Kailua Bay Kayak & Snorkel: Mokulua Islands & Sea Turtles

Paddle to Twin Islands, Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Kailua Bay

You paddle from Kailua Beach to the Mokulua Islands or Popoia Island, snorkel with green sea turtles and tropical fish, and hike to a natural tide pool. Equipment, permits, and parking are included. Lunch is optional. Guided tours follow a set route. Self-guided lets you choose your pace and stops. Most trips run two to four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kailua Beach Park30m
2. Koʻolau Rangepassing by
3. Lanikai Beachpassing by
4. Waimanalo Beach Parkpassing by

Kayak and snorkel around Kailua Bay

• Wait for hotel pickup or park for free
• Meet guide or briefing staff
• Receive orientation and gear
• Launch kayaks from Kailua Beach
• Paddle along Lanikai Beach
• Hike to Queen's Bath tide pool
• Swim in salt water jacuzzi
• Snorkel to see sea turtles and fish
• Enjoy picnic lunch with mountain views
• Return kayak to Kailua Beach

The experience

"Can you actually see them from the water?" someone always asks before the kayaks hit the sand, and the answer is yes. The green sea turtles are right there, feeding on the reefs around Moku Nui. You launch from Kailua Beach Park, a five-minute walk from the outfitter, and paddle out toward the Mokulua Islands or Popoia Island depending on conditions and which tour option you picked. The water is so clear you can see the bottom most of the way, and the Ko'Olau Mountains rise up behind everything. If you go guided, your guide handles the route and the stories. If you go self-guided, you set the pace and decide which snorkel spots to hit.

The Mokulua Islands are a bird nesting sanctuary (you need special permission to land, which the tour operator has had since 1982), and Hawaiian monk seals often haul out on the beach to rest. Most people paddle out, snorkel the reefs for tropical fish and turtles, then hike up to Queen's Bath, a natural tide pool carved into the rock where you can float in salt water and look straight out at the ocean. It's not a long hike, maybe ten minutes, but it's steep enough that you feel it. After that, if you booked the lunch option, the guide breaks out a picnic on the beach and you eat while the waves roll in and the birds circle overhead. The whole Kailua Bay kayak experience runs two to four hours depending on what you choose: guided or self-guided, with lunch or without.

Equipment is all included: kayak, snorkel gear, life jacket, dry bag for your phone and keys, and a locker to lock up anything you don't want to carry. Free parking is in the lot at Kailua Beach Adventures. You need to be able to swim, and you'll need to help drag the kayak, they weigh 70 pounds, from the cart to the water, but the staff walks you through the whole thing at check-in. Children under 15 ride in a double kayak with an adult. Single kayaks max out at 280 pounds. Doubles at 400 pounds. The outfitter is open 8am to 5pm every day, and you need to return rentals by 5pm, so book an early slot if you want the full morning on the water.

What’s included

• Your day includes use of a kayak, snorkel equipment, life jacket, dry bag, and a locker for valuables.
• Safety briefing and instruction are provided.
• Island landing permits are included (required to access the Mokulua Islands).
• If you book the guided option, a professional guide leads the tour.
• If you book the lunch option, a picnic meal is provided on the beach.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional fee.
• Free parking is included at Kailua Beach Adventures.

Options for this experience

4 options

Self-guided, self-driveGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Use of bikes and body boards. Duration: 5 hours. Our shop is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Book a 12 PM start time or earlier if you want the full 5 hours. Self-guided kayaking discovery: Get a full briefing, then head out on your own adventure! All equipment must be returned by 5:00 pm.

Self-guided, with Waikiki shuttleGuide in English · 09:15Hotel pickup: Round-trip hotel shuttle from Waikiki (7:30-8:30 am). You will choose the pickup location nearest your hotel later. Pickup is included.

Guide and lunch, self-driveGuide in English · 08:00, 09:00 and 11:00Turkey or veggie sandwich: Please message us with your preference or dietary restrictions, along with your email. Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour: Explore more of Kailua Bay on this 5-hour tour with a small group and an experienced local guide. See the itinerary section for the full schedule.

Guide and lunch, Waikiki shuttleGuide in English · 09:00Turkey or vegetarian sandwich: Please message us your preference or dietary restrictions, along with your email. Hotel pickup: Round-trip hotel shuttle service from Waikiki. You will need to choose the nearest pickup point. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kailua Beach Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel with sea turtles and explore the Mokulua Islands without arranging your own boat or permits. The outfitter has held the special landing permission since 1982, and all equipment and parking are included, so you just show up and paddle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The staff gives a safety briefing and instruction before you launch. You need to be able to swim and have at least moderate fitness to paddle and hike.

Can I go self-guided or do I need a guide?

Both options are available. Guided tours follow a set route and include the guide's knowledge of the islands and wildlife. Self-guided lets you set your own pace and choose which snorkel spots to visit.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

Sea turtles feed on the reefs around the Mokulua Islands regularly, but sightings are not guaranteed. Tropical fish are common year-round.

What if I can't swim?

All guests must be able to swim. Life jackets are provided, but swimming ability is required for safety.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is optional. If you book the lunch option, it's a picnic on the beach at Moku Nui. Without lunch, you can bring your own or eat after the tour.

How long does the tour take?

Two to four hours depending on your route and whether you book lunch. Check-in is 15 minutes before your tour time.

Is parking included?

Yes. Free parking is available at Kailua Beach Adventures, the outfitter's lot.

What's the weight limit for kayaks?

Single kayaks: 280 pounds. Double kayaks: 400 pounds.

What time do you operate?

8am to 5pm every day. You must return rentals by 5pm.