mokulua islands kayak tour

Kayaking to Mokulua Islands on Oahu // An In-Depth Guide

If you look past the white sand and crystal blue water of Lanikai beach, two twin islands lie in the distance. Mokulua Islands are an iconic part of Kailua’s epic views, but did you know that you can actually visit them? Keep reading for everything you need to know about kayaking to Mokulua Islands including tips for visiting, things to do, where to rent a kayak and more.

KAYAKING TO MOKULUA ISLANDS // EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What are the mokulua islands.

The Mokulua Islands (also known as Na Mokulua or the Mokes) are twin islets that lie off the coast of Wailea Point on the windward side of Oahu.

Moku Nui is the name of the larger island on the left; the smaller island is Moku Iki. They are primarily seabird sanctuaries which are monitored by the state and most of the islands are off limits.

If you’ll be kayaking to Mokulua Islands, you will be visiting Moku Nui, as people are not allowed on Moko Iki. 

HOW TO KAYAK TO MOKULUA ISLANDS WITHOUT A TOUR

Most tourists who decide to kayak to the Mokes do so via guided tour. My sister works on Oahu as a plant and wildlife scientist and has a lot of experience kayaking to Moko Nui so we decided to take the journey on our own. 

If you are a good swimmer and in moderate shape, visiting the islands on your own is great option, especially for those wanting to take their time and not be bound to a strict timeline.

WHERE TO LAUNCH: KAILUA BEACH PARK VS LANIKAI BEACH

Most people start kayaking from either Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach Park. 

Lanikai Beach is directly parallel to Mokulua Islands and is more of a straight shot, while Kailua Beach Park is the better launching point if you have plans to also visit Flat Island (Popoia Island). Flat Island is located about 1/4 mile (.2km) off the shore from Kailua Beach Park and it’s a good stopping point if you anticipate that you might need a break during the journey. For more information about Poipoa, check out this post by Borders and Bucket Lists.

If you don’t have a rental car, Kailua Beach Park may be a better launch zone as you can rent a kayak and walk it to the beach. However keep in mind that this beach also makes for a bit of a longer kayak ride. 

THE KAYAK RIDE 

The Mokulua Islands are roughly 3/4 mile (1.2 km) from Oahu’s shore but depending on the wind and the current, it can feel much longer.

The ride to the island was more difficult than I was anticipating (I am not an avid kayaker, so take from this what you will..). While the waves were not huge on this particular day, the current was strong, so it felt like I wasn’t even moving. 

We didn’t follow a particular route, we just stayed in line with the left side of Moko Nui, making sure to avoid shallow parts of the reef as well as larger swell.

On the way there I was in a single kayak and coming back, my sister and I shared a double kayak while my mom took the single. It was much easier paddling with two people.

LANDING ON THE MOKES

The most important thing to know when kayaking to the Mokes is how to land and launch from the island. 

The ocean’s waves wrap around Moko Nui from two different directions and crash together in the middle which can easily can cause you and your kayak to flip over. As you begin to approach the island, stay toward the left side. This way you’re basically riding the waves onto the shore as opposed to winding up in between them. 

On your way back, I also recommend taking off from the left side. If you launch from the middle of the beach, you will have to fight the waves and we saw a lot of people flipping over.

RELATED POST: THINGS TO DO IN OAHU THAT AREN’T WAIKIKI BEACH

RENTING A KAYAK IN KAILUA 

If you’ll be embarking on a self guided tour to Mokulua Islands, you’re gonna need a kayak. Overall the rental process is quick and easy, allowing you to be on your way in no time.

The rental companies provide soft racks and straps for your car so that you can transport the kayaks to the beach. Our rental company attached the kayaks for us and were super helpful in showing us how to do it ourselves so that we could bring them back. They also provided us with tips and instructions on a route recommendation. Once we signed the waivers and did a safety briefing, we were allowed to head out. 

FULL DAY KAYAK RENTAL TANDEM To rent a 2 person kayak for up to 8 hours, click here . FULL DAY KAYAK RENTAL SINGLE To rent a single person kayak for up to 8 hours, click here. HALF DAY KAYAK RENTAL TANDEM To rent a a 2 person kayak for up to 4 hours, click here. HALF DAY KAYAK RENTAL SINGLE To rent a single person kayak for up to 8 hours, click here .

KAYAK RENTAL PACKAGE  This company offers a kayak rental package for those who don’t want to do a tour, but do want the overall ease that tours can offer. The package includes hotel pick up and drop off from Waikiki, lunch, kayaking equipment and permits. Click here for more information. 

KAYAKING TO MOKULUA ISLANDS ON A GUIDED TOUR 

Some may prefer kayaking to Mokulua Islands via guided tour as they might feel more secure having someone nearby who knows exactly what they are doing. Most guides operating this type of tour are trained naturalists as well as lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified. 

GUIDED KAYAKING TOUR WITH LUNCH This tour includes round trip transportation from Waikiki, use of snorkels, dry bags, lockers and showers, lunch and a professional guide. The company has also been the recipient of the Eco-Tour Guide of the Year for two years. Click here to read more.

FULL DAY MOKULUA ISLAND KAYAKING TOUR This 5 hours tour includes hotel pickup and drop off, a trained naturalist guide, kayaking instructions and a picnic lunch. Snorkeling equipment, dry bags and lockers are also provided. Click here to read more .

THINGS TO DO ON MOKULUA ISLANDS

The Mokes have no facilities or man made structures of any kind, just wild nature and there is enough to do on the island to keep you busy for hours.  

GO SNORKELING The incredible reef and lava formations off the shore of Moko Nui make for perfect snorkeling conditions. We spotted a ton of colorful fish as well as a few sea turtles.  TAKE A DIP IN THE QUEEN’S BATH Queen’s Bath is a tide pool on Moko Nui that has been created out of the lava rock. It’s about 6-8ft deep but the diameter is on the smaller side, so it does get crowded quickly.

CLIFF JUMPING AT SHARK’S COVE At the back of the island you’ll find Shark’s Cove, a popular spot for cliff jumpers. WILDLIFE WATCHING There is a ton of wildlife to look out for during your day trip to the Mokes. Sea turtles and tropical fish are abundant, as well as the Wedge-tailed Shearwater birds which nest on the island. It is also one of the best places on Oahu to see the highly endangered monk seal. 

RELATED POST: 15 OFF THE BEATEN PATH PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU

12 TIPS FOR KAYAKING TO MOKULUA ISLANDS

YOU NEED A PERMIT In order to visit the Mokes or Popoia Island you must have a permit. The permit costs $3 per person and allows you to land your kayak on the island. The easiest place to acquire a permit is through your kayak rental company. Let them know you will be kayaking to Mokulua Islands and they can add it to your rental fee. 

YOU CANNOT VISIT THE SMALL ISLAND (MOKO IKI) Moko Iki (the smaller island to the right) is completely off limits to all visitors. You are allowed to visit Moko Nui but you have to stay along the perimeter of the island. Due to the presence of the protected bird sanctuary, venturing into the middle of the island is not allowed. 

YOU CANNOT VISIT THE ISLANDS ON SUNDAY Landing permits are not issued for the islands on Sundays, so visits are limited to Monday-Saturday.

CHECK THE WEATHER AND SURF CONDITIONS  Choppy seas, strong currents and heavy wind can make for a much more difficult kayaking experience than you’d probably like. It can also be extremely dangerous if conditions are extreme (wind gusts can reach 25MPH!). Make sure to check the weather and surf before you paddle out so that you can stay as safe as possible. This website has in-depth, up to date information for Kailua’s weather and water conditions.

THERE ARE NO FACILITIES  There are no restrooms or facilities on the islands so plan accordingly. If you’ll be kayaking from Lanikai Beach, they also have no public restrooms. Kailua Beach Park does have restrooms and an area to shower off. 

NO PETS ALLOWED  Because the Mokes are primarily a bird sanctuary, dogs and other pets are not allowed.

PACK A LUNCH You’re going to be expending a lot of energy getting to the island so packing a lunch or some snacks to have when you get there is a good idea. Just make sure that everything is sealed and tucked away so that it doesn’t get soggy when you’re kayaking out.  This stackable thermos is amazing for picnic lunches. 

VISIT ON A WEEKDAY Moko Nui is small and it gets crowded quickly. Saturdays are the busiest so I highly recommend visiting on a weekday for a calmer, quieter experience.

PICK UP YOUR TRASH  This should be a given, but unfortunately some people don’t know how to act. Make sure to pick up and bring all of your trash back with you.

GIVE YOURSELF 5+ HOURS  We got a bit of a late start and ended up having to cut our time on Moko Nui short because we needed to return our kayaks by a specific time. I recommend heading out early and opting for a full day kayak rental so that you don’t have to prematurely head home if you don’t want to. 

PREPARE TO GET WET  It is safe to assume that everything you bring with you is going to get wet (unless it is in a dry bag). Also secure any valuables you have because if your kayak flips, they will have a new home at the bottom of the ocean. 

SPEND THE DAY IN KAILUA  Kailua has some of the prettiest beaches on Oahu and one of my favorite hikes on the island is nearby. The Pillbox Hike offers incredible views and is said to have some of the best sunrises on the island. For more information about the hike, click my related post below. 

RELATED POST: LANIKAI PILLBOX HIKE // A SHORT HIKE WITH AN INCREDIBLE VIEW IN KAILUA  

WILDLIFE ON MOKULUA ISLANDS (AND TIPS FOR VIEWING IT)

The Mokulua Islands are primarily known as a bird sanctuary but there is a lot of other wildlife you might spot on your day trip.

MONK SEALS 

Hawaiian monk seals are one of the most endangered marine animals in the world. With only 1,100 left in the wild it is rare to spot one, but one of your best chances will be on Mokulua Islands

Because these islets are more remote and not as busy, it is relatively common for monk seals to use the shores as a place to rest and sleep.  If you are lucky to see a monk seal while in Oahu, please watch it from a distance (150ft /46 meters) and do not approach it. They often come to shore to sleep because they are tired so if they are forced back into the water when they are not ready, it could be dangerous for them. 

If you happen see a monk seal on Oahu, please report it to the Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) at  808-220-7802. They document sightings for research purposes and will often send someone to set up a roped off barrier which encourages people to keep their distance from the seal. 

A monk seal was sleeping on the beach during our day trip and it was really special.

WEDGE TAILED SHEARWATERS 

The Mokes are home to some of the largest colonies of indigenous Wedge-tailed Shearwater birds (‘u’au kani).  

You’ll probably notice that the interior of Moko Nui is completely off limits. This is because the Shearwaters lay their eggs in the sand and their small nests are so delicate that they can crumble and collapse with even the slightest bit of disturbance.

It’s extremely important to read all warning signs and not go off the trails. If you accidentally step on a nest, you will be killing baby birds. Think of it as a battlefield with tiny baby bird landmines and unless you are a psychopath, that should be reason enough to stay along the perimeter of the island.

If you like birds, be sure to check out Hamakua Marsh in Kailua to spot some rare and indigenous species.  Click the related post for more information.

RELATED POST: HAMAKUA MARSH // SEARCHING FOR NATIVE BIRDS IN OAHU  

SEA TURTLES 

Green sea turtle sightings are common in Hawaii. We saw several while snorkeling off shore of Moko Nui.

WHALES 

Occasionally humpback whales can be seen in the distance during the Winter months. You’ll have the best chances of seeing them from the back of the island. 

WHAT TO PACK 

DRY BAG Getting wet is inevitable so having a dry bag is necessary if you want to keep water off of your belongings. I usually travel with a dry bag to keep my camera, phone and keys dry when in tropical destinations. On this particular day trip it ended up being a life saver. They are also great for keeping things sand free.

Most kayak rental companies on Oahu have dry bags that you can rent for cheap.  If you want to purchase one before your trip, I have this one and like it a lot.  

REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN The sun’s rays feel even more intense while you’re out on the water, and there is limited shade on Moko Nui. Sunscreen is a must and make sure to pack a reef safe version ( like this one ) to protect the delicate coral. 

LUNCH There are no food option on the island so packing a lunch or some snacks is highly recommended. You’ll be glad you did after your long kayak ride.  

SNORKEL GEAR Unique lava formations and the shallow reef off the shore of Moko Nui make for excellent snorkeling conditions. If you’re not a strong swimmer, make sure to bring fins as the current can be a little strong. 

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE Cut down on single use plastic and keep your water cold by packing an insulated, reusable water bottle. I use this one when I travel .

WATER SHOES  The lava rock can be brutal on your feet so having water shoes or sturdy footwear is recommended if you’ll be exploring the island’s perimeter.

LOOKING FOR MORE OAHU INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS 

A VISITOR’S GUIDE TO KAKAAKO // HONOLULU’S COOLEST NEIGHBORHOOD 4 OAHU BREWERIES TO CHECK OUT // A SELF GUIDED TOUR IN HONOLULU LULUMAHU FALLS // A WATERFALL HIKE THROUGH OAHU’S JUNGLE  LANIKAI PILLBOX HIKE // A SHORT STEEP HIKE WITH AN INCREDIBLE VIEW  THINGS TO DO IN OAHU THAT AREN’T WAIKIKI BEACH 15 OFF THE BEATEN PATH PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU 20 PICTURES OF OAHU TO INSPIRE YOUR NEXT VISIT TO HAWAII 23 MUST VISIT VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN OAHU 

Have you kayaked to Mokulua Islands?  Leave a comment! 

PIN IT: KAYAKING TO OAHU’S MOKULUA ISLANDS 

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Kayaking To The Mokes From Kailua: Mokulua Islands

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

Categories HAWAII , AMERICA

Kayaking to the Mokes is one of the top activities on Oahu and is great for all ages. A casual cruise across crystal clear waters to Na Mokulua Islands on either an outrigger canoe or a kayak is simply an incredible day-trip and a great way to explore the ocean of Oahu, Hawaii.

Table of Contents

KAYAKING TO THE MOKES (MOKULUA ISLANDS)

In this blog post, I will share with you everything you need to know about Kayaking to the Mokes, also known as the Mokulua Islands. I’ll go through the best tour, kayak rental options, how long it takes, difficulty, the best time of year, and what to see when you arrive at the Mokes.

WHERE ARE THE MOKES (MOKULUA ISLANDS)

The Mokulua Islands are located on the east coast of Oahu. The closest beaches are Lanikai and Kailua. The best viewpoint of the Mokes is from the Lanikai Pillbox Hike . The drive to reach Lanikai takes about 35 minutes and then you will need to kayak out to the Mokes taking 45 minutes. I’ve pinned the Moko Nui Island on the map below so you can get an idea of where it is located on Oahu.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN HAWAII

When you book your Hawaii Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use  Discover Cars . They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

BEST KAYAKING TOUR TO THE MOKES (MOKULUA ISLANDS)

Tour:  Kailua Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour

This small-group kayak tour lasts for 5 hours with round-trip transportation and lunch. From Waikiki, you will ride a van to Kailua Bay for half an hour. Once you arrive there, you will be provided with complete gear before the briefing. You can either choose a self-guided tour in which you will be briefed with the safety measures before you begin on your own or select a guided tour with a small group tour with a professional guide.

Both options give you the enchanting feeling and give you a chance to meet new friends while exploring Kailua Bay’s pristine and turquoise waters while watching sea turtles feeding on the rich corals of the bay.

You’ll be paddling from Kailua Beach to Mokulua Islands, Flat Island, and Lanikai Beach where you will have your picnic lunch. You can opt to kayak-surf, snorkel around, or simply just go for a swim. The best thing about this tour is they provide you with dry bags, shower amenities, and lockers for your stuff. One of the top-rated tours on Oahu!

Click Here  to check the rates and availability of this tour on the booking website

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO KAYAK TO THE MOKES

This question depends highly on the weather conditions. I advise you to only kayak to the Mokes on a calm day. If it’s nice and calm with low winds and easy swell, you can kayak to the Mokes in 45 minutes. On a day with higher winds and rougher swell, it can take you up to 1.5 hours. You don’t need to be a great paddler, these are average times for tourists who might have kayaked a few times throughout their life and are in decent shape.

HOW FAR IS THE KAYAK TO THE MOKES FROM KAILUA

The total distance to reach the Mokes from Kailua is 2.4 miles (3.8km). This means it will be 4.8 miles or 7.6km for the full round-trip. Launching from Lanikai makes the journey much shorter but all of the kayak rental shops are in Kailua.

BEST TIME TO KAYAK TO THE MOKES (MOKULUA ISLANDS)

The morning is the best time to kayak to the Mokes. You will usually have calmer waters and also avoid the strong heat that is already hitting hard by 10 am. It’s great to at least reach Moko Nui before the sun is in full power. If you set off relatively early, you can be back for lunch in Kailua, which has lots of great cafes and restaurants.

OUR JOURNEY TO THE MOKES

Standing on the shore of Kailua beach, the sunlight reflects off the ripples of the crystal clear water. We are huddled together on the sand as we look out across the ocean towards two islets known as Na Mokulua (meaning “the two islands” in Hawaiian) or the “mokes”. We were joining an outrigger canoe for the day for a day trip paddling out, to explore Na Mokulua Islands.

Today we were going to paddle to Moku Nui, the island on the left. After a quick safety brief, we put all of our cameras and gear in the dry bags provided and slowly launched our six and four-man canoes from the Kailua Beach Park shore. Taking an outrigger is much the same as kayaking to the Mokes it really just depends on the exact type of adventure you want to have. I’ve done both and the experience was similar.

Being out on the ocean and being able to look back at the shore is always a great change of perspective and this was no different. The crystal clear waters were painted with a backdrop of the Koolau’s, which is a stunning mountain range that extends almost the length of the entire island.

Our guide taught us the correct racing technique for paddling but ensured us this was a casual cruise to take in the sights. As we paddled our way into the open water, the clarity allowed us to see the bottom of the ocean. There were several Hawaiian Sea Turtles spotted during the paddle and extensive coral draped the ocean floor.

What are my favorite pieces of gear for the beach?

There are three pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a beach adventure . These are three items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my beach essentials.

• Quick-Dry Towel : A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
• Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack : The beach can be a great place to ruin your precious gear so having this ultralight dry sack for cameras, phones and valuables mean you have a safe place to store everything.
• GoPro Hero 12 : The best and easiest way to capture your underwater and snorkeling adventures.

As we cruised towards The Mokulua Islands, our guide shared traditional Hawaiian stories about land formations and how different landmarks were named. We also learned that Moku Nui, which is only .75 miles off Lanikai is actually a 225-foot volcanic cone, which is a bird sanctuary for shearwaters.

The islands are a popular subject for photographers who combine palm trees and crystal clear water to capture their take on paradise. Na Mokulua Islands are the centerpiece of the amazing view from one of the best sunrise hikes on Oahu; the Lanikai Pillbox Trail . Here is a photo I captured from the trail on a beautiful morning in March 2016.

The paddling itself was relaxing as we kept a comfortable pace. I had imagined it would be much more tiring but we reached the shore of Moku Nui in less than 20 minutes after taking off from Kailua.

EXPLORING MOKO NUI, ONE OF THE MOKULUA ISLANDS

Moku Nui can often be crowded with kayakers and explorers, especially on weekends and public holidays. Luckily we went on a weekday when the weather was slightly overcast, which meant, for the most part, we had the entire island to ourselves.

We began walking around the side of the island to find the Queen’s Bath, a small tide pool just deep enough to jump into. As we made our way along with the rock piles we saw a number of shearwaters in their nests. They seemed very familiar with humans and allowed us to get very close to take a photo although they are behind a roped-off area to protect them and their habitat.

A jagged cliff face, small tide pools, and the Queen’s Bath face the vast ocean in what is a truly magical place. We could have spent hours relaxing here but instead, we decided to jump into the tide pools.

THE FOUR MOST POPULAR OAHU TOURS

• Doors-Off Oahu Helicopter Flight Tour : My number one recommendation is to do a heli-flight (doors off) and be blown away when you see Oahu from the air.
• North Shore Shark Cage Tour : The biggest adrenaline rush you can have in Hawaii is beneath the surface with sharks!
• Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Tour : One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour.
• Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran : The number 1 MOST POPULAR snorkel tour on Oahu. GUARANTEED Turtles!

There is one smaller jump of about 4 meters into crystal clear water, which was super fun and pretty safe. However, if you clamber up the cliffside there is one epic jump. I shot this snap of my friend making the leap from way up high. You can see the reef below but the gap to land in isn’t massive.

As we walked back around to the front of the island where we had left our canoes we could see a ferocious storm brewing over Kailua and it was headed our way. The sky was darkening by the minute, yet we were still in the warm sunshine. These contrasting conditions made for some epic photos.

PADDLING BACK TO KAILUA FROM THE MOKES

Our roommate Just thought that it would be an appropriate time to bring out his T-Rex costume. The storm did finally hit us on the island but it passed after a small rain shower and some moderate wind. We messed around for a while longer before launching off into the ocean and heading back towards Kailua.

From launch to landing the trip took around four hours but our guide was happy to let us stay longer on Moku Nui if we wanted. It felt great to have a tour guide who was totally focused on our experience and you could tell he wanted everyone to go home happy and full of stories to tell.

This would be a great day trip for a group of friends or a family. You can really push this adventure in a more extreme direction by jumping into tide pools and catching waves on the outrigger canoes or you can enjoy a calm, relaxing paddle and have a wander around the island. Whatever your style is, the scenery is amazing and as always, it is hard not to have a great time when you are out adventuring in Hawaii.

WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU

• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort  (Overall Favorite) : In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
• Sheraton Waikiki   (Luxury) : A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
• Ewa Hotel Waikiki : (Value):  Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
• Waikiki Beachside Hostel   (Budget Choice) : A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
• Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice):  This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.

MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!

• What to pack for Hawaii:  THE HAWAII PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK
• A helpful guide to choosing accommodation:   WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
• Most epic hike on Oahu: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OAHU, HAWAII
• The best Waterfalls: AMAZING WATERFALLS ON OAHU, HAWAII
• Ultimate Cliff Jumping Guide: 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU
• Guide to Swimming with Sea Turtles: WHERE TO SEE TURTLES ON OAHU
• The best Waterfall Hikes: TOP WATERFALL HIKES ON OAHU
• Best Tours: 20 BEST TOURS ON OAHU
• The Ultimate Guide to Oahu:  80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!

You can click to read my Full Review of the Best Travel Insurance .

I’ve made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. Click the button below to get a 5% DISCOUNT

Sunday 30th of April 2023

Dolphin tours are illegal, the tour guides you are promoting have been a menace to our local community, the law is 6ft distance from our honu. Stop commercializing and exploiting this bird sanctuary. Go back to the mainland and stay there.

TRAVEL VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF APRIL - Journey Era

Saturday 14th of May 2016

[…] Click Here to read the blog post […]

Adventure Tours Hawaii

Kailua beach: kayak tours and rentals.

Kayaking in Kailua Bay will have you paddling in the clearest blue waters on Oahu. After launching for the white sand beach you will begin your journey out to Kailua's offshore island bird sanctuaries. Once you have reached the island you can swim, search for birds nesting, and explore the islands at a relaxing pace. For a grand adventure, let the soothing Hawaii breeze kiss your face as you push off for an exhilarating journey across the crystal-clear waters to explore the iconic Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Shore, and beyond.

Mokulua Islands Expedition: The Ultimate Seabird Sanctuary Sojourn

Welcome to the sparkling shores of Kailua Beach on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. During the tour, paddle to the twin islands where a small white sand beach awaits your landing. Enjoy unique snorkeling spots, tide pools, coves, and birdwatching in the protected sanctuaries on this exclusive journey.

Why Choose: Embark on an exclusive journey to the untouched corners of the Mokes for a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Tips for the Tour: Ensure to carry sunscreen and a waterproof camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Guided Kayak to Mokulua Islands

Popoia island adventure: navigate to tranquility.

At Popoia Island, even the birds are tuning in for your grand arrival! Float on gentle waves to the peaceful haven of Popoia, feeling the world's hustle fade into a distant whisper. Once on the island, enjoy a short nature walk around the island. Perfect for beginners, explore the calm bird sanctuary also known as Flat Island.

Why Choose: Perfect for kayaking novices, immerse in the gentle embrace of nature away from the crowds. Tips for the Tour: Watershoes or flip-flops recommended once you've landed to enjoy the rocky trail around the island.

Easy Kayak Tour to Flat Island

Self-guided kailua bay exploration: be the captain of your adventure.

Summon the explorer within and unravel the untold secrets of Kailua Bay at your pace. Navigate your path in the easy-access Kailua Bay, and neighboring Lanikai Beach, discovering hidden gems along the shoreline.

Why Choose: For the audacious, find solace in the vast expanses of the bay, letting the winds guide your journey. Tips for the Tour: Grab the map, plot your course, and let the adventure unfold, ensuring a life jacket accompanies your spirit of adventure.

Self Guided Kayaking in Kailua Bay

Flexible kayak rentals: chart your course.

When in doubt, paddle it out, on your own terms! Choose full-day or half-day rentals for both double kayaks, single kayaks, and optional snorkeling gear in the vicinity of Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach.

Why Choose: Embrace the freedom to explore, moving with the whispers of the Hawaiian winds. Tips for the Tour: To make it an easier paddle, opt for a double kayak and share the adventure. Don't forget the sunscreen and water!

Kayak Rentals in Kailua

From the twin allure of the Mokulua Islands to the serene embrace of Popoia Island, embark on a memorable journey filled with adventure, laughter, and breathtaking panoramas. Book your preferred tour today, and etch stories on the sands of time by the Kailua and Lanikai shores.

• Can you kayak at Kailua Beach? Absolutely! Kailua Beach is a prime spot for kayaking, offering an easy access point to other nearby islands and beautiful sites.
• How long does it take to kayak from Kailua to the Mokulua Islands ? Typically, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to kayak from Kailua to the Mokes (Mokulua Islands), depending on weather conditions and your paddling speed.
• How long does it take to kayak to the Kaneohe sandbar? It is too far of a distance and not safely possible to kayak to the Kaneohe sandbar from Kailua Beach.
• How hard is it to kayak to the Mokes? Kayaking to the Mokes is a moderately strenuous activity but is manageable with a basic level of fitness and experience.
• Is it safe to swim in Kailua Bay? Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Kailua Bay, but always be mindful of the weather and water conditions, and adhere to local safety advice.
• How hard is it to kayak to Flat Island? Kayaking to Flat Island (Popoia Island) is considered easy to moderate, making it a suitable adventure for beginners and families.

Kayak Oahu: Day trip to the Mokulua Islands

Kayak Oahu by exploring the beautiful Mokulua Islands in Oahu!

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Many people think of Oahu as a bustling island, but often the incredible nature within is overlooked.

The outdoor and wildlife watching opportunities on and around the islands are truly spectacular.

One of the best day trips to take on Oahu is kayaking to the Mokulua Islands off of the shores of Kailua and Lanikai.

A thirty-minute trip over the mountains from Honolulu on Oahu’s east side brings visitors to the more quiet and residential side of the island.

About the Mokulua Islands

There are two islands that make up the Mokulua islands, the Moku Nui and the Moku Iki.

The Moku Nui island is the only island you can dock your kayak or water device on. Moku Iki is reserved specifically for bird breeding.

Even so, Moku Nui is also a bird breeding sanctuary, so during the bird breeding season please be respectful by staying only on the trails and the beach. Avoid climbing the rocks, which would disturb any nesting birds.

From time to time you may also spot Hawaiian monk seals beached on the sand to relax. These animals are endangered, with only around 1,000 individuals left in the wild. Avoid also disturbing them or approaching them if they are also on the beach.

Though the beach isn’t a big one, it can be shared amongst all, with space and respect.

Since the water is so clear, this is a great place to spot sea turtles swimming around. You’ll see them lapping in the waves and swimming by as you kayak out to the islands.

Read more about watching wildlife ethically here!

Hawaiian monk seals, among other marine animals, can be spotted on the Mokulua Islands. Photo by Nicota Mari

Where to rent kayaks

Renting kayaks from Kailua is incredibly easy, especially with the myriad of outfitters where kayak rentals are possible.

We recommend going with Kailua Beach Adventures because of their long-standing reputation in the community and their sustainable and ethical practices.

Kailua Beach Adventures also offers the permits needed to visit the offshore islands without the hassle of going to an outside agency.

The vessel you rent depends on your interest and skill level.

Single and double kayaks are available to rent and picking up paddling technique is fairly easy. The key here is having the stamina to paddle yourself to the islands and back.

If you are particularly advanced or have good balance, try renting a stand-up paddleboard, or SUP, to visit the islands.

On our visit, we were joined on the Mokulua by a local man who had paddleboarded from Lanikai. We were very impressed with his technique!

The Mokulua Islands as seen from the nearby Pillbox hike . Photo by Christa Rolls

Getting to the Mokulua Islands

Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands will take a little bit more skill, so if you are a beginner, consult with the company first before embarking on the trip. They may have some alternatives for you!

Using Kailua Beach Adventures, you can park and check in with them directly in downtown Kailua. At their offices, you’ll watch a short video discussing the rules behind your Mokulua permit, including not disturbing the wildlife.

From there, walk one block down to the beach, where their kayaks are set up for you to launch directly into the clear blue water.

The channel between Kailua Beach and the Mokulua Islands is fairly calm. However, the Mokulua are on the Windward side of Oahu, so if it’s a windy day, it can be rough going.

You’ll be going against the ocean current on the way to the Islands. This makes coming back to Kailua easier after a long day out.

The paddle takes approximately one hour to travel from Kailua Beach to the Islands.

Follow parallel to the shore, just beyond the buoy line to ensure the water is deep enough and avoid the current toward the shore. Just past Lanikai Beach, turn perpendicular in an “L-shape” to head directly toward Moku Nui, the leftmost island.

On Moku Nui, rocky outcrops fill with seawater and are a little oasis for sea critters. On nearby rocks, birds can be seen nesting during their breeding season. Photo by Travis Thurston

Journeying to the Mokulua

The water going across the channel is so stunning and clear that you should take your time while you kayak to enjoy the corals and fish under your boat.

While you can make this journey in half a day, we recommend renting your kayak for the full day so you don’t feel rushed in the time that you spend getting to the islands and relaxing on the islands.

When the tide is low, the corals can become exposed and you’ll want to avoid these spots if you see them.

Depending on the wind and weather, the waves can get pretty big. Anticipate having a quick entry to the islands, and working through the waves to return back to the mainland.

Just look at that clear blue water! Look down AND around while enjoying the stunning scenery. Photo by Michael Olsen

What to bring on your kayak Oahu adventure

The entirety of this kayak journey is exposed to the sun and there are no shady places to retreat to.

Given this, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen , bring a good sun hat , and bring cover-ups  to protect your legs and arms.

There are no facilities along the way, so be prepared as you enter the kayak. Pack a waterproof dry-sack with plenty of water and snacks for the day.

Don’t forget a waterproof phone case, and consider bringing a GoPro , which is also waterproof, to have out along the way!

Kayaks beached on Moku Nui island, with Moki Iki in the background. On a nice weather day it can get quite busy! Photo by Cristo Vlahos

This is a great, fun, and different way to experience Oahu’s nature and see some of the wonderful wildlife it offers.

Even if you are not up to kayaking all the way to the islands, kayaking in the ocean off of Kailua and Lanikai Beaches yields some great wildlife watching. Fish and sea turtles can be found swimming the corals and ocean plants offshore.

To kayak Oahu is a magical and serene way to spend a day on the island!

Happy Kayaking!

Christa and Nathan

About the Author: Christa

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Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands

Description

The Mokolua Islands are two small islands off of the beautiful tropical beaches of Kailua and Lanikai on Oahu's windward side. They are both seabird sanctuaries, and the one on the right, Mokulua Iki, is closed to the public. The one on the left, Mokulua Nui, is open to the public during daylight hours and is a popular destination for kayakers and paddle-boarders. Highlights: Kayaks or paddle boards can be conveniently rented at a shop just across the street from the beach (Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks) and then walked down on a cart (provided by the store), or at one of the other shops in Kailua if you have a car to transport them to the beach. The launch point is the canal off of Kailua Beach Park, where the bridge is. During certain times of year, the canal runs all the way into the ocean. During dryer months, paddlers will have to carry the kayak across a stretch of sand to reach the beach. Once launched, it is a 2.5 mile paddle to reach the island and typically takes 45 minutes - 2 hours. On very calm days, it is a fairly easy paddle. However, the wind and currents can sometimes be strong and make it a difficult paddle, particularly when you're having to paddle directly into the wind or when the waves are coming at an angle. Although there are lifeguards at Kailua Beach, there is no lifeguard on the island so use your best judgment before heading out and be sure to go with a friend. If in doubt, ask the lifeguard or someone at the kayak rental shop what the conditions are like before you make your decision. Kailua and Lanikai Beaches are two of the most beautiful on the entire island, and to see them from out on the ocean is a unique experience. Powder-fine white sand, crystal clear water, and towering palm trees create a perfect tropical paradise. As you approach the island, keep your eye out for sea turtles and crabs. During the winter months, it may be possible to spot whales out in the distance. The lava and coral formations around the island make this a great snorkeling spot. Visitors can snorkel, hike the trail on the right side of the island, jump off the cliffs, or relax and enjoy the sandy beach on the west side. Hours: Daylight hours Directions: From Honolulu, take the H1 West to the Pali Highway. Merge onto the Pali Highway (HI-61) via exit 21B. The Pali Highway will take you directly into Kailua, and become Kailua Road. Turn right to stay on Kailua Road, and follow it to the beach. Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks is across the street from the beach, in the shopping plaza across from Kalapawai Market.

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Kayaking to the mokes: what to expect, how to book, + tips.

On my last trip to Oahu, I knew that there was one experience I had to finally do there and that is kayaking to the Mokes. This guide discusses everything to know before you go kayaking in Kailua!

Below are some of the top tours near or in Kailua , some hotels, and more!

Top Experiences and Tours in/near Kailua:

• Kayaking to the Mokes (the guided tour I took and discuss below!)
• Kayak rental to the Mokes (independent tour)
• Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial tour (bestseller!)
• Shark cage diving on the North Shore (top-seller!)

Top Hotels in Kailua (and the Windward Coast):

• Kailua Beach Guest House
• Modern Luxury Beach House Kailua
• Turtle Cottage

Traveling to Oahu independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

I had kayaking to the Mokulua Islands on my bucket list for years and never had a chance to do it when in Oahu. I was so determined to make it happen on my trip this year.

This guide will discuss everything you need to know before you kayak to the Mokes , including how to book, what to bring, and expectations for the trip.

We also discuss how exactly to do the trip and whether it is best to go by tour (like I did) or independently.

Did we miss anything you’d like to know about a Mokes kayaking tour? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments. Thanks!

What are the Mokes (Mokulua Islands)?

How to get to the mokes, how long does it take to kayak to the mokes, launch point, what to do on moku nui, should you kayak to the mokes with kailua beach adventures , kayaking to the mokes faq , how to book your kailua kayak trip, more oahu travel guides, pin this mokulua islands kayaking guide.

The Mokes are actually called Nā Mokulua in Hawaiian, meaning ‘the two islands’. They are located not too far from Honolulu in a beautiful beachside community called Kailua.

These famous islands are located nearly side by side and can be seen off the coast of Lanikai beach, an Oahu beach that consistently ranks as one of the world’s best!

They are 0.75 miles off the coast of Lanikai and around 2-2.5 miles off the coast of the launch in Kailua.

Individually, the islands are known as Moku Nui and Moku Iki. Moku Nui is the larger of the two and the only one you will be allowed to visit if you have a permit to do so.

BOOK HERE: Guided kayaking trip to the Mokes

Both islands are considered seabird sanctuaries by the state of Hawaii (and no dogs or pets are allowed to make the trip to Moku Nui with you!).

The islets were formed anywhere from 2.7-3.9 million years ago and are part of the summit caldera of a shield volcano called Ko’olau and ended up in the ocean after a series of large-scale landslides.

They sit about 200 feet above sea level and are a nesting site for wedge-tailed shearwaters (‘Ua’u kani) and Bulwer’s Petrel.

Because the island is a seabird nesting habitat, you are not permitted to walk anywhere on the island except the clearly marked paths. 

There are not many ways to reach the Mokes and I saw some people heading out there with standup paddleboards and others with kayaks.

Since I only did the kayaking tour to the Mokes, I recommend that! It is also one of the most famous places for kayaking in Hawaii!

However, there are two options for visiting the Mokes by kayak: independently or with a tour. I went with a tour and I am extremely glad I did (for reasons mentioned below).

You can continue reading to check out which option is best for you.

Kayak to the Mokes on a Guided Tour

Guided/Self-Guided: guided Duration: 5 hours Physical Ability: moderate Season: year-round (can be cancelled due to bad weather) Meeting Point: 130 Kailua Rd. in Kailua BOOK HERE

While you can kayak to the Mokes on a self-guided tour, I highly recommend this guided one if you’re not an expert (or skilled) kayaker. This is a 5-hour tour!

I have kayaked several times but I by no means am an expert. But, I do believe that if you’re not super familiar with a route or sea kayaking in general, it is a safer bet to go with an expert guide!

My guided tour took me to the Mokes with Kailua Beach Adventures. The office is located at 130 Kailua Road.

The cost of the tour covered my permit, a packed lunch and drinks, all the equipment (including the kayaks and a dry bag to borrow for the day), and the guide.

My tour was small and only had 7 of us (not including the guide) but they can have up to 16 people.

Most everyone will be in a 2-person kayak unless you are traveling solo and are comfortable kayaking alone. I went in my own kayak. 

BOOK HERE: Guided kayak trip to the Mokes

They have a store on-site where you can purchase a bathing suit, water shoes, UV shirts, etc. You’ll receive a quick safety briefing and head on your way.

You will, however, need to take your kayak to the launch at Kailua Beach Park. This is a little bit challenging if you’re alone and not overly strong, but I had some really helpful people in my crew who assisted!

The walk to the launch took about 10 minutes (more details below).

The kayaking out to the Mokes took around 1 hour as we stopped a bit and took photos. We had super calm seas (thank goodness!) and it was an easy trip. However, landing on Moku Nui can be a bit of a challenge.

The guide will help bring you in and you will need to allow the water to push you a bit. Our guide told us the area in between the two islands does something similar to a pinball machine effect and you have to hit it at the right time in order to end up on-shore. 

You can read a bit more about what to do on Moku Nui below.

I found the way back far more challenging than the way there. The reason? I got burnt badly.

I had put sunscreen on before the trip but never reapplied and we were on Moku Nui for about 2 hours and I had no shade and didn’t realize it until we were about to head back out on the water. It also didn’t help that the ‘pinball’ area was at the start this time (and not the end)!

Once we got launched, I actually got a bit seasick from the heat and dehydration.

While I was pretty much fine, I was so happy to have our kayaking instructor nearby in case I needed to get roped onto his kayak in case I couldn’t make the rest of the journey by myself. He did have a Sprite ready for anyone feeling a bit seasick and he tossed it into my kayak for me!

Independently with a Kayak Rental

Guided/Self-Guided: Self-guided Duration: 5 hours Physical Ability: moderate Season: year-round (can be cancelled due to bad weather) Meeting Point: 130 Kailua Rd. in Kailua BOOK HERE

If you’re skilled at kayaking (particularly sea kayaking which is very different) and want to go kayaking to the Mokes without a guide, you can easily do so with Kailua Beach Adventures.

The company offers daily rentals that include a dry bag, all gear, a packed lunch, your Moku Nui permit, and some instruction about getting out there.

We saw many people on the water doing this independently! 

The kayak rental is $100 cheaper (give or take) and a great option for those who feel comfortable visiting the Mokes alone!

Kailua Kayak Rental (Does Not Visit the Mokes)

Guided/Self-Guided: guided Duration: 2 hours Physical Ability: beginner Season: year-round (can be canceled due to bad weather) Meeting Point: 130 Kailua Rd. in Kailua BOOK HERE

If you are just looking to kayak around Kailua Bay and see the majestic Ko’olau Mountains as the backdrop without landing on the Mokes, you can easily do so!

This 2-hour guided kayaking tour takes you around some of the best locations and offers lunch and some light snacks (as well as boogie boards and snorkel gear for after the trip).

This is a great option for novice kayakers or those not super confident with sea kayaking. 

The Mokes are about 0.75 miles from Lanikai Beach BUT, you will launch in Kailua and the trip is around 2-2.5 miles out that way. Factoring in the return trip, you’re looking at about 5 miles of kayaking.

The guided tour that I took was about 5 or so hours in total. It took a short amount of time for the briefing, about 15 minutes or so to the launch, and then about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Mokes.

BOOK HERE: Kailua kayaking trip to the Mokes

We had around 2 hours on the island before coming back.

If you experience rougher waters, the journey can take a lot longer! But, if the weather is too bad, they will cancel (and refund) or rebook your tour.

The kayak launch area is at Kailua Beach Park behind the famous Kalapawai Market. However, you will need to follow a path across a parking lot and go over a small bridge before getting there.

Once there, you will find a guide who will help you with the launch. It was all very easy and well-organized!

While there is not an overabundance of things to do on Moku Nui, you will still keep plenty occupied for the two hours that you will spend there!

When we arrived, we ventured over to the Queen’s Bath with our guide. This shallow saltwater pool is around 8-foot deep and was once used by the royalty of Hawaii as it was thought to have spiritual healing powers.

You will be able to jump in and take some photos and hang out around the area for a bit before heading back to the beach.

You can also do a little wildlife spotting from Moku Nui. As previously mentioned, the island is a seabird sanctuary and you will see plenty of birds hanging out in the area (leave your drones at home, please).

In the water, I saw turtles and many people saw them when snorkeling in the shallow waters around Moku Nui.

Another thing people frequently see out on the islet is monk seals. The guide told us that there was a specific female monk seal that is often spotted there! She didn’t show up the day that we went, unfortunately.

If you do see a monk seal, you must stay quite far away from it and a local will call up authorities to rope the area off to give protection to this endangered species.

You can also see humpback whales in the winter months out at sea.

We also had a light lunch out on Moku Nui. It was a turkey sandwich and drinks… so if you are a vegan or vegetarian, be sure to request something in advance and they will accommodate.

If you’re in okay shape, I 100% think this is a tour you’d like! I am in moderate shape (at best) and I faired pretty well on the tour until I got burnt.

But, this was seriously one of the best tours and experiences I have had in my life. The day was just epic and I can’t rave about it enough!

Can you Visit Moku Iki? No, you can not visit the small island in the Mokes. You can only visit Moku Nui. 

Is kayaking to the Mokes hard? I think if you’re on a guided tour, you can be in just ‘okay’ shape and make the journey successfully.

I am in the worst shape of my life, but am still quite athletic in general, and I had no issue with it. But, I did succumb a bit to dehydration and the heat.

If you have never sea kayaked before, I recommend the trip with a guide. If you’re advanced and skilled on the water, I think you will be okay to go independently.

Can you visit Moku Nui without one of these tours? No. You need a permit to visit. 

Are you able to visit the Mokes any day of the week? Every day except Sundays.

BOOK HERE: Kayaking to the Mokes tour

Does Moku Nui have any facilities and bathrooms? No, there is nothing out there! You are also not allowed off of the main paths on the island so you can not escape and go anywhere but the trodden areas.

What should I bring on a Kailua kayaking tour? I highly recommend reef-friendly sunscreen (and to reapply it A LOT), a water bottle (the guide will give you water but the more the merrier!), a UV shirt if you have sensitive skin, sunglasses that you don’t mind getting salty, a bathing suit (you will get wet), a GoPro, etc. Also, bring a waterproof phone case!

I also recommend sea bands or something if you get seasick! I struggled a bit on the way back but it was also because I didn’t take care of my body all that well.

Any other tips? One thing that kind of freaked me out a bit was that I kept feeling like I was going to hit the coral on the way out to Moku Nui!

The water is rather shallow and you have reefs right under you nearly the entire time. It honestly scared me that I was going to hit them! But, I never did! 

However, try to not go right on top of them if you can avoid it. Also, be alert for turtles. There are a lot of them out this way!

Another super random tip I have is to grab a delicious acai or superfood bowl next door to Kailua Beach Adventures at the Sunrise Shack.

This is one of my favorite cafes on the island (they are also on the North Shore) and it kept me fueled for most of the day!

I booked my guided tour through Viator. I booked it a couple of weeks in advance because I was so excited!

These tours do fill up and are extremely popular as you can’t just head out to the Mokes on your own without a permit.

Do you have any questions about kayaking to the Mokes?

Let us know your questions about kayaking in Kailua and to the Mokes in the comments. Thanks!

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