Mokoli‘i Island (Chinaman’s Hat) Honolulu
Iconic 'hat-shaped' island in Kaneohe Bay, offering a challenging hike and kayaking adventure with stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Walk or wade to the island
Mokoli‘i Island (Chinaman’s Hat) Honolulu
Best Time
Walk or wade to the island
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 'hat-shaped' island in Kaneohe Bay, offering a challenging hike and kayaking adventure with stunning coastal views.
"The hike was steep and kinda slippery, but the view at the top was amazing. "
🥾 Wear Proper Footwear
Reef shoes or sturdy water shoes are a must for the hike and rocky shores.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade on the island; stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Hike
Mokoli'i Island
Conquer the steep, rocky trail for breathtaking panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay and the Ko'olau Mountains.
Kayaking Adventure
Kaneohe Bay
Paddle across the calm waters of Kaneohe Bay to reach the iconic 'hat-shaped' island. An exhilarating journey!
Low Tide Walk
Kualoa Regional Park
At low tide, you can often walk or wade across to the island, making for an easier approach.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Access
Hike Smart, Stay Safe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Proper Footwear
Reef shoes or sturdy water shoes are a must for the hike and rocky shores.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade on the island; stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Crucial for safe access, whether walking or kayaking. Low tide is best.
🛶 Kayak Transport
You'll likely need to transport kayaks yourself; rentals can't launch within 1000ft of shore.
Swimming out to chinamans hat
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Proper Footwear
Reef shoes or sturdy water shoes are a must for the hike and rocky shores.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade on the island; stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Crucial for safe access, whether walking or kayaking. Low tide is best.
🛶 Kayak Transport
You'll likely need to transport kayaks yourself; rentals can't launch within 1000ft of shore.
🦭 Look for Monk Seals
Keep an eye out for Hawaiian monk seals, often spotted near the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mokoli'i Island offers a fantastic adventure with its iconic shape, accessible by kayak or even walking at low tide. The hike to the summit provides breathtaking views, though it's challenging and requires preparedness for heat and terrain. While the natural beauty is a major draw, some visitors note the park's restrooms are not well-maintained.
"Super cool little island and easily accessible by kayak, paddle board or walking/swimming from the beach.
There’s an awesome trail that goes to the top of the island, but be aware that it’s a fairly difficult hike and involves a little bit of rock climbing at the end. Know your limitations before going up to the top. Bring lots of water!!!! While we were there a hiker had to be rescued by helicopter off of the island due to heat exhaustion. So, be careful if you choose to hike the trail to the top."
LeeAnna Moore
"Kayaked here in low tide, pretty much could walk from the shore if I wanted. Did some snorkeling and hiked to the top. An obvious statement, there’s no shade so come prepared, especially in the summer months. It truly is breathtaking to view the mountains!
ALWAYS REMEMBER to respect the ‘āina (land) and leave it cleaner than you found it. Please show kindness to the locals and support local businesses ❤️"
Arielle McCarthy
"High-yield adventure—awesome hike and not a long kayak to get to it. We rented from Active Oahu, about 30 mins away, and they had foam blocks and straps to put the double kayak on top of our small sedan. We followed their map of how to paddle out there (there’s a specific route, and if you take shortcuts, you’ll be working way harder than you need to!) and got there in 20-30 mins. The hike was steep and kinda slippery due to recent rain. Some scrambling at the top with ropes. The view at the top was amazing. We also saw two monk seals. A highlight of my vacation!"
Matthew Peel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mokoli'i Island is located off the coast of Kualoa Regional Park on Oahu. You can reach it by kayaking across Kaneohe Bay, paddleboarding, or by walking/wading during low tide.
Recent regulations mean kayak rentals can no longer launch within 1000 feet of Kaneohe Bay's shore. You'll need to transport your own kayaks or rent from a company that allows you to do so.
Kayaking to Mokoli'i can be an adventure, but conditions can change rapidly. It's recommended to have some experience, check weather and tide charts, and be aware of currents. Some visitors have found it challenging.
The best approach depends on the tide. At low tide, you can walk or wade. Otherwise, kayaking or paddleboarding are popular options. Always prioritize safety and check conditions.
Yes, Kualoa Regional Park offers parking, which is convenient for those bringing their own kayaks or for accessing the beach to assess conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mokoli'i Island and Kualoa Regional Park are generally free to access. There are no admission fees for the island itself.
Kualoa Regional Park is typically open from dawn to dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check local park schedules for any specific closures or changes.
While park entry is free, kayak rentals will have associated costs. Parking at Kualoa Regional Park is also generally free.
Swimming to Mokoli'i is possible, especially at low tide, but it can be a significant distance and currents can be strong. It's generally safer to kayak or walk.
Visiting during low tide offers the easiest access. Sunrise and sunset can provide beautiful lighting for photos. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit is steep, rocky, and involves some scrambling, potentially with ropes. It's considered moderately difficult and can be slippery after rain.
Sturdy hiking shoes or water shoes with good grip are essential. Avoid flip-flops. Bring sun protection, as there is no shade on the island.
There are no facilities on Mokoli'i Island itself. Restrooms are available at Kualoa Regional Park, though reviews suggest they may be unsatisfactory.
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, and the surrounding coastline. It's a highlight for many visitors.
The hike can be challenging for very young children. Families may prefer to enjoy the beach at Kualoa Regional Park or kayak to the island without attempting the summit hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, creating stunning silhouettes and vibrant colors. Midday can be harsh due to direct sun.
The iconic hat shape itself is a prime subject. Views from Kualoa Regional Park, especially during golden hour, are spectacular. The summit view is also a must-capture.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near parks or protected marine life. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting, like monk seals.
Capturing the journey across the water (kayaking or walking) with the island in the background, or spotting monk seals, can make for unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is up for a moderate challenge, the lower parts of the island can be explored without reaching the very top. Keep an eye out for marine life and enjoy the scenic beauty. Remember to check tide charts for easier access.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during low tide to potentially walk or wade to the island, saving on kayak rental fees. If you do rent kayaks, look for companies that offer reasonable rates or consider sharing a kayak if traveling with others.
💑 Couples
The hike to the summit, while challenging, rewards with breathtaking vistas perfect for enjoying together. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach at Kualoa Regional Park with the iconic island as your backdrop. The sense of accomplishment after conquering the hike or navigating the bay can be a great bonding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Kaneohe Bay: Kayaking to Mokoli'i
Many visitors find the kayaking trip to be a highlight, with some describing it as an 'adrenaline rush'.
The Mokoli'i Summit Hike: A Rewarding Challenge
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the top, which encompass Kaneohe Bay and the majestic Ko'olau Mountains.
Respecting the 'Āina and Local Culture
Supporting local businesses and showing kindness to residents are also emphasized as important aspects of responsible tourism.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit