Kayak to Mokoliʻi (Chinaman’s Hat): Self-Guided Oahu Island Paddle and Hike
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to paddle 1–2 miles roundtrip and handle short steep scrambles with packed gear.
Overview
A short, sea-swept paddle delivers you to Mokoliʻi (Chinaman’s Hat)—a volcanic islet with a compact rim hike and a steep summit scramble. This self-guided tour outfits you and briefs you, leaving the crossing, the shoreline loop, and the views up to you.
Kayak to Mokoliʻi (Chinaman’s Hat): Self-Guided Oahu Island Paddle and Hike
Select participants and date
The ocean opens like a cool invitation as you push your kayak off the sandy shelf of Kualoa’s beach. A fan of pale surf unspools between the mainland and Mokoliʻi—Chinaman’s Hat—a squat, verdant cone rising from the blue. The paddle is short but honest: roughly half a mile across chop-prone water, with tradewinds often tugging at your bow and currents that will test even steady-handed paddlers. On good days the island sits calm and close; on others it dares you to keep moving.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Watch the wind and swell
Windward Oahu can change fast—check local surf and wind forecasts and avoid crossings above 15–20 knots or with significant swell.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water
Exposure is constant on the crossing and island; one to two liters per person and reef-safe SPF are minimums.
Wear sturdy water shoes
Landings are cobble and sharp lava; closed-toe water shoes protect feet for beaching and the perimeter hike.
Don’t attempt the summit when wet
The scramble to the top is steep and slippery—only attempt in dry conditions and with confident footing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles (honu)
- Occasional Hawaiian monk seals and seabirds
History
Mokoliʻi sits in the Kaʻōhao ahupuaʻa; the island is a remnant tuff cone and appears in Hawaiian moʻolelo as the tail of a moʻo (dragon).
Conservation
The surrounding reef is ecologically sensitive—avoid touching coral, take all trash, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Kailua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet on cobble landings and provides grip on lava rock and wet trails.
Dry bag (10–20L)
Keep phones, snacks, and a light layer dry while you paddle and explore.
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Long exposure to sun on the water makes protection essential; use reef-safe products to protect marine life.
summer specific
Light wind shell
Trades wind chill for a little warmth if tradewinds pick up or in early-morning cool.
winter specific