Big Island Stand Up Paddleboarding

My Office, The Pacific

Aloha. My name is Kalani Miller, and my office is the vast blue expanse of the Pacific that hugs the shores of the Big Island. I've spent my life on this water, and it's given me everything.

I want to share a story with you. I remember one morning, pushing my board into the waters of Kealakekua Bay just as the sun began to light up the tops of the towering cliffs. The water was pure glass, a perfect mirror of the sky. Then, I heard it—a series of clicks and whistles breaking the silence. A pod of naiʻa, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, surfaced around me, their sleek bodies gliding through the water with an effortless grace that always leaves me breathless.

That feeling is why I believe stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is the best way to experience Hawaiʻi. And there is no better place for it than the Big Island.

Our island is a paddler's paradise because of its sheer scale. The colossal mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa act as a natural shield, blocking the powerful trade winds and creating the calm, protected waters of the Kona and Kohala coasts. This leeward side is a haven of glassy bays perfect for gliding. On the other side, the windward Hilo coast offers a different kind of beauty—wilder, lusher, with its own unique adventures.

Your Complete Paddling Guide

This incredible diversity means there's a perfect paddle here for everyone, from the first-timer finding their balance to the seasoned waterman seeking a new challenge.

This isn't just another list of beaches. This is my personal map to the Big Island's coastline, my logbook of experiences gathered over a lifetime. I'll share with you the best launch spots, the secret parking tips, how to read the water, and most importantly, how to paddle with aloha—with love and respect for this place and its creatures.