Paddleboarding in Haleʻiwa: An Alluring 10am Moment
Paddleboarding is a great way to see this area and the turtles that call ʻAnahulu home!
I felt in the mood to do a stand up paddle, and this calm river was the perfect trip! Located on the main road in Haleʻiwa, Blue Planet features a private launch into the Historic ʻAnahulu River. They are located at the end of the Rainbow Bridge. Looking for breakfast in Haleʻiwa?
I pulled over on a whim after seeing the sign and parked across the street. I was one of the first to get there mid-morning. On my journey up the river, I saw some locals to the area getting their morning exercise. I also passed a few tourist groups on my way back. There are multiple bridges to paddle under, as well as a streambed. The entire trip took under two hours, and I was able to walk around once it got too shallow to paddle.
The views here are phenomenal, and there are resident turtles that make appearances throughout the day! I am so glad I decided to pull over for this little excursion. I took these photos on an outdoor film disposable camera 🙂
Paddleboarding
Benefits of Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is a low-impact activity that provides a full-body workout! Stand-up paddleboarding targets your upper body with the paddling itself. You will feel it in your arms, shoulders, and chest. It also targets your leg muscles and core stabilizers, because you need to absorb the water conditions as they come. This constant balancing is great for building strength and endurance. Standup paddleboarding is also a great way to get cardio as it helps you to elevate your heart rate and keep it there.
Stand-up paddleboarding, like other forms of exercise, can help relieve stress as its a great way to unplug, unwind, and naturally manage the pressures of daily life. Take in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature in a way that few are able to experience. Moderate sun exposure also has many positive health benefits, such as: boosting the body’s production of Vitamin D, helping to reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and improving mood. Paddleboarding is a great way to get out of the house and get some sunshine.
Source: Thurso Surf
Of course, be sure not to overdo it with the sun. You are very much exposed on your paddle board so be sure to wear proper sunscreen and cover up vulnerable areas.
I really appreciated the access that Blue Planet has to the river and the ease and convenience this provided with getting me set and onto the water! The paddleboard was great and the water was very calm in this area. They also have storage and a shower.
ʻAnahulu River
ʻAnahulu means 10 days. ʻAnahulu River is on the western side of the northern Koʻolau Mountain Range, northeast of Wahiawā. It is formed by the confluence of Kawainui and Kawaiiki streams, both perennial. It flows west-northwest descending through Kawailoa Gulch, then empties into the eastern end of Waialua Bay at Haleiwa. It has a watershed of approximately 16 square miles (41 km2) and a 100-year peak discharge of 16,200 ft3/s (459 m³/s).
Archaeological evidence indicates that the valley of the river near its mouth was the site of ancient Hawaiian villages. The river valley was abandoned but was later repopulated in the early 19th century, partly as the result of a policy by King Kamehameha I to grow food to support his military expeditions. The policy included the development of irrigated terraces. In 1832 U.S. Protestant missionaries John Emerson and his wife Ursula Sophia circumnavigated Oahu and put in at the mouth of the river. At the village of Haleiwa (from hale (home) of the iwa (frigate bird)), they were welcomed by Chief Laʻanui and established the Liliuokalani Church in the village.
In the later 19th century, the village of Haleʻiwa and the surrounding river valley became a popular summer vacation destination for the Hawaiian monarchs. The first hotel was built along the river by businessman Benjamin Dillingham, who also built the railroad from Honolulu to the north shore in 1898. The railroad and hotel made the river valley a popular vacation spot.
Today, this area remains a popular location for water sports, including: paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing.
Source: Wikipedia