The Best Big Island SUP Spots
My personal logbook to the island's most epic paddling waters
Written by a Local SUP Expert
Kalani MillerThe Best Big Island SUP Spots: My Logbook
Here it is—my personal guide to the best paddling on the island. I've broken it down by region and given you my take on what makes each spot special. This is the heart of it all.
The Kona Coast: Realm of Calm Waters & Marine Giants
The Kona side is where most paddlers will spend their time, and for good reason. The mornings here are often so calm you feel like you're floating on air.
Kealakekua Bay (The Cathedral)
I call this place 'The Cathedral' for a reason. When you're out on the water here, surrounded by the 600-foot pali (cliffs) and the deep, royal blue of the bay, there's a sacred silence. You're paddling over a submerged state historical park, a place where history lives and breathes. It's more than just a paddle—it's a pilgrimage. You feel the history of Captain Cook's arrival and the deep Hawaiian heritage that permeates the cliffs of Kaʻawaloa.
The Paddle Plan (The Most Detailed Online):
Permits are Mandatory: This is the most important thing to know, and it's where most visitors get into trouble. To protect this special place, the State of Hawaiʻi requires that all vessels transiting the bay, including private stand-up paddleboards, have a valid permit issued by the Division of State Parks. You can apply for a non-commercial permit online, but be warned: the process can take up to 14 days, so you must plan ahead.
The Permitted Vendor Solution: Honestly, the easiest and most reliable way to paddle here legally is to rent from a company that already holds a commercial permit for its boards. My top recommendation is Ehu & Kai Adventures. They are the only vendor located directly at Kealakekua Bay, which means you can drive there, pick up your board, and launch without the headache of strapping a SUP to your car. This is a huge advantage and worth every penny for the convenience and peace of mind.
Launch Point & Parking: If you have your own permitted board, the main public launch is from the boat ramp and small pier at Nāpōʻopoʻo on the southern side of the bay. The parking lot here is small and can be chaotic. You'll likely meet some friendly "unofficial parking guides" who help direct traffic and fit cars in for a small tip. I always recommend giving them a few dollars for their help. My advice is to get here early, definitely before 9 a.m., if you want to find a spot without a long wait.
The Route: The classic paddle is the one-to-one-and-a-half-mile journey across the bay to the brilliant white Captain Cook Monument on the northern shore at Kaʻawaloa. It's important to know that state regulations prohibit landing any vessel on the shore at the monument. However, you can paddle up close, bring a small anchor to stay put, and slip into the water with your snorkel gear right from your board. The snorkeling here is some of the best in the world.
🌊 Water Conditions
Morning vs. Afternoon: The bay is famous for its glassy morning conditions. I can't stress this enough: go early. By early afternoon, the winds tend to pick up, funneling down from the mountains and creating a significant chop that can make the paddle back a real workout.
Clarity & Hazards: The water clarity here is legendary, often exceeding 100 feet, so you can see the reef formations clearly from your board.
🐬 Marine Life & Scenery
This is a designated Marine Life Conservation District, so the sea life is abundant and protected. You have a very high chance of being joined by a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins, especially in the morning as they come into the bay to rest.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. A calm morning paddle to the monument is perfect for a confident beginner.
Honaunau Bay / Two Step (The Aquarium)
Honaunau is pure, instant gratification. Locals and regulars call it "Two Step," and the name is perfectly literal—it describes the natural lava rock formation that creates a two-tiered entry into the ocean. You take two steps off that ancient lava shelf, and you're immediately floating in a natural aquarium teeming with life. It's the easiest, most rewarding paddle for seeing what's right under the surface.
The Paddle Plan:
Launch Point: The "Two Step" lava shelf is your entry and exit. There's no sand here, just smooth pāhoehoe lava. My process is simple: I sit on the edge of the lower step, wait for a wave to surge up, and then slide gently into the water. This unique entry point is what makes the experience so special, but it also dictates your gear. You absolutely need to wear water shoes or tough sandals until the moment you get in the water. The lava rock is sharp in places, can get incredibly hot in the sun, and you never know when a wana (sea urchin) might be hiding in a crevice.
Parking: Be prepared, parking is tight. There's a small dirt lot across from the bay entrance and some limited parking along the narrow residential road, but it fills up fast. My advice is the same as for Kealakekua: arrive early. There is also a $5 paid lot that can be a lifesaver when it's crowded.
The Route: This isn't a destination paddle; it's an exploration. I recommend paddling along the bay's edges. The south side (to your left as you face the ocean) is shallower and a great place to spot turtles grazing on algae. The north side (to your right) gets deeper and has more extensive coral formations. The center of the bay is where you're most likely to see resting spinner dolphins.
⚠️ Water Conditions
The bay is very protected and typically calm, with outstanding water clarity. The main thing to watch for is a strong southern swell. If you see big waves crashing over the entry point, it's not safe. The surge can be powerful and dangerous. Remember my number one rule: "If in doubt, don't go out."
🐢 Marine Life
This spot is one of the most biodiverse on the island. You are almost guaranteed to see schools of colorful reef fish, honu, and moray eels peeking out from the reef. Right next door is the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, the ancient "Place of Refuge."
Skill Level: Beginner. The calm, protected waters make this spot ideal for all skill levels.
🗺️ SUP Guide Navigation
My office, the Pacific
Current page
Boards & rental shops
🏄♂️ Kona Coast Spots
- Kealakekua Bay Sacred
- Honaunau Bay Aquarium
- Kukio Bay Luxury
- Pauoa Bay Resort
🌺 Hilo Side Spots
- Hilo Bay Protected
- Wailoa River Freshwater
⏰ Best Paddle Times
- 6:00-9:00 AM (Best)
- 9:00-11:00 AM (Good)
- Afternoon (Windy)
Kukio Bay & Pauoa Bay (The Resort Lagoons)
Paddling at Kukio and Pauoa feels like you've stumbled upon a secret, five-star corner of the island. The water is impossibly calm in the mornings, the sand is pristine, and you're paddling with incredible views of the Hualālai volcano. It's a more manicured experience than the wildness of Kealakekua, but it is no less beautiful and is perfect for a relaxing day.
The Paddle Plan (Public Access Clarified):
This is a key piece of local knowledge that many visitors miss. All beaches in Hawaiʻi are public, but accessing these resort-fronted bays can feel intimidating if you don't know the process. Here's how you do it:
For Kukio Bay (Four Seasons Hualalai): This is a formal, managed process. You'll drive to the main security gate of the Four Seasons resort off Highway 19. Let the guard know you are there for public beach access. They will give you a parking pass and direct you to a designated public parking lot. From there, it's a short, beautiful walk to the beach.
For Pauoa Bay (Fairmont Orchid): Access here is a bit more rustic for non-guests. You can't park at the hotel. Instead, you'll park at the nearby Holoholokai Beach Park and take a scenic quarter-mile trail that runs south along the shoreline, past a golf course hole and ancient petroglyphs, to reach Pauoa Bay.
Rental Situation: It's important to understand that the on-site water sports rentals at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Orchid are primarily for their registered guests. If you're not staying at the resorts, you should plan on bringing your own board. I recommend renting from a shop in Kona or Waikoloa, like Kona Boys or Hulakai Surf and Paddle, and strapping it to your car for the day.
Water Conditions
These bays offer some of the calmest water on the island, especially in the morning. They are well-protected and ideal for leisurely paddles, families with children, or anyone just wanting to relax on the water.
Marine Life & Scenery
While not as wild as the conservation districts, you still have a good chance of spotting turtles near the shore. The real draw here is the stunning scenery—the pristine beaches, black lava rock coastlines, and the majestic backdrop of the Hualālai volcano.
Skill Level
Beginner. These are arguably the safest and calmest spots on this entire list, perfect for your first time on a board.
The Hilo Side: Paddling Through Rainforests & History
The windward side of the island has a completely different character. It's lush, green, and feels like old Hawaiʻi. The paddling here is less about coral reefs and more about soaking in the verdant scenery.
Hilo Bay & Coconut Island (Mokuola)
Paddling on the Hilo side is a whole different vibe. Hilo Bay is where the community comes to connect with the water. On any given morning, you'll see the local canoe clubs out for their training runs, their paddles hitting the water in a powerful, perfect rhythm. You're paddling with the charming city of Hilo and the immense presence of Mauna Kea as your backdrop. A short, easy paddle from shore takes you to Mokuola, or 'Coconut Island,' a place that was known in ancient times as a site of healing. You can still feel that peaceful energy today.
The Paddle Plan:
Launch Points: The easiest and most popular launch spot is from the calm shoreline of Hilo Bayfront Park. There's plenty of parking, and the entry is gentle. Other great options include launching from Reeds Bay Beach Park or directly from the rental location at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, which sits right on the bay.
The Route: The classic Hilo paddle is a simple, protected trip from your launch point out to and around Coconut Island (Mokuola). From there, you can explore the beautiful shoreline fronting the Liliʻuokalani Gardens, one of the largest authentic Edo-style gardens outside of Japan.
Wailoa River
If Hilo Bay is about wide-open vistas, the Wailoa River is about intimacy. Paddling here is like taking a jungle cruise through the heart of Hilo. You leave the saltwater of the bay behind and glide onto calm, freshwater, passing under beautiful Japanese-style bridges with lush, tropical greenery hanging all around you. It's peaceful, completely sheltered, and offers a paddling experience that is totally unique on this island.
The Wailoa River offers a fundamentally different SUP experience—it's a sheltered, freshwater, cultural paddle. This makes it the perfect alternative when ocean conditions are too rough or windy. If the forecast for Hilo Bay looks choppy, the Wailoa River will almost always be calm. This provides an invaluable backup plan for anyone wanting to get on the water on the east side.