Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about kayaking, e-biking, and adventuring with Active Oahu Tours. From booking to wildlife — we've got answers.
- Booking is easy and instant through our online FareHarbor booking system. Simply visit any tour page or our booking section, select your preferred date and time, and reserve your spot. You'll receive an immediate confirmation email with all the details. You can also call us at (808) 498-1894 and we'll book it for you over the phone — no automated menus, just a real person.
- Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions are unsafe — high winds, lightning, or dangerous swells — we will cancel the tour and you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule at no cost. We monitor conditions constantly and make the call the morning of (or the night before if the forecast is clearly bad). If we cancel due to weather, you never pay a dime. This includes rain — a little Hawaii rain is normal and tours run in light rain, but if conditions become unsafe, we cancel.
- Absolutely not! The vast majority of our guests are first-time kayakers. Our guided tours include a thorough pre-launch instruction session where we teach you basic paddling technique, safety procedures, and what to expect on the water. Kailua Bay is protected by a barrier reef, creating calm conditions ideal for beginners. 90% of first-timers feel confident within the first 15 minutes. If you can sit in a kayak and follow simple instructions, you're ready.
- For kayak tours: reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law), swimsuit, rash guard or lightweight long-sleeve shirt, water shoes or secure sandals, hat, polarized sunglasses, reusable water bottle, and a waterproof phone case or GoPro. We provide the kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), snorkel gear, dry bag, and light snacks. For e-bike tours: comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and a small backpack. We provide the e-bike, helmet, lock, and route map.
- We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% charge. No-shows are charged the full amount. Weather-related cancellations initiated by us are always fully refunded — no exceptions. To cancel or reschedule, call us at (808) 498-1894 or email aloha@activeoahutours.com. Full details on our <a href="/cancellation" class="text-ocean hover:underline">Cancellation Policy page</a>.
- Kayak tours: minimum age is 8 years old for guided tours (children under 12 must be in a tandem kayak with an adult). E-bike tours: minimum age is 16 years old (Hawaii state law for e-bike operation). For younger children, we recommend our family-friendly tours or a private tour — call us to discuss options! There is no upper age limit; we've had guests in their 70s and 80s enjoy our tours.
- We keep our groups intentionally small to provide a personal experience. Typical group size is 4-10 guests per guide. Our maximum is 12 guests per guide. For larger groups, we add additional guides to maintain the ratio. Private tours are available for groups of any size. Small groups mean more personal attention, better wildlife spotting, and a quieter, more intimate experience on the water.
- All tours meet at our shop at 130 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734 — just minutes from Kailua Beach Park. Free parking is available at our location. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. For kayak tours, we'll get you geared up at the shop and then walk or shuttle to the launch point depending on conditions. E-bike tours start and end directly at our shop.
- Yes! TheBus (Oahu's public transit) Route 56 or 57 runs from Ala Moana Center through Waikiki to Kailua. The ride takes about 45-60 minutes. Get off near Kailua Road and we're a short walk away. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are also available — typically $35-50 from Waikiki each way. We recommend booking a morning tour (before traffic) and giving yourself extra time if using public transit. For added convenience, we can help arrange private transportation — just ask!
- All guides are CPR and First Aid certified. We use only premium, regularly inspected equipment including US Coast Guard-approved PFDs (life jackets). Every tour begins with a comprehensive safety briefing covering paddling technique, what to do if you capsize, how to re-enter your kayak, and how to communicate with your guide. Guides carry marine radios, first aid kits, and have extensive knowledge of local water conditions. We constantly monitor weather and will never launch in unsafe conditions.
- Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are nearly guaranteed on our kayak tours — they feed on the seagrass beds inside Kailua Bay and frequently surface near kayaks. You may also see spotted eagle rays, colorful reef fish while snorkeling, and seabirds on the Mokulua Islands. From December through April, humpback whales can be spotted in the distance. While we can't guarantee specific wildlife (they're wild, after all!), our guides know exactly where to look and what conditions produce the best sightings.
- Kailua is a year-round paddling destination, but each season has unique advantages. Summer (May-October) offers the most consistent trade winds and calmest waters — this is peak season. Winter (November-March) brings larger swells but also whale watching and crystal-clear water. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are sweet spots with mild conditions, warm water, and fewer crowds. Morning tours (7-10 AM) are best year-round for glassy water. Book 2-4 weeks in advance during summer and holidays.
- A guided tour includes a professional local guide who leads the group, provides instruction, knows the best routes, spots wildlife, shares local knowledge, and handles safety. It's the full experience — ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to make the most of their time. A rental gives you just the equipment (kayak, paddle, PFD) to explore on your own. Rentals are best for experienced paddlers who are comfortable reading conditions and navigating independently. We recommend guided tours for 90% of visitors.
- Yes — and you should! The photo opportunities on our tours are incredible. However, we strongly recommend using a waterproof case, dry bag, or waterproof camera. We provide dry bags on all kayak tours for your personal items. For the best results, a GoPro or waterproof phone case with a lanyard works great. Your guide can also take photos of your group with your device — just ask! We are not responsible for water damage to personal electronics, so please protect your devices.
- Absolutely! Private tours are available for individuals, couples, families, and groups of any size. Private tours can be customized for your skill level, interests, and schedule. They're perfect for proposals, family reunions, corporate team-building, or anyone who wants a more exclusive experience. Contact us directly at aloha@activeoahutours.com or (808) 498-1894 to discuss your private tour. Pricing varies based on group size and customization.
- Hawaii law (effective 2021) bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral reefs. We require all guests to use reef-safe sunscreen. Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. We sell reef-safe sunscreen at our shop if you need it. Also consider wearing a rash guard or long-sleeve shirt for sun protection — it's more effective than sunscreen and better for the reef!
- Yes! E-bikes make cycling accessible to almost everyone. The electric motor provides pedal assistance, meaning you can tackle hills and headwinds with ease. You control how much assistance you get — from a gentle boost to full power. Our e-bike tours follow mostly flat coastal roads with dedicated bike lanes. If you can ride a regular bicycle, you can ride an e-bike. We provide a full orientation before every tour to make sure you're comfortable.
- For peak season (June-August, December holidays, Spring Break), we recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance — popular morning tours fill up fast. For shoulder season, 1-2 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available (check our live calendar), but your preferred date and time may be taken. Group bookings (6+ people) should be made at least 3-4 weeks in advance regardless of season. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, but we can't guarantee spots.
- Your comfort and safety come first. If you feel uncomfortable, tired, or unwell at any point during the tour, let your guide know immediately. For kayak tours, our guides can adjust the route, shorten the paddle, or arrange an early return. For e-bike tours, you can increase the pedal assist level or the guide can arrange a pickup. There is no pressure to push beyond your comfort zone. Hawaii is about relaxation — we want you to enjoy every moment.
- Yes! We offer multi-tour packages for guests who want to experience more. Popular combos include: Kayak + E-Bike (2-day adventure), Kayak + Snorkel (full-day water adventure), and our Ultimate Windward Explorer (3 tours over multiple days). Multi-tour packages come with a discount — typically 10-15% off individual tour prices. Contact us directly to build a custom package. Gift certificates are also available and make a fantastic present!
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help. Reach out and a real person (not a bot) will get back to you.