Epic Travel → North America → Hawaii → Oahu → Kaneohe Bay Sunken Island

Location: East Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

Time Required: 2 – 4 hours

Red Tape/Notes: You’ll need to rent a kayak from somewhere – Holokai Kayak and Snorkel Adventures has their kayaks right on the beach at Kaneohe Bay and therefore is a convenient option. They’re open Monday – Saturday (closed Sundays), 8am – 4pm.

What’s Nearby?: Chinaman’s Hat, Moanalua Valley to Haiku Stairs, Olomana Ridge

If you look out across Kaneohe Bay, you can just barely make out Kapapa Island. It looks tiny from the shore, but it’s actually the peak of what was once a much larger island (and in fact, once a part of Oahu). But that was during the ice age, and since then, sea levels have risen considerably, covering all but this tiny bit of land mass. The rest of it, though, is surprisingly close to the surface – only 2-3 feet depending on the tides – and is quite pleasantly covered in sand. This makes it a fun destination for a two or three hour ocean paddle. The reefs around Kaneohe Bay keep the water largely protected and calm, and the trip is enjoyable as you paddle over reefs, and watch the fish. The island itself rises up beneath you, clearly visible through the blue-green water. Once you’re there, feel free to hop out and walk around – the water is warm here, because it’s so shallow, and the sand is nice and soft. You can also kayak the rest of the way to Kapapa Island for a lunch break, though there’s not much to see.

Epic Travel → North America → Hawaii → Oahu → Kaneohe Bay Sunken Island