January 27, 2011 Kayaking Bay of Refuge by Novices

by Larry & Mary
(Seattle WA)

We wanted to try kayaking-neither my wife or I had any experience. Iwa and his staff at Aloha Kayak were great in giving us a briefing on how to do the trip ourselves. The price was super-$50 for all day rental. Loading the kayak on the rental car was not an issue at all. They do it all the time and it was easy for us to do it on the return trip.

We launched at the boat ramp at City of Refuge (Honaunau Beach)and gained confidence in the bay before going south down the coast to the lava tubes. We had a great time, got fairly close to whales (what a sight!)but didn't see the dolphins (maybe next time). It was a wonderful new experience. We now have the confidence to kayak from Napoopoo Wharf out to Captain Cook's monument at Kealakekua. The launch at Napoopoo is trickier, especially in bigger surf.

We highly recommend you use Aloha Kayak Company. Their equipment is good, they are obviously interested in your safety and well-being. Don't use the illegal kayak people at Kealakekua-they charge the same amount for 3-4 hours, the equipment is shabby, and they take business away from reputable companies like Aloha Kayak.