Chinaman’s Hat (Mokolii) Self-Guided Kayak & Hiking Tour | Oahu, Hawaii, United States (USA)
Book this fun self-guided kayak and hiking tour at Chinaman’s Hat (Mokolii)! Experience ocean kayaking with the kayaking equipment provided. Paddle to the iconic island and choose your preferred hiking trail for epic views.
- Try this combo tour that includes an ocean kayaking experience and a hike
- Get a quick on-site kayaking lesson before you set out on your own
- Enjoy hassle-free gear collection right next to the beach
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Hiking, Islands tour |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Oahu's east side with this Chinaman's Hat Self-Guided Kayak Tour!
Get everything you need for a safe and thrilling experience, including top-quality kayaks, safety gear, and personal kayaking instructions. Paddle out to Mokoli'i, also known as Chinaman's Hat, and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range and Kaneohe Bay. Explore the island, hike its trails, and keep an eye out for adorable baby chicks in this bird sanctuary. The entire adventure takes about 3 hours, allowing you to savor every moment. The views you’ll get will be reminiscent of movies like Jurassic Park, Battleship, 50 First Dates, and many more since plenty of movies were filmed in Kualoa Ranch, just across the way.
Don’t miss out on this fun kayaking and hiking combo adventure and book your tickets with KKday now!
— Important Info —
- Meeting time: Please arrive at the designated location 15 minutes prior to departure
- Meeting point: Active Oahu Kailua Storefront (134B Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734). You will pick up the kayak and gear here. You will meet the team there who will guide you through strapping the kayak on your vehicle and provide you with all the necessary equipment. You will be required to sign a liability waiver. You will get a personal kayaking lesson, a safety demo, a description of the route, and directions for driving to Kualoa Regional Park (30-minute drive)
- Please note that it's a 30-minute drive from the meeting point to the activity location. Please proceed to the activity location on your own
- Return point: Back to the meeting point
Your journey begins as you paddle out to Mokoli'i, also known as Chinaman's Hat
Hike around Mokoli'i for stunning vistas of the Koolau mountain range
Take in the unforgettable movie-inspired views and make sure to snap a pic
Purchase Notice
- Please note this is a self-guided tour, there are no tour guides while kayaking
- This tour entails strenuous physical activities. We advise only children above 12 years old to do this tour, but younger children may join the tour, especially if ocean conditions are nice
- For safety reasons, travelers under 12 years old must be accompanied by at least one adult throughout the tour
- Travelers with the following conditions are not advised to take part in this tour: hypertension, acrophobia, asthma, epilepsy, heart diseases, pregnancy, people with mobility impairments and mon-swimmers
- Since it’s the windward side of the island, it’s almost always breezy and sometimes very windy. During summer months (End of May–beginning of September) conditions are calmer and more predictable and the area is much more accessible to beginner or in-experienced kayakers
Reminders
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please note that it's a 30-minute drive from the meeting point to the activity location. Please proceed to the activity location on your own
The tour will continue in the event of rain or strong sunlight. If travelers request to cancel the tour, no refunds or extra compensation will be provided
Swimsuits are required for water activities. Due to hygiene reasons, please make sure to bring your own towel
To protect the environment, eco-friendly sunscreen is recommended as a substitute
Travelers are advised to bring or wear water shoes or athletic shoes if they want to hike around on Chinaman’s Hat
Please respect the local wildlife. Look, but don’t touch
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Chinaman's Hat is officially known as Mokolii Island. In Hawaiian, "Mokoliʻi" means "little lizard," referring to a legend about a giant lizard, Mooalii, whose tail was severed and became the island. It is a popular landmark on Oahu's Kualoa coast, holding cultural importance in local folklore.
The nickname "Chinaman's Hat" comes from the island's distinctive shape, which resembles the conical hats traditionally worn by some Asian workers. While its official Hawaiian name is Mokolii, this descriptive English name is widely recognized due to its unique appearance as seen from the coast of Oahu.
Swimming to Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii) is generally not recommended due to strong currents, unpredictable tides, and potential marine hazards in Kaneohe Bay. Kayaking is the recommended and safer method to reach the island. A self-guided kayak tour provides all necessary equipment and a briefing for a safe and enjoyable crossing.
Yes, Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii) is accessible to the public via watercraft. Visitors can paddle to the island using a kayak. Once on the island, you can explore tide pools, enjoy pristine views of the Kualoa coast, and hike a short trail to the summit for panoramic vistas of the surrounding bay and mountains, offering unique photo opportunities.
The kayak and hiking tour departure point for Chinaman's Hat is typically located in Kaaawa, near Kualoa Regional Park on Oahu's windward coast. It is most conveniently reached by rental car or ride-sharing services from Honolulu. Public transportation options are limited in this area and often involve longer travel times and multiple transfers.
The kayaking duration to reach Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii) for a self-guided tour is approximately 15-30 minutes one way, depending on individual paddling speed and prevailing ocean conditions. The total experience, including kayaking and hiking on the island, usually allows for a multi-hour adventure, offering ample time to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
For safety during the self-guided kayak and hiking tour, always wear a life vest, which is provided with the equipment. Check weather and ocean conditions before departing, and stay hydrated throughout your adventure. For hiking, wear appropriate footwear as trails can be uneven. Always inform someone of your plans and avoid venturing into restricted areas.
While it may seem possible to walk to Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii) during extremely low tides due to an exposed sandbar, it is generally discouraged. The sandbar can be unstable, and tides can change rapidly, potentially stranding visitors. Furthermore, walking across the reef can damage delicate marine ecosystems. Kayaking offers a safer and more environmentally responsible way to access the island.
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