Kāneʻohe Bay
Kāneʻohe Bay
4.5
About
This hidden gem on the east coast of Oahu is home to unspoiled marine life and awe-inspiring vistas. After a gorgeous sunrise, idle the morning away on the beach at Secret Island. Then head to Kualoa Ranch, which served as a filming location to several iconic movies such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'. The sandbar is perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and multicolored fish, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Watch out for the coral reef, though. When hunger strikes, the southern section of the bay is dotted with restaurants specializing in seafood. – Tripadvisor
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
138 reviews
Excellent
95
Very good
33
Average
8
Poor
1
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ITRT
Virginia44,656 contributions
Apr 2022
Kane'ohe Bay stretches from the Mokapu Peninsula, home of the U.S. Marine Corps, and is Mokoli'i Island or Chinamen’s Hat. The bay is the largest sheltered body of water in the Hawaiian Islands and is home to the largest saltwater sandbar in the world. It is known for fishing, kayaking and boating.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,971 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
I drove from Hanauma Bay up the windward side of the island of Oahu passing Makapu'u Point and continued on the Kamehameha Hwy up and around to the North Shore. Many beautiful points along the way including when passing by Kane'ohe Bay. I found a nice viewpoint near Kahaluu Beach providing terrific views of the bay and of the Ko'olau Mountains across the bay which form the backdrop at Kualoa Regional Park.
Written 12 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa H
los angeles95 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
OK. I've been to Honolulu at least 10x and I've never heard of the Sandbar until 1 year ago on the plane, on my way to Maui. It's been on my list of things to do in Oahu so now I finally experienced this magical place. It's a beautiful stretch of white sand in the middle of the ocean. So amazing to be able to walk on the sandbar during low tide when the water is only 2-3" deep. Make sure you check the tide forecast before you go. We went the 1st week of April and 8am was the time to go for low tide. We spent about 1.5 hours at the sandbar and another hour snorkeling nearby. Great coral reef in the area. Total 4 hour excursion.
If you read all the reviews, there's only a few ways to get here:
1) Kayak
2) SUP
3) licensed charter
4) swim
We're a family of 4 (2 young kids) and originally we decided to rent 2 tandem kayaks and row our way to the sandbar (30 minutes). We would rent from Holokai Kayak and Snorkel, $70 for each tandem and additional $5 for an anchor. The thought of kayaking seemed easy since my husband and I are both is really good shape. This was way cheaper than paying almost $500 for Captain Bob's sandbar excursion that included a 4 hour trip to and from the sandbar + bbq lunch and other snorkeling equipment. Luckily for us, we found a last minute deal on groupon for Kapu Kai Charters for a total of $220 for the family. Since we were traveling with another family of 3, our Total ended up being $400! (pay Amber direct so she gets the money) Yes, still more $$ than renting kayaks but we are SOOOO GLAD we paid for the charter. It was easy coordinating with Amber and she brought an ice chest and some snorkeling equipment for all of us. As you approach the sandbar, you see a large stretch of white sand in the middle of the ocean. It was so dreamy and beautiful. Surprisingly not crowded. Felt like we had the entire stretch to ourselves. We brought our own floats and beach chairs and took amazing pictures. After 1.5 hours, Amber took us to a nearby spot maybe 10 minutes away to see some sea turtles and snorkel. We were supposed to stop by Gilligan's island but I got really seasick after snorkeling so unfortunately we had to head back to shore. (This was the main reason why I'm so glad we didn't kayak. I would've been too sick to kayak my way back LOL)
OVerall, I really recommend going to the sandbar. Everyone should experience it at last once in their lifetime.
*Bring a light jacket, food/snacks, sunscreen, hats, water*
If you read all the reviews, there's only a few ways to get here:
1) Kayak
2) SUP
3) licensed charter
4) swim
We're a family of 4 (2 young kids) and originally we decided to rent 2 tandem kayaks and row our way to the sandbar (30 minutes). We would rent from Holokai Kayak and Snorkel, $70 for each tandem and additional $5 for an anchor. The thought of kayaking seemed easy since my husband and I are both is really good shape. This was way cheaper than paying almost $500 for Captain Bob's sandbar excursion that included a 4 hour trip to and from the sandbar + bbq lunch and other snorkeling equipment. Luckily for us, we found a last minute deal on groupon for Kapu Kai Charters for a total of $220 for the family. Since we were traveling with another family of 3, our Total ended up being $400! (pay Amber direct so she gets the money) Yes, still more $$ than renting kayaks but we are SOOOO GLAD we paid for the charter. It was easy coordinating with Amber and she brought an ice chest and some snorkeling equipment for all of us. As you approach the sandbar, you see a large stretch of white sand in the middle of the ocean. It was so dreamy and beautiful. Surprisingly not crowded. Felt like we had the entire stretch to ourselves. We brought our own floats and beach chairs and took amazing pictures. After 1.5 hours, Amber took us to a nearby spot maybe 10 minutes away to see some sea turtles and snorkel. We were supposed to stop by Gilligan's island but I got really seasick after snorkeling so unfortunately we had to head back to shore. (This was the main reason why I'm so glad we didn't kayak. I would've been too sick to kayak my way back LOL)
OVerall, I really recommend going to the sandbar. Everyone should experience it at last once in their lifetime.
*Bring a light jacket, food/snacks, sunscreen, hats, water*
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cris M
Toronto13 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
After finding out that our original plan of taking a boat tour (captain bobs for 5 ppl $597, private charter $900) to Kanoehe Bay Sandbar was fully booked the week we were on vacation, we were happy to find out from locals that kayaking there was another option.($180 for 5 of us) We walked in, didn't online book and she explained the different options to us, and we were able to rent 2 double seat and one single kayak for our party of 5 including a child, we were given life jackets, a map, additional backseat for comfort, an anchor and we were on our way. It was about 30-40 min kayak to sandbar, faster coming back to shore but the staff and the experience were amazing, the views and water spectacular, not to mention budget friendly, thank you Tina and the guy (sorry I forgot your name) who gave us a briefing and got our kayaks good to go at shoreline before we set off. Thank you again, I would do it again and highly recommend this company!
Written 18 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AyasFun
Jacksonville, FL79 contributions
May 2012 • Family
The best snorkeling place in Oahu! There are no waves and it is the warmest water in Hawaii. If you like the Caribbean style ocean this is the Hawaiian spot for you.
Written 17 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JupiterFLMom
Jupiter, FL154 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
We took a Hobie Cat tour out of He'eia State Park into Kane"ohe Bay. The sandbar was amazing. We also snorkeled two areas with abundant large sea turtles. The highlight of our trip. Simply beautiful and amazing!
Written 14 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KalolaG
Franklin Square, NY44 contributions
Mar 2017
This has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth....away from the frenzy of Waikiki. If you visit Oahu, rent a car and make sure to drive around the island every chance you get and really get to enjoy the island. Waikiki beach is a crowded tourist area. Kaneohe is the Hawaii you flew across the ocean to get to.
Written 5 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoR7
Oak Harbor, WA54 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
Kaneohe Bay is on the windward side of the island, making the water and waves mostly calm. Great for paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and enjoying the sand & coral beach.
Written 7 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belwells
Norah Head, Australia530 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
We stopped here on the way to Ranch. It was raining so we didn't go for a swim. The beach was easy to access. The car park is short walking distance to beach. The park near beach is clean and has toilets for changing into swim gear. The beach was calm, clean and beautiful. Great family beach. Will be coming back to this beach for a swim
Written 23 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mercedes
Long Beach, CA46 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
My boyfriend & I rented kayaks from our amazing hotel (paradise bay resort) which is right off of Kaneohe Bay and it was so beautiful out there! The sand bars were super awesome at low tide because you could literally get out of your kayak and feel like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean. We saw lots of sea turtles and other fish too so it probably would’ve been a good spot to go snorkeling as well. Highly recommend for anyone that wants to cruise around in a chill bay with no waves!
Written 6 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the cheapest way to get to the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar?
Written 18 January 2022
I have never done a SUP before. Is it too challenging to do a self guided tour to Sandbar from Kan’eohe bay? ( I have only surfed three times in my life ) Is it safer to do the kayak?
Written 25 December 2019
If you are an experienced SUP paddler, then you could definitely attempt it, BUT there is extremely sharp coral along the way that might change your mind if you’re one to fall off your board. You will want to anchor in at the sandbar. I prefer the kayak for this trek. The sandbar is extremely reflective so reapply your sunblock excessively!! Be sure to note a standout location marker at your departure for easier trekking on your return trip. Have fun.
Written 21 July 2022
How do we get to it? It looks like nothing but homes?
Written 14 June 2019
There is a resort, Paradise Bay, that is on the Bay and if you stay there, you can join them for a snorkeling trip out into the bay twice a week.
Written 10 September 2019
We did an excursion from Paradise Bay Resort that I will recommend to any one that will listen, unfortunately I believe they only go out Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is Heeia Kea Pier that I think there are cruises running from, you could check there.
Written 1 November 2018
Buongiorno, gentilmente vorrei sapere come avete prenotato questa escursione, se online oppure in loco alle Hawaii.
Grazie.
Saluti
Written 22 February 2018
Buongiorno, gentilmente vorrei sapere come avete prenotato questa escursione, se online oppure in loco alle Hawaii.
Grazie.
Saluti
Written 22 February 2018
Yes. easy drive from Honolulu. closer to Polynesian cultural center than Honolulu. paradise bay resort is lovely hotel there.
Written 3 August 2017
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