Ocean Safety & Aloha ʻĀina
Paddling with respect - your safety and cultural responsibility guide
Written by a Local SUP Expert
Kalani MillerOcean Safety & Aloha ʻĀina: Paddling with Respect
This is the most important section in this entire guide. Having fun on the water is only possible if you are safe and respectful. Here, we'll go beyond the basics, weaving practical safety with the deep cultural responsibility we all share as paddlers in Hawaiʻi.
Heed the Ocean's Mana (Power): Your Safety Checklist
The #1 Rule:
I'll say it again because it's that important: "If in doubt, don't go out." The ocean is beautiful, but it is powerful and unpredictable. Trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, stay on shore.
💨 Winds
Be especially wary of offshore winds on the Kona coast. What feels like a gentle breeze at the beach can become a strong, relentless wind once you paddle past the protection of the shoreline, making it incredibly difficult to paddle back to land. Always check the forecast before you go.
☀️ Sun & Hydration
The sun in Hawaiʻi is intense due to our proximity to the equator. Apply reef-safe sunscreen generously before you go out, and reapply often. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved rash guard or sun shirt for protection. And bring more fresh water than you think you'll need.
🦺 Leashes & PFDs
Your leash is your lifeline. It connects you to your board, which is your primary flotation device. Always wear it. Additionally, Hawaiʻi law requires that you have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board for each person. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear their PFD at all times while underway.
🌊 Tides & Currents
Even on a seemingly calm day, currents can be strong and can pull you in unexpected directions. Always have a sense of the tide schedule. I recommend checking the official NOAA Tide Predictions website for both Kona and Hilo before every paddle. This is what the pros use, and it gives you the most accurate, up-to-date information.
Know Your Limits
Never paddle alone. Always go with a buddy. And always file a "float plan"—that just means telling someone on shore where you are going, what route you plan to take, and when you expect to be back.
Viewing Wildlife with Aloha (The Right Way)
Seeing marine life from your board is a privilege, not a right. We are guests in their home, and we must behave accordingly. These are not just guidelines; in many cases, they are federal laws.
🐬 Spinner Dolphins (Naiʻa)
It is illegal under federal law to swim with or approach a Hawaiian spinner dolphin within 50 yards (45 meters, or about half a football field).
Why: Dolphins are nocturnal hunters. They come into the calm, shallow bays during the day to rest, socialize, and care for their young. Chasing them or getting too close disrupts this vital rest cycle and can be incredibly harmful to their health and survival.
🐢 Sea Turtles (Honu)
The recommended viewing distance is at least 10 feet (3 meters) away, both on land and in the water. Give them space to surface for air and graze peacefully.
🐋 Humpback Whales (Koholā)
During whale season (December through April), it is illegal to approach a humpback whale within 100 yards (91 meters, or the length of a football field). This applies to all vessels, including paddleboards.
🦭 Monk Seals (ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua)
These animals are critically endangered. The recommended distance is at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. If you see a mother with a pup, that distance increases to at least 150 feet (45 meters).
Think of it this way: you are a guest in their home. Be a polite guest. Observe from a distance, let them pass, and never, ever chase or feed them. Your quiet, respectful presence is the greatest gift you can give them.
🗺️ SUP Guide Navigation
SUP surfing & fishing
Current page
Final thoughts
📏 Safe Distances
- 🐬 Dolphins 50 yards
- 🐢 Turtles 10 feet
- 🐋 Whales 100 yards
- 🦭 Monk Seals 50+ feet
✅ Safety Checklist
- Check weather/wind forecast
- Wear leash & bring PFD
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen
- File a float plan
- Never paddle alone
🚨 Emergency Contacts
- • Coast Guard: 911
- • Marine Emergency: *CG (*24)
- • NOAA Weather: 162.55 MHz
The Aloha ʻĀina Pledge: Leaving It Better Than You Found It
The concept of "Leave No Trace" is well-known, but here in Hawaiʻi, we have a guiding principle that gives it a deeper meaning: Aloha ʻĀina. This translates to "love of the land." It's a core value that teaches us that we are in a reciprocal relationship with our environment. The ʻāina (land and sea) is not just a resource to be used; it is our ancestor, our family, and it is our kuleana (responsibility) to care for it. When we paddle, we have a chance to actively practice Aloha ʻĀina.
This philosophy transforms a simple set of rules into a meaningful cultural practice. It's the "why" behind the "what." We don't just avoid stepping on coral because it's a rule; we do it because we see the reef as a living, breathing part of our extended family.
Actionable Pledge for Paddlers:
Leave What You Find
Never touch or stand on coral. It is a fragile, living animal, and the slightest touch can damage or kill it. Leave all rocks, shells, and sand where they belong.
Dispose of Waste Properly
This is simple. Pack out everything you pack in. This includes food scraps, wrappers, and any other trash. Go one step further: if you see ʻopala (trash) left by others, pick it up and pack it out too. Leave the place cleaner than you found it.
Respect Cultural Sites
Many of the best paddling spots are near ancient and sacred heiau (temples) and historical sites. Approach these places with reverence. Be quiet and respectful. Do not touch, move, or stack any rocks.
Prevent Invasive Species
After you're done for the day, give your board and gear a good rinse with fresh water. This is especially important if you plan to paddle in different water bodies, as it helps prevent the transfer of invasive algae or marine species.
When we paddle with Aloha ʻĀina, we become part of the solution. We help ensure that future generations will be able to experience the same pristine waters, abundant marine life, and sacred places that we are privileged to enjoy today. This is the true spirit of SUP in Hawaiʻi—not just riding on the water, but becoming a guardian of it.