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Age bands that meet this tour's minimum age.
Verified Jul 4, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.
Learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding in the calm, protected waters of Reeds Bay on this 1-hour beginner-focused lesson. Perfect for first-time paddlers, families, or anyone who wants a simple, confidence-building experience before trying a longer ocean tour.
Your instructor starts with easy on-shore instruction before guiding you into smooth water along the edge of Banyan Drive. Practice balance, steering, and basic paddle strokes while enjoying a relaxed shoreline route with gentle conditions and scenic views of Hilo's oceanfront. Keep an eye out for honu (green sea turtles), reef fish, and seabirds along the way.
The slow-paced, supportive environment is designed specifically for new paddlers, making this one of Hilo's most welcoming places to try SUP for the first time.
Lesson includes stand-up paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, professional instructor, bottled water, and basic safety and technique instruction. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water shoes, a towel, and a camera.
Ages 8 and up. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meets at 1717 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo. Cancellation with full refund available up to 48 hours in advance.
SUP - Reeds Bay Oceanfront Lesson lasts about 1 hour.
SUP - Reeds Bay Oceanfront Lesson costs $75 per person.
The minimum age for SUP - Reeds Bay Oceanfront Lesson is 8 years old.
SUP - Reeds Bay Oceanfront Lesson meets at 1717 Kamehameha Ave. Hilo, HI 96720.
SUP - Reeds Bay Oceanfront Lesson includes Equipment, Snacks, Guide, and Safety Briefing.
Yes, this lesson is specifically designed for first-time paddlers who have never been on a stand-up paddleboard before. The beginner-focused format covers balance, steering, and basic paddle strokes at a slow pace, making it a confidence-building experience rather than a challenging workout. Your instructor begins with on-shore instruction before guiding you into the water, so you will know what to expect before you ever step on a board. The calm, protected waters of Reeds Bay are chosen precisely because they offer gentle conditions that give new paddlers the best chance to feel comfortable and find their footing.
The lesson includes a stand-up paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, bottled water, and professional instruction, so you do not need to bring any paddling equipment. Everything required to get on the water safely is covered in what Hilo Ocean Adventures provides. You should bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water shoes or sandals, a towel, and dry clothes to change into afterward. If you want to capture the experience, a camera or waterproof phone case is also recommended, since you will be passing scenic views along Banyan Drive and may spot honu, reef fish, or seabirds along the route.
Participants must be at least 8 years old to take part in this SUP lesson, making it an accessible option for families with older children. Any minor under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult throughout the lesson. The slow-paced, supportive environment is well suited to younger paddlers who are learning for the first time. Because the lesson takes place in the calm, protected waters of Reeds Bay rather than open ocean, the conditions are forgiving and appropriate for children who meet the minimum age requirement.
You can receive a full refund or a one-year transferable gift card if you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled lesson. Cancellations made within that 48-hour window, as well as no-shows, are non-refundable, so it is important to plan ahead. All cancellations must be made by phone or email - voicemail cancellations are not accepted. If Hilo Ocean Adventures cancels your lesson for any reason on their end, you will receive a full refund or gift card. Refunds may take longer than 24 hours to process and are handled in the order they are received. You can reach the operator at 808-934-8344 with any questions.
The lesson meets at 1717 Kamehameha Ave in Hilo, which sits along the oceanfront at Reeds Bay. From there, your instructor guides you into smooth water along the edge of Banyan Drive, keeping the route close to the shoreline throughout the session. The one-hour lesson is relaxed in pace and stays within the calm, protected waters of Reeds Bay rather than venturing into open ocean. The shoreline route offers scenic views of Hilo's oceanfront and Banyan Drive, and paddlers may encounter honu, reef fish, and seabirds along the way, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
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