kayaking to Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat)
Self-guided kayak rentals to Mokoliʻi from Kualoa Regional Park. Paddle approximately ½ mile across Kāneʻohe Bay to one of Oʻahu's most iconic offshore islands.
Looking for a kayak rental to Chinaman's Hat? Kailua Beach Adventures makes it easy to explore Mokoliʻi on your own. Pick up your kayak at our Kailua shop, transport it to Kualoa Regional Park, and launch for the approximately ½-mile paddle across Kāneʻohe Bay.
The paddle to Mokoliʻi takes approximately 25–30 minutes each way, depending on conditions. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the Koʻolau Mountains, Kāneʻohe Bay and the iconic Mokoliʻi island.
SELF GUIDED KAYAK RENTAL to Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat)
Kualoa | Kaneohe | Oahu | Hawaii
Itinerary
Book online - Check for live availability on our calendar.
Check in at Kailua Beach Adventures- We are located at 130 Kailua Road. If booking to Chinamans hat make sure to arrive before 12pm
Sign a waiver and watch safety video- Quick liability waiver and watching of safety video required for all participants
Get your Equipment- We'll provide all core equipment: Car straps and pads, paddles, life jackets and kayaks. Accessories can be added on ala carte as well ex. Snorkeling gear, dry bags and more!
Drive to Kualoa - ~30 minutes through Kaneohe (we'll provide parking instructions)
Launch and explore - Paddle ¼ mile to Mokoliʻi, hike the island, and enjoy the views. Paddle typically takes 25 minutes
Return the gear - Bring the kayak back to our shop by closing time, overnight rentals are available as well just let shop staff know you have a safe place to store.
Where to begin
To visit Chinaman’s Hat, Kayakers must check in before 12PM
Chinamans Hat important to Know!
Age recommendation: All ages welcome
Kayak experience: Novice. Kualoa Bay is very protected from high surf and waves; ask our staff for daily conditions.
Best time to go: Morning, if returning the same day, you MUST check in before 12 pm (calmest water and more parking)
Hike to the top: This is a very short but steep rough hike, numerous climbing/ scrambling sections although a beautiful view, we recommend it only with strong hiking experience.
Things to do: Explore island perimeter, birdwatching and snorkeling alongside the beach. If you chose not to hike up and around Chinaman’s Hat then this small stretch around the island is all you would need to hike to reach the beach from the main landing. Overall, exploring Mokoliʻi may seem like a quick trip, but on my last trip out, I easily spent 5 hours on Mokoliʻi due to all the exploring we did!
Make sure you pack plenty of food, water, and sunscreen for the long day all amenities are located at Kualoa Beach Park, but none on Mokoliʻi, so come prepared!
Vehicle requirement: 4-door car ideal. Instructions on how to load kayaks on top of car, you must be able to show you can (we provide foam pads and straps)
Cancellation: 48hr cancellation policy or can book trip protection (cancel up to 1hr before reservation) full refund if we cancel due to weather
FAQ for Mokoli’i
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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)
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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!
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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 20-30 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.
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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.
Tips for a Memorable Mokoli’i Kayaking Experience
Plan Ahead: Check conditions and tides before embarking, and dress comfortably for a day on the water. Winds under 15 mph is ideal, and under 20 is a must. Tides are less important, but if it's over 2.5’, there may not be much space to land.
Respect Nature: As you explore Mokoli’i, remember to treat the island and its nesting seabirds with the utmost respect. Seabirds should be given at least 35ft. Please note that many of the birds live burrow in holes in the island so watch where you put your feet! Follow the Leave No Trace principles to protect the ecosystem.
Capture the Moment: Don't forget your camera! The views from your kayak and the unique vantage point of Mokoli’i are perfect for creating lasting memories, but just make sure to place the camera in a dry bag or other waterproof case before embarking. While drones aren't prohibited, be aware not to disturb nesting seabirds.
Hydration and Snacks: Always bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and pack some snacks to keep your energy up throughout the adventure.
Are there sharks around Chinamans hat?
While there are a lot of sightings of hammerhead sharks in Kaneohe bay, the part of the bay that is directly to Mokoli’i is often too shallow for most sharks (At low tides, you can almost walk all the way to Chinaman’s hat).
Who owns chinaman’s hat (Mokoli’i)?
Chinaman’s Hat, or Mokoli’i as it is officially known is owned by the City and County of Honolulu.
Where is the best place to see Chinaman's hat?
While we would definitely argue that the best view of Mokoli’i is from a kayak or paddlebaord, a great view of Chinaman’s Hat without getting wet can be seen from Kualoa Regional Park just across the street from Kualoa Ranch.
Check out our other guides on Kayaking:
must-see Kayaking destinations on oahu in Hawaii
Kayaking Kaneohe Bay
Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands
How to transport a kayak on your car
What is Mokoli'i?
Mokoli'i, which roughly translates as "little lizard" in Hawaiian, is more than just a picturesque islet located about ½ mile from shore. It holds significant cultural, historical, and environmental importance that should be honored by using its historic and culturally sensitive name. The name "Mokoli'i" is derived from a Hawaiian legend and reflects the island's connection to the native culture of Hawaii.
The Legend of Mokoli'i
According to Hawaiian mythology, Mokoli'i is part of the tail of a giant lizard or mo'o. The story goes that the demigod, Hi'iaka, the sister of Pele, the volcano goddess, fought and defeated this giant lizard. The lizard's tail was chopped off and thrown into the sea, forming the island we now see today. It would be sad to not honor the original legend of Mokoli’i by calling the island Chinaman’s hat instead.
The Misnomer: "Chinaman’s Hat"
The name "Chinaman's Hat" arose due to the island's shape, which some thought resembled the conical hats used across parts of east asia. While this name may seem harmless, it is a term with racist history. The term “Chinaman” was used during the California gold rush and railway-construction eras in the western United States when discrimination against the Chinese was common. Not to mention it overlooks the rich cultural significance of Mokoli'i and simplifies its identity to a mere physical resemblance. Using "Chinaman's Hat" also perpetuates outdated and potentially insensitive terms.
Why We Should Use "Mokoli'i"
Cultural Respect and Awareness: Referring to the island as Mokoli'i honors the Hawaiian culture and acknowledges the island's significance in local mythology. It promotes respect for the indigenous history and traditions of Hawaii.
Offensive: Calling the island Chinaman’s Hat can be seen as insensitive or racist to those from east asia.
Educational Value: Using the correct name can be an educational opportunity for visitors to learn more about Hawaiian mythology and the natural history of the islands. It's a chance to engage people with the rich stories and legends that are part of Hawaii's heritage.
Promoting Inclusivity: Moving away from colonial or racially insensitive names helps create a more inclusive environment. It shows a commitment to understanding and valuing all cultures and histories.
How to Visit Mokoli'i Responsibly
Mokoli'iis best experienced by kayak or paddleboard.Not sure how to do that? Check out our guide on Kayaking to Mokoli’i or enjoy our self-guided kayak tour of Mokoli’i (Chinaman’s Hat). We also recommend that you check out the other kayaking destinations in Kaneohe Bay like the sandbar on the east side of Oahu. If you plan to visit Mokoli'i, it's essential to do so responsibly. Here are some tips to ensure your visit is respectful and environmentally friendly:
Respect Wildlife: The island is home to various seabirds and marine life. Observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Maintain at least 10ft from sea turtles, 35ft from all seabirds, and 50ft from any monk seals (150ft if there is a pup).
Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and belongings. Avoid leaving any waste behind.
Stay on Designated Paths: If hiking, stick to designated trails to prevent erosion and protect plant life.
Conclusion
While "Chinaman's Hat" might be a familiar term to many, it's important to be a respective visitor to Mokoli'i and honor its heritage and. Doing so respects the island's cultural heritage, enhances our understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian traditions, and promotes a more inclusive and educated community of visitors and locals alike. By adopting the name Mokoli'i, we honor the legacy of Hawaii's native people and contribute to preserving its rich cultural landscape.