Laniakea Beach
After lunch, we drove a little further north to Laniakea Beach. There is a parking lot on the east side of the road. Be careful when crossing to the beach. There can be a lot of traffic, and not everyone is interested in letting people cross safely. Laniakea Beach is a great place to see some more turtles. When we first arrived, there wasn’t a turtle around, but suddenly, there they were. We saw nearly a dozen; a few even came to the shore to rest. If you have an underwater camera, you can get some great shots of fish swimming among the rocks and coral.
Note: Do not touch the turtles. Making physical contact with a sea turtle is a crime. If you find yourself near one in the water, gently move away. If one appears on the shore, do not get close. Keep a distance of at least 15 feet. These beautiful creatures are struggling to survive and do not need to be bothered every time they come to shore to rest. Your phone cameras have zoom and it won’t ruin your selfy to take it from a safe distance. Please respect them so others can enjoy them for years to come.
Summary
I didn’t want to spoil the trip with all the historical information, so I didn’t cover any of it here. This activity was my personal favorite. Kayaking among the sea turtles and seeing them in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Dave was one of the best guides I have ever had the pleasure of hanging out with. Do not let his vast knowledge go to waste. If you could do only one thing when visiting O’ahu, it should be this. This will be burned into my memory forever. I seriously couldn’t stop grinning while paddling among the sea turtles. It was the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss it.
