Kayaking Mokolii Island, Oahu: Self-guided with instruction

You paddle yourself to the island and hike its perimeter, not a guide leading the way.

Self-guided kayaking to Mokolii Island on Oahu with personal instruction before departure. You paddle your own kayak across the channel, land on the island, and hike around its circumference for views of the Koolau mountain range. All equipment (kayaks, life vests, dry bags and seat backs) is provided, along with a printed map to navigate on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and hike around Mokolii Island

• Receive private kayaking instruction
• Set out on self-guided kayak tour
• Hike around island circumference
• Optional hike to island top

The experience

Mokolii Island sits off the windward coast of Oahu, and you get there by paddling your own kayak. The operator sets you up with personal instruction on the beach before you launch, covering safety and technique so you're ready for the channel crossing. Once you've got your bearings, you're on your own to paddle out, land on the island and explore. The whole experience runs about four hours from start to finish.

The hike around the island's circumference is the main draw. You'll circle Mokolii on foot and take in views of the Koolau mountain range from different angles. The route is self-guided with your printed map. You choose the pace and the stops. There's also a steeper hike to the island's top for experienced adventurers, but that one is moderate to advanced in spots and optional. Most people stick to the circumference walk and the paddling itself.

You'll need to bring your own kayaks or arrange transport to the beach. The operator provides pads and straps that fit any four-door car, van or truck, but doesn't deliver the gear. If you don't have a vehicle, you'll need to sort out how to get the kayaks to the launch point. The operator suggests this experience for people who've kayaked in the ocean before or are comfortable doing so. It's not a beginner's paddle.

What’s included

• Kayaks, life jackets, dry bags, seat backs and all safety equipment.
• pads and straps to transport kayaks on any four-door car, van or truck.
• personal instruction before you paddle out.
• printed self-guided tour map to navigate Mokolii Island on your own.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs Monday to Saturday at 08:00, 11:00 and 13:00, from US$ 82 per person, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 151 private ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Active Oahu Tours

Is this one for you?You'll need your own vehicle or a way to get the kayaks to the beach, since the operator doesn't deliver gear. If you're staying without a car, factor in the cost and logistics of renting one for the day or arranging a local taxi to haul the equipment to the launch point.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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.

What's the hike like once I land on Mokolii Island?

The circumference hike around Mokolii takes you past views of the Koolau mountain range and is the main part of the experience. You navigate it yourself with the printed map provided. There's also a steeper route to the island's summit for experienced hikers, but it's moderate to advanced in difficulty and optional. Most people do the perimeter walk instead.

Do I need kayaking experience to do this?

The operator suggests this for people who've kayaked in the ocean before or are comfortable paddling in ocean conditions. You get personal instruction on the beach before you launch, but it's not a beginner's course. The expectation is that you can handle paddling on your own once you're on the water.

What equipment do I need to bring myself?

You need to bring or arrange transport for the kayaks to the beach. The operator provides pads and straps that fit any four-door car, van or truck, so you can load them yourself. Everything else (kayaks, life vests, dry bags, seat backs and safety gear) is included.

How do I get to the launch point if I don't have a car?

The operator doesn't deliver kayaks and gear to the beach, so you'll need to arrange transport yourself if you're staying without a vehicle. You could rent a car for the day, hire a local taxi or rideshare to get the equipment to the beach, or coordinate with someone who has a vehicle.