Surf and kayak
Hang Ten
If one of your life-long goals is to “hang ten”, then you’ve come to one of the best places to learn. Hanalei features some of the best beginner surfing on the island, with sand bottom spots where it is easy to touch. Further out, reef breaks are available to challenge more experienced riders. Several schools offer multiple levels of lessons by experienced big wave riders prepared to share their knowledge and love of surfing. Lessons are available for children and adults. If you already have board history and just need a rental, there are several experienced companies ready to set you up and share stories and the best locations. If riding waves isn’t your style, an SUP along a river or adventurous kayak along the Napali coast are also available.
Here are some of our top recommendations:
Hanalei Surfing School
Offering lessons and rentals for surfing and SUPs for beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, Hanalei Surfing School is ready to teach or outfit you for your adventure. 90-minute private party lessons with an experienced Kauai local ripper are capped at 4 people so that you have high-quality, hands on instruction. Lessons lead by a pro surfer are also available. Rentals are available by the hour, day or week. Tie down roof racks are included with multi-day rentals.
Titus Kinimaka School of Sufing
Started by native Kauaian professional surfer, stuntman and adventurer Titus Nihi Kinimaka, this school teaches a unique, graceful style of surfing based on his decades of experience. Surf lessons are provided in three class levels- beginner, advanced and extreme. A stand-up surfing lesson is also available. All classes are kept at a small group ratio, with no more than 3 guests per instructor. They are able to work with young children as well, with the instructor riding tandem with the child.
Hanalei Surf co.
Started in the early 80’s from a passion for surfing, Hanalei Surf Company is now the largest provider of water sports equipment and beach accessories on Kaua’i. They rent and sell a wide array of surfboards, with over 200 boards in their rental inventory, as well as beach chairs and snorkel equipment. Multi-day board rentals include unlimited surfboard exchanges so you can change your board with the conditions. Lessons are not offered.
Napali Kayak Tours.
Sea kayaking at its best is the passion of Napali Kayak. They offer both rentals and guided tours starting from Hanalei. They feature 17’ long “Cabo” sit-on-top sea kayaks with rudders and comfortable seat backs that are accessible to any skill level. Guided tours along the Napali Coast cover about 17 miles, which can take around 7 hours of paddling to complete. There is also a two-hour lunch break. Tours are best suited for adults, though their minimum age requirement is 15.
Kayak hanalei
Your one stop shop for all of the options, Kayak Hanalei features a kayak tour, surf and SUP lessons, and rentals for all three activities. Their 4 1/2 morning kayak tour of the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay also includes snorkeling and lunch. Surf and SUP lessons are available for all experience levels and ages. Private lessons are required for children age 5-7.
