Snorkeling in Kailua: Self-Guided Kayaking & Mokulua Island

You pick the islands, the pace, and where to dive in.

Self-guided kayaking and snorkeling in Kailua, Oahu lets you paddle to offshore islands, tide pools and remote beaches on your own schedule with all gear included. The 5-hour window gives you the freedom to linger at Mokulua Island's bird-nesting sanctuaries or any of several landing spots, and you can add hotel pickup for $30 per person or bike rentals (ages 13+) to extend the day to Lanikai Beach.

The experience

You launch from Kailua with a double or single kayak, snorkel gear, dry bag and beach chair already loaded. The reef-protected waters mean no currents to fight, so all ages and fitness levels can paddle at their own speed. The Mokulua Islands sit within reach: a pair of bird sanctuaries where you can land and explore, or you can choose a closer tide pool, a hidden beach, or simply stop wherever the water looks right for a dip. There's no guide narrating the route, no schedule pushing you forward: you decide when to paddle, when to float, and when to beach the kayak for an hour.

Five hours is your window, and how you spend it is entirely up to you. Some people make straight for the Mokulua Islands and spend the afternoon there. Others island-hop between several landing spots, snorkeling at each one. The offshore permits are included, so you can land legally on the sanctuaries. Bring the kids. They can sit with an adult in the kayak or paddle their own single boat if they're comfortable. A locker holds your belongings while you're on the water, and a beach umbrella keeps you shaded between paddles.

After you return the kayak, the gear doesn't stop. Boogie boards and beach chairs are yours to use for the rest of the day, and if you're 13 or older, you can rent a bike to pedal to Lanikai Beach for more snorkeling without leaving the area. Hotel pickup and drop-off is available for the 9:15 departure time at $30 per person. Otherwise, free parking is included and public transit stops nearby.

What’s included

• Kayak (double or single).
• snorkel gear.
• dry bag.
• beach chair.
• boogie boards.
• beach umbrella.
• offshore island landing permits.
• locker for belongings.
• free bike rentals for ages 13 and up.
• free parking.

Options for this experience

2 options

Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:30

Self-guided option with Waikiki shuttle09:15Hotel 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 Saturday15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:30

Book up to1d before

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

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kailua Beach Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to set your own route and timing instead of following a guide's schedule. You pick which islands to land on, how long to stay at each one, and whether to snorkel or just float, all within the 5-hour window.

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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.

Can I kayak to Mokulua Island on this snorkeling trip?

Yes. Mokulua Island's bird-nesting sanctuaries are one of several landing options you can choose, and the offshore permits needed to land there are included. You decide whether to paddle out to them or explore closer tide pools and beaches instead.

What snorkel gear and kayak equipment do I get?

Snorkel gear, a double or single kayak, a dry bag, beach chairs and boogie boards are all included. You also get a locker for your belongings, a beach umbrella, and free bike rentals if you're 13 or older to ride to Lanikai Beach afterward.

How long is the snorkeling activity, and what time does it start?

You have a 5-hour window to kayak and snorkel. The 9:15 departure time offers optional hotel pickup for $30 per person. Otherwise, check in 15 minutes before your chosen tour time at the Kailua location.

Is there parking, and do I need to arrange my own transport to Kailua?

Free parking is included at the Kailua location. Hotel pickup and drop-off is available for $30 per person on the 9:15 departure. Public transportation options are also nearby if you prefer not to drive.

What if I want to extend the day after kayaking and snorkeling?

After you return your kayak, you can use the included boogie boards and beach chairs, and if you're 13 or older, rent a bike free to ride to Lanikai Beach for more snorkeling without leaving the area.