Take the warm water of Hawaii and couple it with the amazing vistas that come with being located in the Pacific Ocean along with the lush hillsides of the islands and you will understand why this is one of the most popular destinations for people who want to stand up paddle board. This is a sport that was invented right here in Hawaii and it is incredibly easy to learn. Most people just learning are able to get up and stay up nearly instantly. Many people say that half of what they enjoy the most is the view that this vantage point gives them. You may be able to see such aquatic creatures as sea turtles, stingrays, fish and even dolphins. When paddle boarding in this fashion, it is always a good idea to steer clear of spots that are popular for normal surfers. Because the boards used for stand up paddle board are harder to control and heavier, they can be a danger to normal surfers.
Contents
Keauhou Bay
This is a spot that has historical value as it was the birthplace of a former king of Hawaii – King Kamehameha III. This area has a gorgeous harbor that is nestled right in by a coastline that is made from lava beds that have cooled. Along with being a great spot to SUP, it is also ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.
Kealakekua Bay
Hawaii is full of historical sites and this is another one. This is where you will find the Captain Cook Monument. If you want to see this monument though, you will need to SUP or kayak to it as there are no roads that will lead you right to it.
If you are planning to SUP here, it is best to do it in the morning due to the fact that in the afternoon, the winds tend to get stronger, making the water choppier. This is also the home of the only state park that is underwater on the Big Island. Most of the time, you will be able to see nearly 100 feet down because the water is so crystal clear. Be on the lookout for sea turtles, spinner dolphins, manta rays and other types of marine life.
Kahalu’u Beach Park
This is one of the ideal spots for snorkeling and SUP on the Big Island. This is the area where you will find the most diverse mix of tropical fish anywhere around the Big Island. People who SUP here come away with stories of seeing sea turtles, moray eels, yellow tang, rainbow parrot fish and more.
This area is also one that is very busy. There is an area for public parking along with such amenities as a life guard, grills, picnic tables, public rest rooms and showers.
Lanikai Beach
This is akin to a paradise that has been hidden away. It has the amazing charm that all of the Hawaii beaches have coupled with water that is a remarkable aqua blue and sand that is a pristine white. In the Hawaiian language, Lanikai translates to heavenly sea. Once you get here and see it, you will understand why. This site is on the windier coast of Kailua Bay and can be a bit tricky to find. Once you get there though, you will realize that it was worth the difficulty.
Kukio Beach
This beach is a gorgeous ribbon made from white sand and it is located directly north of Kikaua Point, which is on the Kohala Coast. This beach on the Big Island is breathtaking and can be a great sight for a stroll in the sand with the waves lapping at your feet.
The shade on the beach is provided by the ironwood, kiawe, and coconut palm trees that are at the back of the beach. Because of the fact that the length of the waterline is lined with lava rocks, it isn’t an ideal spot for swimming. The water is also too murky for great snorkeling. However, it is an absolutely ideal spot for SUP. The water in this bay is typically calm and the vistas are gorgeous.
Getting Your SUP Board On The Big Island
There are all kinds of places all over the Big Island where you can rent stand up paddle boards. If you are in Kona at Keauhou Bay, a great place to rent a board is Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures. If you happen to be at Kealakekua Bay, Kona Boys is the ideal place for board rental. Even though this one isn’t necessarily right on the beach, they are sill the closest board rental place to the beach and the employees are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
image credit: konaone.com
Leave a Reply