Kaneohe Sandbar kayak rentals
Kayaking from $44.50 Per Person
Price based on two people sharing an $89 double kayak · 4-hour rental
Rent a single, double, or triple kayak to explore the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar on Oahu! Choose a 4-hour or full-day rental from Kailua Beach Adventures. Pick up your kayak at our Kailua shop, where we'll provide a complimentary soft rack to help you transport it to the launch area.
Kaneohe Sandbar Kayak Rental Prices
Single Kayak: $74 for 4 hours | $94 for a full day
Double Kayak: $89 for 4 hours | $109 for a full day
Triple Kayak: $99 for 4 hours | $119 for a full day
Triple kayaks are designed for one or two adults with one or two small children.
Important:
Kayak delivery to the Kaneohe Sandbar is not allowed. All kayaks must be picked up at our Kailua Beach Adventures shop in Kailua.
To visit the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, kayakers must check in before 12 PM.
Kayak to the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar
Experience one of Oahu's most unique ocean adventures by kayaking to the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, also known as Ahu O Laka. From our Kailua shop, drive approximately 30 minutes to Heʻeia Kea Boat Harbor, where you'll launch your kayak and paddle approximately 1.25 miles across Kaneohe Bay to the Sandbar.
We recommend allowing 4–6 hours for the overall experience, including driving time. This gives you time to paddle, snorkel, explore the shallow turquoise waters, and enjoy this incredible destination without feeling rushed.
Choose your kayak rental and book your Kaneohe Sandbar adventure today!
Itinerary
Book online — Check for live availability on our calendar.
Check-in — We are located at 130 Kailua Road. If booking for the Kaneohe Sandbar, make sure to arrive before 12 pm.
Sign a waiver and watch safety video — A quick liability waiver and watching the safety video are required for all participants.
Get your Equipment — We'll provide all core equipment: Car straps and pads, paddles, life jackets, and kayaks. Accessories can be added à la carte as well, ex. snorkeling gear, dry bags, and more!
Drive to Heeia Boat Harbor — ~30 minutes through Kaneohe (we'll provide parking instructions).
Launch and explore — This is a self-guided paddle, 1.25 miles to the sandbar, roughly a 45-minute paddle out and 45 minutes back.
Return the gear — Bring the kayak back to our shop by our closing time at 5 PM. Overnight rentals are available as well; just let shop staff know you have a safe place to store it.
Where to begin?
Planning to explore Kaneohe Sandbar on your own? Kailua Beach Adventures offers self-guided kayak rentals for exploring Kaneohe Bay. Choose the kayak that's right for your group and add the equipment you need for your adventure.
For Kaneohe Bay Sandbar trips, an anchor is required. Snorkel gear, dry bags and other accessories are also available.
What You Need to Know:
An anchor is required for paddling to the sandbar. If you do not have your own, we have one available for rental ($15/Day).
No Amenities are on the sandbar, so make sure you pack what you need and bring back everything you brought. Mahalo!
Vehicle requirement: 4-door car ideal; instructions on how to load kayaks on top of car; you must be able to show you can to the staff.
Best times to go are very tide-dependent
Low tide: Sand fully exposed; play volleyball, set up chairs
Rising tide: Waist-deep water; perfect for floating
High tide: Fully submerged; make sure the kayak is anchored down and begin your snorkeling adventure!
FAQ for THE SANDBAR
Is Kaneohe Sandbar Good for Beginners?
Kaneohe Bay is a popular kayaking destination because its protective reef can reduce wave action compared with more exposed coastal areas. However, kayaking is still an ocean activity. Wind, tide, weather, and currents can affect conditions, and paddlers should choose an adventure appropriate for their swimming ability and physical fitness.
When Is the Best Time to Kayak to Kaneohe Sandbar?
The Sandbar changes with the tide, so conditions can look very different throughout the day.
KBA currently requires guests traveling outside Kailua Bay toward Kaneohe Bay Sandbar or Kualoa to check in before 12 PM.
Kaneohe Sandbar and Marine Life
Kaneohe Bay is an important marine environment and home to Hawaiian green sea turtles, reef fish, and other marine life.
When kayaking and snorkeling:
Keep your distance from turtles and other wildlife.
Never touch or chase marine animals.
Do not stand on or damage coral.
Avoid disturbing reef habitat.
Take all trash with you.
Use reef-safe sunscreen.
Your adventure should leave the bay just as beautiful for the next person
What should I bring to the Sandbar?
In general, you should bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, a hat, a rash guard, and a waterproof phone case. Kailua Beach Adventures has all of these items to purchase in their retail store for your convenience.
Are drones allowed at the sandbar?
Drone use is restricted at the sandbar due to its proximity to the Marine Corps Base.
Do you need a permit to visit Kaneohe Sandbar?
No permit is required to visit Kaneohe Sandbar.
How far is Kaneohe Sandbar by kayak?
The Sandbar is approximately a mile from the Heʻeia Pier launch area. Taking roughly 45 minutes each way. Actual paddling distance and time can vary depending on the route and conditions.
Do you need an anchor for Kaneohe Sandbar?
Yes, so that you can leave your kayak worry-free, it is easiest to leave it with an anchor.
Are there sharks at the sandbar?
Harmless young and adult hammerhead sharks can occasionally be spotted in deeper parts of the sandbar, typically in May to July. Sightings are rare, and they do not actively seek out humans.
Is Kaneohe Sandbar open every day?
Yes, although kayaking conditions can vary by day, weather, tides, and applicable restrictions, including an earlier check-in requirement for trips outside Kailua Bay.
Can you swim to the Kaneohe Sandbar?
Swimming from the shore is not recommended due to the distance to the sandbar and the active boat traffic in the area.