Hawaii Island - Canoeing and Kayaking on the Big Island of Hawaii! How to enjoy, attractions, and recommended tours!

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii Island is nicknamed the "Big Island" because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

With an area of 10432.5 square kilometers, or about half the size of Shikoku, it is even larger than the total area of the other seven main Hawaiian islands, making its vastness obvious at a glance.

With a population of approximately 200,000, second only to Oahu, the island attracts a large number of tourists.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is characterized by an expressive climate in different areas, including some places that are so cool that they do not feel like Hawaii.

Hilo, the second largest city in the Hawaiian Islands after Honolulu, has a lot of rainfall and little temperature variation throughout the year.

The average temperature is about 24.6 degrees Celsius, which is mild all year round, so it is easy enough to spend time in summer attire.

However, it can rain rapidly, so it is safer to carry a folding umbrella at all times.

Conversely, Kona, located on the west coast of Hawaii Island, is characterized by low precipitation, with only 1~2 rainy days per month.

The climate is tropical, so you can enjoy sightseeing to the fullest.

As you can see, the climate changes depending on the area, so be sure to check the weather before you go out for sightseeing!

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Kona International Airport on the west coast and Hilo International Airport on the east coast.

These two airports are far enough apart that it takes about 3 hours to travel between them, so you should choose which airport to use depending on how you plan to spend your time.

Another common way to get to the Big Island of Hawaii from Japan is to transfer to a domestic flight from Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oahu.

It is conveniently located only 45 minutes from Honolulu International Airport to both Kona and Hilo International Airports.

Direct flights to the Big Island of Hawaii are also available from Haneda and Narita airports, making this a recommended route for those who wish to visit mainly the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

We would like to introduce five attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii that attract many people.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The island of Hawaii is impressive for its pitch-black land created by lava.

There are many places on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can experience such untouched and spectacular nature.

The first place to visit is Mauna Kea at 4,205 meters above sea level.

It is considered the best place in the world for astronomical observation because it has a high percentage of clear skies, is not surrounded by buildings, and is not affected by the lights of the population.

The observatories are located in 11 countries around the world and are recognized around the world for their excellent conditions.

Another great spot for hiking is Akaka Falls State Park.

Passing through a path overgrown with wild ferns, bananas, and orchids, you will reach the viewing platform of Akaka Falls.

Seeing a powerful waterfall in its natural setting is sure to be overwhelming!

 

A powerful volcano

Still active, Kilauea Volcano is a famous landmark of the Big Island of Hawaii and a popular spot that must be visited.

The vast area to the west, including Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where many tours are offered.

There are also tours that can be enjoyed from a helicopter or boat, so join in and feel the power of the powerful volcano.

 

Beautiful Beaches

There are also many beautiful beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Isaac Hale Beach Park, located in front of Pohoiki Bay at the easternmost tip of the island, is a relatively new beach where lava flows from the eruption of Kilauea Volcano three years ago created a black sand beach.

The black sand beach is very rare and can only be seen on the Big Island of Hawaii, so it is well worth a visit!

Hapuna Beach State Park, also reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the U.S., is a vast park of about 250,000 square meters located on the west coast, where visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling as well.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Queens' MarketPlace is located on the grounds of Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa, one of the most popular resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is home to many stores including surf stores and American apparel brands. It is a shopping center with many shops including surf shops and American apparel brands.

The restaurant is also a great place to refuel after a tiring day of shopping with sweet treats and Hawaiian specialties.

There are various other shopping centers on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

One of the joys of traveling is learning about and acquiring knowledge of the local history and culture.

The Puako Petroglyph Site Preserve on the Big Island of Hawaii contains petroglyphs carved into the surface of lava stone centuries ago by Native Hawaiians.

The meaning of the petroglyphs has not been clarified, but it is believed that they describe events related to the lives of people who lived on the island of Hawaii long ago.

Learn about the history and culture of the Big Island of Hawaii in an adventurous atmosphere.

 

Fun on the Big Island of Hawaii
About Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are recommended activities to experience on the Big Island of Hawaii, as they allow you to look into the beautiful waters of the Big Island from a vantage point close to the surface of the water.

You can also expect a relaxing effect by watching fish swimming in the sea and being blown by the sea breeze.
It is one of the activities that both adults and children can enjoy widely, as it also provides a sense of adventure.

 

How to enjoy canoeing and kayaking

What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak in the first place?

A canoe is a small boat in general that is paddled.

Canoes are further divided from there into "Canadian canoes" and "kayaks.

This means that a kayak is one type of canoe.

Some types of boats are designed for two people, so teamwork is encouraged as they move forward in unison.

If you like fishing, kayak fishing is also a great option.

Kayaks can get close to shoals and rocky areas that are inaccessible by boat, so you can experience a different kind of fishing than ocean or bank fishing.

 

Attraction of Canoeing and Kayaking

We would like to introduce three attractions of canoeing and kayaking.

 

Enjoy the view

Canoeing/kayaking is an attractive way to enjoy the scenery while taking your time on the water.

As you proceed, feeling the fresh breeze, you will discover views that cannot be seen from the beach, and in the evening, you can enjoy the luxury of watching the sunset from the ocean.

 

Relax and enjoy at your own pace.

One of the attractions is that you can proceed at your own slow pace.

It is basically a ride for one or two people, so you can relax and enjoy the extraordinary space, enjoying conversation and the scenery.

 

Easy even for beginners

Another popular point is that even beginners can easily operate the system.

You will quickly get the hang of it if you are given a lecture on how to paddle, and there is nothing in particular that you need, as equipment can basically be rented.

This is a great activity to return to your childhood and enjoy your time on the sea.

 

Tips for rowing well

First, before getting into a canoe or kayak, hold the paddle firmly in the correct direction.

Most paddles have writing somewhere on the face.

The correct way to hold the paddle is to hold it so that the face of the letter is on the left hand side.

Also, hold the paddle in a balanced and even position, because if you do not hold it evenly on both sides, it will cause the paddle to meander.

Once the paddle is held correctly, the next trick is to paddle well, but it is important to paddle gently.

Paddle with a light grip and gentle strokes, and do not raise it immediately, but capture the water for a longer period of time.

You can row longer in the water to make more progress and also to have more control.

 

About attire and precautions

Since there is a possibility of getting wet when canoeing or kayaking, it is recommended to wear fleece material or quick-drying dry shirts that will keep you warm even when wet.

If you are concerned about sunburn due to long hours in the sun or reflections from the water, wear long sleeves and long pants.

Cotton products such as denim and sweatshirts, in addition to becoming heavier when wet, can deprive the body of heat and make you colder, which can cause you to feel ill.

In addition, it is important to enjoy activities in nature in a way that suits your skills.

If you are not yet accustomed to it, you can gradually gain experience in calm conditions!

 

Recommended Tours

We would like to recommend three tours where you can experience kayaking.

Please join us when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Keauhou Bay
Sea Kayak & Snorkel Tour

This is the only sea kayaking tour on the Big Island of Hawaii with a Japanese-speaking guide.

This tour includes exploring an underwater cave that can only be entered by kayak, snorkeling to see fish in the sea up close, and much more!

The tour is conducted in small groups, so there is no need to rush, and beginners can proceed while receiving proper lectures.

 

Keauhou Bay & Underwater Cave Exploration!
Sea kayak & snorkeling tour

This tour allows you to enjoy the two bays of the Big Island of Hawaii.

After listening to a kayak briefing in Keauhou Bay, famous as the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, we will move to Kuamo'o Bay.

Explore the caves or experience snorkeling and leave with wonderful memories!

 

Kohala Coast
Snorkel & Kayak Tour

This tour offers snorkeling and kayaking on the Kohala Coast, one of the most luxurious spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The underwater world offers beautiful coral reefs and, during the season from December to April, the chance to see whales!

They will take you to the best spots so you can fully enjoy the waters of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to kayaking and canoeing and tours.

Kayaking and canoeing are recommended activities if you want to experience the beautiful ocean and nature of the Big Island of Hawaii firsthand.

Once you get the hang of it, it's easy, and you can feel a sense of exhilaration like you've never experienced before as you cut through the ocean breeze.

We hope you will experience it on the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Hawaii! Thank you for taking the time to read this page to the end.