Just a short drive from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and our Big Island bed and breakfast, Hilo offers a completely different side of the island that’s lush, local, and shaped by the ocean. If you’re looking for things to do in Hilo that feel adventurous but still low-key, kayaking in Hilo Bay is one of the best ways to spend a morning or afternoon.
Protected by a natural breakwater, the bay is calm enough for beginners but still offers plenty to see along the way. You can paddle at your own pace, take in views of the coastline, and stop off at a few scenic spots that are easy to miss from land.
Why Hilo Bay is a Paddler’s Paradise
The massive breakwater built to protect Hilo Harbor does all the work for you. It blocks the large swells that make ocean kayaking challenging along much of the Big Island’s windward coast, creating conditions inside the bay that stay relatively flat and calm even on days when the open ocean looks rough.
This is why we suggest Hilo Bay to guests who want to kayak but don’t have extensive ocean experience. You’re not fighting currents or navigating through surf zones; the paddling is straightforward, and if conditions change or you get tired, you’re never far from shore. The bay also offers enough space and variety to keep things interesting. You can explore the shoreline, paddle out to Coconut Island, venture into the quieter waters around Reeds Bay, or cruise along the coast toward Liliʻuokalani Gardens without covering long distances.
Where to Launch
Hilo Bayfront Park (1047 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 ) is where most people launch, and it’s the most convenient option. The park has parking, restrooms, and direct beach access where you can carry your kayak across the sand and launch into calm water. The beach slopes gently, making it easy to get in and out, and from here you can paddle toward Coconut Island, explore different parts of the bay, or head in the direction of the breakwater (though most paddlers stay well inside it unless they’re experienced and conditions are particularly good).
Reeds Bay (255 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720) offers a smaller, quieter alternative if you prefer a more residential feel with less beach traffic. The water here is especially calm, and since Reeds Bay connects to the larger bay, you can still paddle out to Coconut Island or explore other areas. Some guests prefer launching from Reeds Bay for its sheltered feel and proximity to the calm waters near Liliʻuokalani Gardens.
What You’ll See on the Water
As you paddle along Hilo’s shoreline, you’ll see colorful reef fish, sea urchins clinging to rocks, and occasionally sea turtles swimming near the surface or resting on shallow ledges. The water clarity varies depending on recent rain and runoff, but on good days, you’ll see plenty of marine life moving below your kayak.
Looking inland, Mauna Kea dominates the horizon. The mountain rises nearly 14,000 feet from sea level, and from the bay, you get a real sense of its scale. The Hamakua Coast stretches to the north with its green cliffs and gulches visible from the water, while to the south, Hilo’s shoreline reveals a mix of parks, residential areas, and coastal features you don’t really notice from the road.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens looks particularly beautiful from the water. The Japanese-style garden sits right on the bay with koi ponds, stone lanterns, and manicured grounds visible from your kayak, and some paddlers venture into the calm waterways around the park, though these areas can be shallow depending on the tide.
Coconut Island: Worth the Paddle
Coconut Island (Moku ola) sits in the middle of Hilo Bay and is one of the most recognizable spots along the shoreline. These days, the only way to reach it is by water, which makes kayaking there feel even more like part of the experience. The paddle from Hilo Bayfront Park takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your pace.
The island is small, only about 1.5 acres, but it has everything you need for a good break. Grassy areas offer spots to spread out, tall coconut palms and shade trees provide relief from the sun, and rocky ledges along the shore make it easy to pull your kayak out of the water and settle in for a bit.
You’ll still find tidepools along the rocky edges where you can spot small fish, crabs, and sea urchins moving through the shallow water. On calm days, the surrounding water is ideal for a quick swim or just relaxing before heading back.
If you’re planning to spend more time out there, consider packing our Picnic Bag for Two, a keepsake cooler bag filled with island snacks that’s perfect for a midday break on Coconut Island.
Note: There used to be a pedestrian footbridge to the island, but it was closed after damage in late 2025, so access is limited to the water.
Rentals and Guided Tours
Hilo Ocean Adventures handles kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, and they’ll get you set up with equipment, help you launch, and explain which areas are safe to explore and which to avoid. If you’re not familiar with the bay, that local knowledge is helpful and can make the difference between a good paddle and a frustrating one.
If you’d rather go with a guide, Hilo Ocean Adventures offers a Hilo Bay Coconut Island Kayak Adventure that takes you through the bay with an expert who can point out marine life, share local history, and handle logistics along the way. The tour includes a stop at Coconut Island, which means you get the full experience without worrying about navigation or where it’s safe to paddle.
They also run a Myths & Legends Waterfall Adventure tour that combines kayaking with Hawaiian cultural stories and waterfall views. This longer tour gives you more context about Hilo’s history and the legends tied to the area’s natural features, and it’s a good option if you want to go deeper into the cultural side of the bay.
What to Bring & Know Before You Go
Stay inside the breakwater unless you have ocean kayaking experience and conditions are ideal. The protected bay is one thing, but paddling outside the breakwater puts you in open ocean with swells, currents, and boat traffic that require different skills and awareness.
If you’re new to kayaking, not comfortable with the possibility of tipping over, or unfamiliar with how waves here behave, stick to the breakwater. There’s plenty to explore in the bay, around Reeds Bay, and near Coconut Island without venturing into more challenging conditions.
Watch for boat traffic, especially near the harbor and marina areas, since fishing boats, tour vessels, and other watercraft use the bay regularly. Stay visible, give larger boats plenty of room, and pay attention to what’s happening around you so you can adjust your course if needed.
Bring sun protection because even on cloudy days, the sun reflects off the water, and you’ll burn faster than you expect. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeve rash guard make the experience more comfortable and save you from spending the evening dealing with sunburn.
Wear water shoes or sandals that you can secure to your feet since you’ll be getting in and out of the kayak, walking on rocky or sandy areas, and possibly stepping on the reef in shallow water.
Check the weather before you go. Hilo gets frequent rain, and while a light shower won’t ruin your paddle, heavier rain reduces visibility and makes conditions less pleasant. Morning tends to offer calmer conditions than the afternoon when trade winds pick up, so if you have flexibility in your schedule, aim for an earlier start.
Wrap Up Your Day in Hilo & Return to our Big Island Bed and Breakfast
After your time on the water, head into town and refuel at one of our favorite Hilo restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a casual café, or something quick and easy before the drive back. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your time on the coast.
From Hilo, it’s about a 45-minute drive back to Volcano Village Lodge. The air cools off, the roads get quieter, and you’re back in the rainforest before you know it. Settle in for the evening, step out onto your lanai, and listen to the rainforest wind down for the night.
Ready to plan your stay? Book your stay and start planning your Big Island getaway.