Popoia Island (Flat Island) & Kailua Bay Guided Kayak Tour

Overview

The guided Popoia Island kayak tour from Active Oahu Tours is a 3-hour beginner trip for $169: a 30-minute paddle to Flat Island, a sanctuary walk, optional snorkeling, then lunch and shave ice; $199 buys a full day with beach gear. It suits families with children 8 and up; the drawback is driving the kayak to the beach.

Highlights

• About 30 minutes of paddling each way to Popoia, the islet closest to Kailua Beach, with a guide alongside (operator site).
• $169 adult, $109 child 8-12, $149 kamaaina/military for the 3-hour half day; $199, $159 and $169 for the full day (operator site, October 2026).
• Guide, kayak, life vests, snorkel gear, dry bags, snacks, lunch and shave ice included; full day adds umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards and beach time at Kalama, Kailua or Lanikai.
• Beginners welcome; the operator's reseller listing sets child age at 8-12 and group size at up to 8.
• Optional e-bike add-on for $40 replaces the car shuttle to the beach.

What to Expect

1. Check in at the Kailua activity hub at 134B Hamakua Dr. 1 hour before the start (operator site; Greetwell says 30 minutes) for a safety demo, route description, kayaking lesson and cultural briefing.
2. Strap the kayak to your 4-door car with the foam pads and straps provided and drive about 6 minutes to Kailua Beach Park.
3. Meet the guide in the water and paddle about 30 minutes across the inner bay to Popoia Island, watching for sea turtles and fish.
4. Land on the islet and walk its perimeter with the guide; Popoia is a bird sanctuary so you stay below the high-water mark.
5. Snorkel off the islet if you choose, then paddle back to Kailua Beach.
6. Return to the shop for tacos with fresh salsa, water or juice and shave ice (to-hawaii listing); full-day guests then pick beach gear and spend the afternoon at the beach of their choice.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit and change of clothes
• Shoes or hiking sandals for the islet walk
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Towel; leave valuables at home

Restrictions and Requirements

• Children must be at least 8 (operator pricing and to-hawaii listing); Greetwell says under 13 requires a private booking with one child per adult in a shared kayak
• Must be able to carry or walk the kayak to the water and swim while wearing a life vest
• 4-door vehicle required unless you add the e-bike
• Sanctuary rules: stay below the high-water mark; no pets, fires, camping or structures

Cancellation Policy

Cancel more than 48 hours before the start time for a 100% refund or a free reschedule; cancellations within 48 hours are charged in full unless you bought the operator's cancellation insurance, and rescheduled bookings cannot be refunded. If the operator cancels for hazardous weather you may reschedule or receive a refund. Checked October 2026 on activeoahutours.com and Greetwell.

Location

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Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Active Oahu Tours activity hub, 134B Hamakua Dr., Kailua, HI 96734; the paddle starts from Kailua Beach Park

Check-In

Arrive 1 hour before the start per the operator site (30 minutes per Greetwell); confirm when booking

Parking and Getting There

Parking tips for Kailua Beach Park are given at the briefing; mornings are easier

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact