KAHUKU GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Kawela Bay: A Calm-Water SUP Tour Among Honu
A guided, small-group stand up paddle experience in Kahuku that teaches SUP basics while exploring Kawela Bay and seeking Hawaii Green Sea Turtles.
Paddle Kawela Bay: A Calm-Water SUP Tour Among Honu.
Experience the sheltered waters and scenic coast of Kawela Bay on a relaxed, instructional stand up paddle tour designed for all ages and skill levels. The Group Stand Up Paddle Experience emphasizes learning SUP fundamentals, exploring the coastline, and viewing Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtles in a small-group setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Encounter the Honu — Hawaii Green Sea Turtles
A central focus of the outing is observing Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtle (honu) in Kawela Bay, with guides emphasizing respectful viewing as part of the educational experience.
Serene Kawela Bay and the Picturesque Coastline
The tour follows a gentle paddle along Kawela Bay, offering calm-water exploration of the shoreline and coastal scenery ideal for novices and mixed-ability groups.
Beginner-Friendly Instruction in a Small Group
Guides teach SUP skills and ocean safety as part of the experience, ensuring participants build comfort and confidence on the board before heading out onto the bay.
What the day feels like
What the Experience Feels Like
The outing is calm and instructional: participants meet at the surf shop, receive guided instruction in SUP basics and ocean safety, then embark on a gentle paddle through Kawela Bay where guides point out marine life and coastal features while fostering a relaxed, educational atmosphere.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this SUP tour is best for — and when to consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and reef‑safe sunscreen; operators provide additional protective garments and some gear as needed.
Each lesson is 1.5 hours long.
Meet at Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience Surf Shop at the ground level of the Ritz Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay: 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI, 96731.
Full payment is required at booking; cancellations up to 48 hours prior receive a full refund. Changes within 48 hours are not guaranteed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
If the forecast shows large waves, will my lesson be canceled or will I be forced to surf large waves?
The operator adjusts the lesson location on property to suit conditions and has access to beginner-friendly spots year‑round; if surfing in front of the shop is not possible they provide complimentary golf cart transfers to alternate locations.
Will Jamie O’Brien be teaching my lesson?
Jamie O’Brien owns and operates the school but does not personally teach; instructors are hand‑selected by him and lead lessons.
What happens during the lesson?
Lessons begin with a 15–20 minute land lesson covering ocean safety and technique, followed by more than an hour in the water, and conclude with photo review at the surf shop.
What is included in the experience?
All necessary equipment is provided, including boards and related gear; lessons are also photographed and images are available for purchase.
What are your lesson times, and when is the best time to go?
Lessons run daily at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM; each is 1.5 hours, and many guests prefer the earliest slot for calm morning conditions.
Are there age restrictions?
The operator can teach ages 2 to 99; guests must be at least 12 to join a public group lesson. Children under 12 must be in a private lesson or in an Ohana (private group) with appropriate instructor coverage.
Can I participate if I can’t swim or if I have a disability?
Non-swimmers may take a private one‑on‑one lesson and lifejackets are available; guests with disabilities are welcomed but should choose private instruction if extra attention is required.
Are the instructors certified for safety?
Yes—every instructor is CPR and lifesaving certified.