Shaka Kayaks first concern is for your safety. Anyone 6 years old and over can join us on the tour provided they can swim and re-enter the kayak in the water with the guide's assistance. While we have tried to make our kayak experience available to everyone, if you are not sure you can meet our requirements due to a physical or sensory impairment please contact us prior to your tour for a safety assessment.
How many people are on the tour and do I need to make reservations?
Shaka Kayaks limits the number of guests to a maximum of 7 per tour. We feel small groups offer the safest experience with much better marine life viewing and interaction. As such our limited number of seats fill up quickly and it is highly recommended to book early with the concierge or by calling (808) 381-4121 for availability.
What time are your tours and where do we meet?
Shaka Kayaks departs daily from the Turtle Bay Resort lobby where your luxury transportation van will be waiting to pick you up. * Tour Tip: Your driver will leave exactly on time at the top of the hour so make sure you arrive a few minutes prior to your tour time so you don't "miss the bus". * From there it is a short 5 minute drive down to the kayak launch area. Occasionally we have to change launch locations due to movie filming or a monk seal hauled out at our launch site but we will let you know at that time.
Do you operate your tours during the winter time?
North Shore Oahu is famous for it's huge surf during the winter months. The locations we use for launching and landing the kayaks as well as our kayak routes are all inside of a protected reef system that prevents any waves over 2' from coming inside. As such we are able to operate year round and normally only have to cancel during high surf warning days. Once again safety is our first concern and the guide always evaluates the conditions on the day of your tour. In the event of a cancellation due to weather you will have the option of rescheduling or receive a full refund for the tour.
What wildlife should we expect to see?
Turtles, turtles and even more turtles. Even though it is possible that not everyone on the tour will see a turtle, it is very rare and just means the turtles are still there but holding their breath longer. Your guide will show you several feeding and cleaning areas on the tour. Whales and dolphins have been spotted but are rare. More commonly seen is the Hawaiian monk seal which occasionally alters our launch and landing sites if they decide to haul-out there. *Tour Tip: Observe monk seals from at least 150' away so you don't alter their behavior.* For birdwatchers there are too many to describe here but you won't be disappointed and there is the chance to see one of the 4 endangered waterbirds.
What can we bring with us?
Shaka Kayaks recommends your typical beach protection gear. This includes a broad rimmed hat, sunglasses with holder, light weight long sleeve shirt, reef shoes or sandals and sunscreen. You will be able to use a semi-dry bag to store small items you want to bring along but no bag can be completely waterproof so please leave your cell phones, video cameras and valuables at home.
Why do we need your email address?
Shaka Kayaks uses your email address for one purpose only. At the end of your tour your guide will email you a souvenir photo taken of you on your kayak with the North Shore as a background. This is a complimentary thank you gift from us and your email will not be sold, given out or used for any other purpose.
Where is Shaka Kayaks located and how do we get there from Waikiki?
Shaka Kayaks is located at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. From Waikiki get on the H1 Freeway heading West. Follow the signs to the North Shore by taking the H2 Freeway North. Get off the freeway at Wahiawa and follow the Kamehameha Highway all the way to Turtle Bay Resort. Turn left off of "Kam" Highway on Kuilima Drive and follow the road to the entrance shack. Let the guard there know your are coming for Shaka Kayaks and they will let you in the resort and give you directions to the Turtle Bay lobby from there. *Tour Tip: From Waikiki give yourself 1 1/2 hours to enjoy your drive up.*
