We would like to Kayak once on our trip to Hawaii next Sept. We will be on staying on Kauai (Northshore), Mauai, Big Island (kona coast) and Molokai.

On which island should we kayak if we are only going to kayak once?

I am not into kayaking but perhaps may spark some further discussion by speculating that there is more in terms of river kayaking available on Kauai over ocean kayaking which is available off every island.

Aloha, Nancy -

I would recommend that you kayak on Kauai and, since you are staying on the North shore, I would suggest the Hanalei River. It is quiet and easy kayaking and you can either access the Hanalei River or the ocean depending on your water preference. There is a kayaking outfitter in Hanalei not far from the Hanalei Dolphin restaurant and the rates are reasonable whether you rent a double or single kayak. The better price is to do an entire day, but we usually find that four hours of kayaking is just about right for us. You can kayak on any of Kauai's navigable rivers, however, we have found the Hanalei to be our favorite.

We have kayaked on the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay to the Captain Cook Monument, then snorkled at the base of the monument. Incredible snorkling there. When we were crossing the bay to the monument, a pod of dolphins swam around our kayak. Great experience.

I second the Kealakekua Bay kayak trip on the Big Island. Beautiful views, great snorkeling, and dolphins!