Kayak Oahu by exploring the beautiful Mokulua Islands in Oahu!
This post contains affiliate links for which Expedition Wildlife may receive a commission (where applicable) at no additional cost to you.
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.
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
Leave A Comment