Paddling Routes on Oahu: Kaelepulu Stream

BASIC INFORMATION

• Name: Kaelepulu Stream
• Where: Kailua, Hawaii
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• More Information: Paddling Hawaii

GOOGLE EARTH MAP OF THE ROUTE

The Kaelepulu Stream route can be seen from the beach running up the stream on the left of the Google Earth map.  The paddle out to Flat Island is a separate kayak route that is well worth combining with this trip. 

DIRECTIONS

The easiest way to get to Kailua Beach Park from Honolulu is to take the Pali Highway (Highway 61) east over the Ko’olau Range.  Once over the mountains, continue on the Pali Highway all the way to the city of Kailua.  Once in Kailua continue to stay straight on the highway which is now called Kailua Raod until it ends at a T-intersection.  At the T-intersection take a right on to Kaleheo Avenue.  Drive straight through a traffic circle and then over a bridge.  Immediately after the bridge, Kailua Beach Park is visible on the left.

PARKING

Parking at Kailua Beach can be challenging on the weekends and nearly impossible during holidays.  If visiting during these times get to the beach early.  However, weekdays are very different where I have never had a problem finding a place to park during anytime of the day.

HAWAIIAN MEANING

According to the book, “Place Names of Hawaii” the word “Kaelepulu” translates to “wet night”.  This could be in reference to the frequent rains that falls over the Windward Coast of Oahu.

NARRATIVE

For beginners that have never used a kayak before a paddle up the Kaelepulu Stream in beautiful Kailua is a good way to get started.  The stream is located in the center of the Kailua Beach Park:

The water level of the stream usually does not reach the ocean, but where it does end, it is deep enough to put a kayak in and paddle upstream:

I have my own Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak that I use, but in Kailua there are a number of rental companies that provide kayaks for usually $50 for a half day of use:

The water near the beach has a strange yellow color to it.  Despite the strange color, the Kealepulu Stream is filled with fish:

From where the stream ends at the beach, this kayak trip begins by paddling underneath a bridge:

After paddling underneath the bridge the color of the water changed to more of a greenish color:

The stream is a very easy paddle that I let my 8 year old daughter do a lot of practice controlling the kayak.  The views from the stream consisted mostly of people’s backyards:

Besides passing various Kailua homes the stream also goes right by the Mid-Pacific Country Club:

To the east of the stream I could also see the Ka’iwa Ridge that is traversed by the extremely popular Pillbox Trail:

You can read more about the Pillbox Trail at the below link:

Best Hikes On Oahu: The Pillbox Trail (Ka’iwa Ridge)

The paddle up the Kaelepulu Stream can be extended all the way to Enchanted Lake deep into Kailua.  However, the lake is considered the property of the Home Owner’s Association that maintains the neighborhood.  The HOA requires paddlers to get authorization to enter the lake if they are not residents.  Without permission non-residents are considered trespassers and subject to having the police called on them.  Because of this my kids and I turned around instead of continuing on to the lake.  After finishing our paddle we then headed back over to Kailua Beach to deflate the kayak and then spent the rest of the day at the beach:

Conclusion

Overall the paddle up Kaelepulu Stream is pretty boring and really just a good place for beginners to practice their kayaking skills like my daughter was doing.  I highly recommend that those that have not kayaked before to head up the stream and then once comfortable controlling the kayak to paddle out to Flat Island.  Most kayak companies have half day rentals and combining these two kayak courses is a great way to spend half a day out on Oahu’s beautiful waters.

Disclaimer:  On-Walkabout is a website about outdoor activities that is not affiliated with any state or national government.  The articles on this website are for informational purposes only and to inspire others to get outside.  The activity descriptions are given to showcase the beauty and fun of experiencing the outdoors.  The writer of On-Walkabout is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, legal issues, or loss of life by anyone attempting the activities listed on this website.  Outdoor activities can be dangerous which is why it is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and understand their own abilities before attempting an outdoor activity inspired by this website.  Most importantly parents need to understand the ability of their children before attempting an outdoor activity.  Just because my young children completed a hike mentioned on this site does not mean your children can as well.  Be safe and I hope this website inspires others to go and enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.  

YOU CAN FIND MORE GREAT HIKES AT THE OAHU REGIONAL TRAIL FINDER:

Note: Further information about hiking on Oahu can be found in the below book: