Explore Hawaii's island paradise by kayak

If you would like to inject a little gentle adventure into a Hawaiian beach holiday, why not try exploring by kayak?

Not far from the bustling resort of Waikiki on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the tiny uninhabited twin Mokulua islands offer serene tropical paradise. Picnic on the white sand, explore the rocky shoreline and float in the warm sea.

The island bird reserve boasts 11 marine species including the great frigatebird, red-footed booby and sooty tern. While scrambling around the ragged volcanic coastline, you might see wedge-tailed shearwater chicks peeping from their burrows.

The journey is as enjoyable as its destination. Coral reef hovers inches below the boat, and shoals of fish dart at each paddle stroke. Green sea turtles bob up to breathe, their metre-long silhouettes conspicuous in the blue water. And the offshore position provides gawping views of Oahu's Koolau mountains.

If this sounds like an attractive alternative to yet another Mai Tai cocktail, grab a rental car with a hard top (resist those trendy soft top jeeps) and head to Go Bananas, a grotto of kayak paraphernalia not far from Waikiki beach. Friendly, experienced staff rent all the gear, including lifejackets and a dry bag to protect that picnic. They will even load boats onto cars and offer a (dry) paddling lesson. They charge around $30 for single kayaks or $45 for doubles, which carry a small child as well as a paddling mate.

For the shortest paddle to the Mokuluas, take a 50 minute drive to Kailua, over and through the mountains on the Pali highway. If it is your first trip to the windward side of the island, allow time to stop for the views. Turn right at the Pacific and park at Lanikai beach park. You will need to brace yourself against seduction by the soft sand, sapphire waters and palm trees, and launch into a 30 minute paddle towards the twin humps of the Mokuluas.

Alternatively, jump on a number 57 bus. For the standard $2 fare, including a free transfer (and deadpan comedy from the chattier drivers), it is an hour's journey to Kailua where all vital equipment can be hired.

Launching from Kailua beach park demands a longer paddle to the Mokuluas, but with benefits. The waves around the nearby Flat Island offer the irresistible prospect of kayak surfing.

This is not an adventure holiday jaunt to tackle unprepared. The windward side of Oahu has a microclimate often very different from the oppressive heat of Waikiki, so check the weather forecast. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and plenty of water, as the fierce reflection from the water shortens burn times, and there is little shade on the islands.

Ocean conditions around Hawaii can be terrifyingly treacherous, so seek local advice online or from locals, such as one of the lifeguards on Kailua beach.

For more information on ocean conditions see www.surfnewsnetwork.com and www.windguru.cz

For general information about Hawaiian holidays see www.gohawaii.com

Melissa Mehta