Enjoy an authentic Hawaiian experience as you paddle across the Big Island’s Anaeho’omalu Bay in an outrigger canoe, a centuries-old form of sea travel used throughout Polynesia and Southeast Asia. Your experienced guide will teach you paddling techniques and tell you about the interesting traditions, history and culture of Hawaiian canoeing, from folklore to terminology to chants. Admire views of the South Kohala coast as you paddle along the bay aboard this stable, speedy vessel, stopping along the way to view sea turtles.
Head to Waikoloa Beach, located on the Big Island’s South Kohala coast, to meet your experienced guide and receive a safety training and educational seminar. You'll first be given an interesting historical overview of outrigger canoes. These traditional vessels are an important part of Polynesian heritage, as they’ve been used for centuries for sea travel between here and Southeast Asia. You’ll also hear stories about the history of Anaeho’omalu Bay and the surrounding area.
Learn some paddling techniques and practice some traditional chants before hopping in your 6-person canoe and paddling along beautiful Anaeho’omalu Bay. These long, narrow canoes feature lateral support floats to keep the vessels stable, steady and fast. You'll ride with four of your friends or family members and two guides, one in front and one in back to help steer and power you through the water.
Paddle for 30 to 45 minutes while admiring views of the South Kohala coast marked by pristine beaches, world-class resorts, lush greenery, lava fields and rugged cliffs. The highlight of your canoeing experience is sure to be your stop at the turtle-viewing spot! Sea turtles commonly congregate on the reef here to clean themselves. If they’re not at their cleaning station, they’re generally spotted grazing on the reef or surfacing for a breath, so keep your eyes peeled!
At the end of your tour, your guides will help direct you back to shore.
