If you’re not already captivated with the otherworldly beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, trust me, you will be after taking a tour with Kailua Beach Adventures.

Located on the Windward side of O’ahu is a picturesque beach town; a scenic slice of Hawaiian heaven: Kailua. Just 30 minutes outside Waikiki and Honolulu, Kailua beaches are sealed off from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic by the majestic Kooloau mountain range.

Overlooking Kaneohe Bay and the Mokulua Islands, Kailua beaches tend to be calmer and less crowded, especially on weekdays. Once you hit the Pali Highway (Route 61), emerge from the highway’s tunnel and take in the sweeping panorama of this seaside paradise , you’ll understand why locals feel comfort and reverence to call this their hometown.

Many people come here to lay out and work on their deep-brown Hawaiian tan, while others make the trip for the water sports. The steady onshore trade winds on this side of the island make this arguably the best place from which to experience any ocean-related activity.

Established in 1982, Kailua Beach Adventures promotes preservation through recreation and education and offers visitors kayak rentals, surfing lessons, boogie board rentals, snorkeling opportunities, bike rentals, stand up paddling instruction, kitesurfing rentals, and guided eco kayak tours along Kailua Bay and the Mokulua Islands.

With miles of dreamlike white sand beaches and six different protected offshore islands, this particular place makes for an ideal location for a kayak trip.

Paddling in a kayak tour with Kailua Beach Adventures is an unforgettable adventure. The tour guides are experienced in the ecology, history, volcanology, and marine biology of the Islands and in case of an emergency, they carry certifications in first aid and CPR. They will escort you to secret spots throughout the bay, so you can revel in deserted islands, marine life, and sequestered coves.

You will come into contact with a whole new aspect of the island, where you’ll be able to get up close and personal with wildlife sanctuaries and a beautiful beach. The intricate dance of strokes, maneuvers and balance between you, your paddle and boat, will guide you to explore an environment where yellow butterfly fish and celestial green sea turtles or Honu can be spotted.

If you happen to be on the island between late November and early May, be sure to keep your eye out for water spouts, as each winter thousands of Kohola (humpback whales) migrate to the warm waters to breed and nurse their calves. Hawaiian monk seals and sleek, playful spinner dolphins can also be seen as you tour the tranquil ocean by kayak.

Although it requires a certain degree of core and arm strength, ocean kayaking is a sport that anyone can take pleasure in–the inexperienced as well as the expert paddler. Luckily, ocean kayaks are very easy to use and very forgiving.

It’s best to get an early start in the morning, when light fragrant breezes blow over the calm ocean water. In the afternoon, the trade winds tend to really pick up and turn the near-flat ocean into choppy waves. The waves will definitely influence your forward paddle strokes and the experience you have on the water as a whole.

Just remember that the privilege of enjoying gliding across the pristine, turquoise waters during your guided tour comes with an exceptional Kuliana, or responsibility to assist in protecting and preserving O’ahu’s wildlife sanctuaries.

Kailua is often cited as Hawaii’s best, and for good reason. If you’re visiting to do more than hang around and shop in the small stores that dot Kailua Road, you should give the crew at Kailua Beach Adventures a visit and plan your next adventure. You can save 15 percent by booking on their website www.kailuabeachadventures.com.

One thing to keep in mind, they do not rent kayaks or conduct tours on Sundays.

Kailua Beach Adventures 130 Kailua Rd, Kailua HI, 96734 808-262-2555

For more information about O’ahu, please visit their official website:

www.visit-oahu.com www.facebook.com/oahuhawaii Twitter: @oahuvb Instagram: OahuVB (877) 525-OAHU