Just purchased paddle $400 never even use, did not even remove from bag. No returns, no exceptions. Not worth it.

Nothing but friendly, helpful and honest people. Plenty good stuff. Know what you're looking for, or your willpower and wallet might take a beating! read more

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. read more

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! read more

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!!!! read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

Island Paddler - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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. read more

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. read more

Island Paddler - Thanks Ron. I will try to put this to good use! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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

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. read more

Not just for paddling. The great Tahitian shirts, boardshorts, unusual caps etc separate this from all other stores. This small business deserves our support!! read more

I love this shop! Shea and Ron are the nicest most helpful people regardless if your there for a sticker or for a new paddle. I definitely recommend this shop for anyone looking for gear, clothes, original jewelry, or a paddle! read more

Eric and Ron are amazing guys. They love to talk story in the shop and are super knowledgeable with many years of experience in the paddling world. Island Paddler has a very wide range of outrigger canoe paddles, paddling clothing, hydration equipment and supplements, and sunglasses. This is a great store for beginners to get set up with everything they will need. Also, don't be fooled by the other low star reviews of this place. Paddles are pretty hard to break; and in the case that they do, usually the manufacturers will help replace the paddle. All Island Paddler can do is contact the manufacturer for you (which you could have done yourself, with better and faster results) read more

Excellent customer service.. New to paddling and the team there really takes their time to explain the sport to you. Super amped on the sport now and will go back for all my water sport needs. read more

Auwe to the two female employees @ Island Paddler. On June 18, 2018 @ 10am, You ignored my husband and I as we were looking at Paddles. Why? Because you were so engrossed in your personal conversation. From the moment we walked in til the time we left, all you did was talk and talk and talk. Had no time for the customer. You lost our business and we will definitely not recommend anyone here. Bad customer service! read more

I'm writing this review just so I can add it to my "lists" ... (but you still won't see me posting a yelp review on the local Walmart or post office ... ) Island Paddler is pretty much the only option for serious outrigger canoe (OC) paddlers on Oahu (as distinguished from stores like Go Bananas, which caters to kayakers etc.). They have a good stock of blades (paddles), apparel (board shorts, shirts), accessories (leashes, waterproof cases/bags, books/videos etc.). The store on Kapahulu is the main store and larger than the one in Kailua. The staff is generally very knowledgeable not just about paddling, but also gave me good side advice such as -- "don't be in a rush to move up in the race divisions - Novice B is your best chance to win any medals - the competition just gets stiffer as you move up." read more

I'm from CA and have been paddling for 10 years. it used to be impossible to buy any paddling gear in person. so i've been going to island paddler for 8 or 9 of the past years to get the best paddling toys. they have a great stock of anything you need, and the service there is really friendly. i've sent all my team mates to this store and i think everybody has bought some shwag from them cuz you cant help it. now there are a few vendors that pop up at races in norcal to get stuff but nothing beats walking into IP and seeing a big store full of toyz. read more

I LOVE this place! and Ron could not have been more thoughtful and considerate. I'm new to ocean paddling at 76 and found the right paddle, tights, gloves and visor [the latter will double for tennis]...AND some excellent tips on paddle positions and drawing through the water and exiting near the hip, etc. I will send everyone I know here for fabulous shirts and other equipment...a wonderful experience. read more

Great place to check out cool paddling t-shirts. Owner is really nice and loves to just talk story with customers. Being a paddler with a few years under my belt, I can see the appeal of this store for people just starting out with paddling. They have pretty much everything you would need to get underway if you are at level zero. I picked up a few shirts and a couple pieces of art while I was here. I personally wouldn't get any paddling gear here, only because I'm from California and they get quite a bit of their merchandise from Paddle Me over here anyway... but they do have a pretty solid selection of paddles and accessories in stock if you're in the market for those things. If you're in town, check it out! read more

I LOVE sales people who talk pidgin! Called in to check that they had paddling shorts in my size and ended up talking story for nearly 10 minutes! They ended up having the shorts in stock, and I'm going to pick them up later today. Great customer service: incredibly friendly and knowledgeable; one of those stores you can just walk around aimlessly and talk story with the staff. AWESOME! read more

Okay I was on my lunch break this past Thursday and I really needed needed to go in get what I need and out. As soon as I came in I was greeted by a nice gentleman to help me. I brought in my old paddle that wasn't working well for me bec it was too heavy, long and I would tire out. He took one look and said that was an old style paddle (i bought that paddle a little over a year ago elsewhere). I told him what I needed and about my my paddling experience (I'm new about 3yrs) and what I needed to work on my catch. He first asked me what size feels most comfortable to me versus what he recommends and I told him I felt comfortable with size 48 and then he proceeded to show me various paddles based on what I told him. I was in and out within 15 minutes now that's what I call service this guy knew his stuff and I'm a satisfied customer. I love this store I will always come back for any of my paddle needs, much Mahalos you da bestest!! read more

Island Paddler - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My SUP paddle that I loved which I bought from Eric about 10 years ago was stolen and I was really bummed out. He helped me select another one, recommend that I try out the size he cut it down to with the handle taped up before permanently sealing it. My wife bought a bathing suit and some other items and inquired about some suit sizes and he said he'd check into it and call back. He called later that day and gave her the info she wanted and asked if everything was satisfactory with everything else? Who does that anymore? THATS CUSTOMER SERVICE! I returned the next day after trying the paddle so he could seal the handle. He was happy to see us and asked if we wanted to leave to get a bite to eat and return because it would take 10-15 minutes or so. We went to get lunch and when returned it was all ready. My 10 year old son wanted to buy a couple of decal/stickers, one for his teacher and one for himself and he said he could have them for fee because we were good customers. Excellent customer service. We'll be back. read more

Owner was super helpful. I needed to run back to our hotel, then back to his store before he closed within the hour. Not only did he wait for me, he made me a deal on my purchase. That's customer service. read more

An awesome place to start if you are just getting into the sport of Outrigger Canoe paddling. Friendly and knowledgeable owner. And you get a little discount for being a kama'aina paddler for a canoe club. read more

We absolutely love shopping here! Our family has bought 3 paddles here so far. They have everything you need for paddling, paddle boarding, swim/paddling clothing, etc. We were greeted by the shop owners and were helped right away. We weren't pressured to buy anything but they were very knowledgable about the paddles we were inquiring about. I bought a paddle the last time I went out, but it was a little long(I was being optimistic lol) so I went back in and the owner was able to cut down my paddle. It took all of 15 minutes and $10! Totally awesome! Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!!! read more

Bought my Kialoa paddle for regatta season, and seat cushion for long distance training here. Happy with both purchases! Super friendly and knowledgable, owner Eric is happy to answer any questions and provide suggestions on sizing and gear. Plus, discount for being member of a paddling club :) Parking always available in little lot on Date & Kapahulu. read more

I wanted to LOVE this place. I really did... They're not bad but the prices are up there...then again (to be fair), most paddling stores prices are high because of the popularity of SUP and paddling as sports in Hawai'i. The parking sucks and I feel bad for the owner because he has to kind of be a parking nazi when people pull into the stall adjacent to his stall. When you're shopping though, he's super helpful and knows his stuff. read more

Love, love love this store....they are so helpful to us mainlanders. They have EVERYTHING from apparel, to toys (GPS and such) to new paddles (I think one of our crew picks up a new paddle every year we're over in HI - and they advise us on what would work best for us, cut it to size, and pack it for travel.) read more

Great store and friendly service. We loved the selection of paddles (we left with two beautiful pieces to use at home). The prices for the paddles were very reasonable compared to what we saw at other Waikiki locations. We also enjoyed the clothing/retail selection and found the store owner and staff to be very warm & friendly. Will recommend this store to family & friends. read more

Dont buy from this dumb and disrespectful haole. There was no aloha from this guy. I got questioned about my ability to buy an OC1. He would only talk to me if I was ready to put my CC down otherwise he wasn't going to bother. I was bombarded about my desire to buy an OC1. WTF! I am DEFINITELY going take my business elsewhere! read more

Outstanding customer service!! Super helpful and very friendly - service with Aloha is always the best! I will definitely be a repeat customer read more

Extremely helpful, friendly, and professional staff knowledgeable on all things paddling related. When customers need in depth information or SUP gear we send them to our friends down the street where we know they will be taken care of! read more

Expert customer service for Outrigger Paddlers, from experienced Paddlers. They are 'Ohana, dedicated to expressing their Aloha. Mahalo Island Paddler! read more

When I initially went in to buy a paddle for my boyfriend the staff was great and friendly, I had to go from the Kailua shop to the Honolulu shop to get the right paddle, but regardless they were very friendly. Then my boyfriends paddle broke while he was at paddle practice paddling. He was told to bring it back to the Island Paddler and they could possibly fix it or send it back to the original company, well the person working (we were told was the owners wife) was rude and had no care to help. She compared my boyfriend who is 25 to a 12 year saying that "well I have many parents come in here trying to claim their kid's paddle broke while paddling, but their friend really stepped on it." Then she proceeded to talk down to him because he was a Novice B paddler, saying "Oh must be because you don't know how to paddle correctly." We decided to go with the company who makes the paddles and I will be sure to never buy from them again. She acted like she knew what the company would say, but in reality they were extremely nice and understanding and helped us out. The only reason for 2 starts is because they have some really friendly staff other than this lady. I was so disgusted I had to walk out, all I know is apparently she does not care about her customers enough to listen to them. No aloha spirit at all. read more

These owners do not stand behind their paddles. My son bought a paddle that snapped on the first day he used it at a race. Island Paddler offered a 20% discount on a new paddle. He is an experience paddler, whose team went on to win States. Island Paddler blamed him by saying "He was trying move too much water at the start of the race!" What???? Isn't that the point???? read more

Great selection of swim suits. The swimsuit I bought is a great suit to wear for bodyboarding. It doesn't slip off nor has it faded. The prices are a little high however, it's worth it. I will recommend this store to all my town friends. read more