Island Paddler

I was looking for a paddle for my recreational canoe club and my family recommended Island Paddler. I was able to get a wood paddle that was appropriate for my height and comfortable on my hands. I also snagged a paddle cover (for the blade portion) at a great bundle price. At the time Island Paddler only had one size blade covers so I bought one that was about 1.5" too big, but it does the job so I cant complain. Staff here are very knowledgable and friendly. Helped to make the shopping experience easy for a beginner like me.The varnish on the paddle lasted me about 6.5 months of nearly everyday usage but I was able to revarnish and the paddle is good-as-new! Still holding up many years later.This location is located on Kapahulu avenue, in the middle roughly. On the opposite side of the street of Rainbow's and Zippy's. Metered street parking or a small 3-stall lot (which is difficult to reverse out of may I add). Tons of foot traffic and cars on Kapahulu ave. so be careful.Stop by today if you're looking for ocean gear, paddles, or local knowlege on what to buy!

Not a huge selection but very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Was able to find a paddle for my novice paddler with no knowledge of paddles. The girl who helped us was so patient as she showed us the different paddles and prices points. She helped us to choose one that felt perfect and we left happy.

Super helpful and was able to find a great paddle for an OC-1. Large selection of paddles and other ocean gear.

Great local business I've been supporting for years! Awesome customer service Mahalos Haru! #supportlocal

We found a paddle for my younger cousin quickly. The man explained to us what were some ideal paddles for her, and took the time to explain how she will keep growing so this paddle won't last her forever. We decided to purchase a more basic paddle so when she grows to her full height we can get the ideal paddle she can keep as long as she wants. kamaaina rates are 10% off. Very friendly and efficient service.

I paddled dragon boat for a number of years (2000-2007), but would occasionally go out with friends in an outrigger since then. Outrigger versus Dragon Boat - same genus different species - are both water-borne sports. Island Paddler is a store for the serious and devoted outrigger paddler/afficionado replete with all the wet gear, accessories, clothing, and blades/paddles of all shapes, sizes, and needs. I first visited Island Paddler at the height of my paddling career back in 2001/2002 and fell in love with the store. I have since returned for a visit and Island Paddler is just as awesome as it was years ago with the friendly staff and eye opening inventory - there's just nothing like it stateside at all. I haven't paddled regularly since retiring in 2007, but walking into Island Paddler certainly cured any homesickness I may have had about paddling out towards the horizon in the big blue. I promise to make Island Paddler a regular visit every time I'm in Oahu.

Ron was an amazing help. Brand new to the sport he guided me through paddle selection and gave me in store lessons and pointers. You can tell Ron loves what he does. That is so refreshing and welcoming. My father always says you buy from people. It is true. I walked out of another shop nearby because the clerk knew NOTHING about canoe paddling or how to size me. I had to show the clerk the size chart on the wall. Why even carry an item your clerks cannot sell?Thanks Ron! You rock.

Last year, my daughter was a first year paddler for her high school paddling team. Since my daughter was new to the sport, we were advised by her coaches to go to Island Paddler to be sized and so we did. On December 9, 2023, Shay, the owner of Island Paddler, sized my daughter for a paddle. Based on her experience we purchased the 46" paddle she recommended. After a few practices, the coaches pulled my daughter aside and said her paddle was too short. The coaches agreed that a 48" or 49" was the appropriate size for my daughter. I relayed the information to Shay and she told us that she sold us the appropriate size paddle. She also shared that she has been a paddler for 25 years and there is no way that she made a 3-inch mistake, adding that a paddle that is too long will cause shoulder problems over time. Since the paddle was used a few times, she said it could not be returned which I can understand, but she did not take any responsibility for selling us a paddle that was 2-3 inches too short. For the remainder of last year's season, my daughter used a team paddle and after several months, I was able to sell the 46" inch paddle on Facebook Marketplace at a discount. I was hoping my daughter would find a different winter sport, but she loves ocean paddling, and made the cut for her high school team again. So we returned to Island Paddler today (December 14, 2024) and I noticed a size chart based on height posted on one of the paddle racks, which was nowhere to be found last year. My daughter is 5'3" and has been that height for several years. The appropriate paddle for her height is listed as 47"-49". It would have been helpful to say the least if this had been posted last year. Shay assisted us again and was artificially pleasant. When purchasing the 48" paddle, I mentioned that she sold us a paddle that was too short last year and that I ended up selling it online. I asked if she had any discounts for high school students, to which she replied, the sale ended last week. When asked if we would like to purchase a $35 paddle cover, I replied that the paddle cover was free last year. The price remained $35. What leaves me with a bad taste about this whole experience is that there was no apology or acknowledgement of an error on the part of the owner. As the owner, she could have extended the discount for high school students that ended last week, or she could have offered a free paddle cover, or at the very least, offered an apology for the added cost and inconvenience incurred. I wanted to give a one star review, but as far as I know there is only one store on the island that sells outrigger paddles, so this accounts for something. They do have a decent, but limited selection of paddles. While I am appreciative that a brick and mortar store exists, and I feel it is important to support local businesses, I hope I never have a need to make a purchase here again.

Mahalo to Island Paddler! The newer owner ( also previous co-owner) & local Hawaiian woman owner, now runs this business.She truly knows paddling & has the knowledge and experience to help you!!The hours are now Monday thru Saturday 10am-5:30pm:) NO restricted hours. Come take a look at new merchandise and wide range of paddles.She spent extensive time with us & my husband needed extra help obtaining the right paddle for him, after his last one broke ( from a different provider in the mainland). The prices are on point with the market. So happy this business is back!! Make sure to head over and check everything out, we need to support good local businesses!!!!

Such a great and friendly place. We needed to get a paddle for our daughter for high school paddling. Right through the door, Eric greeted us and gave us recommendations. We ended up with a great paddle for her. Quick and great checkout. Haru behind the counter was friendly and pleasant. Support this awesome owner-operated local business. Will definitely return and recommend highly. Mahalo nui.