Tyson K.
Yelp
Our Kayak adventure was one of the highlights of our trip!
My wife and I have some Kayak experience (like 1x a year), so by no means expert, both in our early 60's. We were staying in Waikīkī, and had KBA pick us up in a van. They were on time, and thankfully work a KBA tee shirt, as there are a lot of pickups in t(e area. The van was spacious, and the trip beautiful through the interior of O'ahu.
We were dropped off at the KBA shop, where we were treated like royalty! The workers were so friendly and helpful.
After reviewing the safety video (which we should have done in advance), we were given our tandem Kayak, 2 paddles, floatation devices and instructions on how to get to the beach, get the kayak in the water and where to kayak. It was a lot of information, but in actuality, it was very easy to manage.
Once in the water, we ventured to Flat Island (1/4 mile, ~ 30 minute paddle) from shore. On the way, we were treated by several kite sailors, and saw a few Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. On the island, there are hundreds of wedge-tailed shearwater seabirds, who make their homes there. You can walk around the partitioned off path around the island in about 15 minutes. A good idea to have water shoes or sandals, as this is a local island... though mostly covered by sand.
We then ventured to Moku Nui island. This took about 45 minutes, and with the head winds, a bit more work. We hugged the shoreline along the beautiful Lanikai beach in order to avoid the reefs and occasional breakers, then veering to the island as we got perpendicular. We beached the Kayak and I spent some time snorkeling. I saw a number of very large unicorn fish, large parrot fish, a Mahi mahi and sea turtle. Visibility was ok, but I have to say the fish there were larger than what I normally experience, which was exciting. We also got to see a Monk Seal resting there, and being protected by a park service agent. We spent about an hour on the island and head back. The launch was a bit precarious, as there were waves coming from multiple directions due to the proximity to the coast and another island. But we launched safely and now more experienced.
We should have stopped on the amazingly beautiful Lanikai beach on the way back, but we're concerned about time. In the end, we would have had plenty of time, as we spent a lot of time waiting for our van back (our fault). The trip back took about an hour. We were treated by a KBA employee who helped us get out of our kayaks and get it to the beach.
We carted the Kayak back to the KBA shop, and then grabbed lunch at Kalapawai Market. Lunch was included, and this was an option. I got a tsunami sandwich, which was one of the best tuna fish sandwiches I've ever had! You have other lunch choices, and could bring your lunch with you on the Kayak if you wish.
We returned to the KBA shop, and spent a bit over an hour waiting got our 3:00 return. It was a long but VERY memorable day, and I would recommend. One should be comfortable in an open ocean environment to fully enjoy this experience. I can't say enough about the KBA employees who were so very friendly and helpful!