kayaking to Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat)

• Plenty of water 💦 – stay hydrated and keep it in resealable bottles.

• Reef-safe sunscreen ☀️ – protect your skin and the reef.

• Phone 📸 – for emergency calls and capturing those epic memories.

• Lifejacket (PFD) 🦺 – safety first while out on the water. (included in our Self Guided package)

• Sunglasses + retainers 🕶️ – no one likes feeding their shades to the ocean.

• Water shoes with good grip 🩴 – perfect for rocky shores and tidepool exploring.

• Tasty snacks 🍍 – keep your energy up between paddles. Please pack out any trash!

• Binoculars 🔭 – spot seabirds, turtles, or maybe even a passing monk seal.

• Rash guard with UPF 🌊 – lightweight sun protection, island-style.

• Mask & snorkel 🐟 – peek under the surface and meet the locals. (included in our Self Guided package)

• Drybag 🏝️ – keep your valuables safe and dry (included in our Self Guided package)

One aspect of paddling to Chinaman’s Hat that many people struggle with is launching and landing the kayaks. Picking the launch spot can be tricky. Generally, we recommend launching near the lifeguard tower, but far enough away from the tower that you won’t have to maneuver the kayak to avoid the sea wall about 20 ft from the beach. To launch a kayak from the beach, first position the kayak straight into the ocean and waves. Next, pull the kayak into about knee-to-waist deep water. Then, if paddling in a double kayak, have the person in the front of the kayak hop in first! After that, the person in the back can hand the person in the front the kayak paddles and then hop in themselves. Remember that you’re feet should be the last thing that enters the kayak. Then, paddle, paddle, paddle, and try to keep the kayak pointed straight into the waves. Although, the landing point on Mokoli’i is small and without a sandy beach, it is the point closest from launching from almost any point in Kualoa park. Oftentimes, you can even look for other kayakers or paddleboarders that have already landed there. Continue kayaking until you think that you are in about knee deep water by the island and then you can hop out and walk the kayak the rest of the way. PRO TIP: Make sure that you pull up your kayak high enough so that when the tides change that your boat won’t float away!

The kayak trip out to Chinaman’s Hat, also known as Mokoli’i, is a simple and beginner-friendly paddle, as there are generally no hidden or dangerous areas or obstacles along the way. Essentially, what you see is what you get, which entails an approximately 1/2 mile paddle directly off to the charming little beach located at the front of Chinaman’s Hat. This adventure can take about 25-30 minutes to paddle out. The nice aspect of this adventure is that the depth of the water you will be paddling over is almost always less than 8 feet deep, making it a comfortable experience for most. We always recommend taking the time before heading out to inquire with the lifeguards on duty about the specific conditions for that particular day. Occasionally, there could be rip currents or unusual tidal changes that might make this short trip slightly more difficult than it typically is. Often, the most challenging aspect of going out to Mokoli’i is navigating the onshore facing tradewinds that usually blow at the beach at speeds ranging between 10 to 20 mph. Feel free to call our shop if you’re curious about what the conditions might look like in the coming week, and always remember to consult with the lifeguards on the beach before embarking on your kayaking journey.

The paddle out to Chinaman’s Hat is a fun and memorable adventure, offering beautiful views and a unique perspective of the coastline. While the island itself is wonderful to explore, the trail to the summit is steep, rugged, and unmarked, with areas of erosion that make footing tricky. We recommend enjoying the island from its shoreline or base trails, which still offer amazing scenery, tidepools, and photo opportunities—without the risks of climbing to the summit.

BE AWARE: Do not use the ropes that have been left on the trail to assist you in scaling the mountain. These ropes could have been there for varying lengths of time and may have been tied by anyone, posing an additional risk. If you decide to attempt the climb to the top of the island, ensure that you avoid using these ropes. Ascending to the peak carries inherent hazards and is dangerous. Proceed to the top at your own risk, as people have fallen during this hike in the past, putting both themselves and our first responders at unnecessary risk.