kayaking to Chinaman's Hat (Mokoli'i)
Kayak to Chinaman's Hat
Kualoa | Kaneohe | Oahu | Hawaii
Location: |
Eastern side of Oahu, north of Kaneohe in Kualoa Regional Park (about 45 min from Waikiki or downtown Honolulu or 35 minutes from our shop) |
Ammenities: |
No ammenities are available of the island, but there are bathrooms, tables, & showers at Kualoa Regional Park (Launching Point) |
Parking: |
Large free public parking lot at Kualoa Regional Park. |
Activities: |
Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Swimming, Snorkeling, Hiking, Birdwatching |
Length of Paddle: |
.5 mile (about 30 minutes each way) |
Over the sparkling, azure waters of Kaneohe Bay, the iconic Mokoli’i, which is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Chinaman’s Hat, stands majestically like a prehistoric guardian watching over the beautiful windward side of Oahu. Seeing the island, it’s no wonder that the island and the surrounding Kualoa Ranch have been home to a myriad of different movies, from Jurassic Park to 50 First Dates.
According to Hawaiian legend, this enchanting island is said to represent the tail of an ancient mo’o or mythical lizard, imbuing the site with rich cultural significance. We encourage you to read our other post about the name Mokoli’i and the reasons behind why we should avoid using the term Chinaman’s Hat. Surrounding this picturesque landmark are shallow waters, and it is located a mere half mile from Kualoa Regional Park, making the offshore islet of Mokoli’i an ideal destination for an adventurous day filled with kayaking and hiking experiences on the stunning island of Oahu.
Kayaking to Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli’i)
The kayak trip out to Chinaman’s Hat, also known as Mokoli’i, is a simple and beginner-friendly paddle, as there are generally no hidden or dangerous areas or obstacles along the way. Essentially, what you see is what you get, which entails an approximately 1/2 mile paddle directly off to the charming little beach located at the front of Chinaman’s Hat. The nice aspect of this adventure is that the depth of the water you will be paddling over is almost always less than 8 feet deep, making it a comfortable experience for most. We always recommend taking the time before heading out to inquire with the lifeguards on duty about the specific conditions for that particular day. Occasionally, there could be rip currents or unusual tidal changes that might make this short trip slightly more difficult than it typically is. Often, the most challenging aspect of going out to Mokoli’i is navigating the onshore facing tradewinds that usually blow at the beach at speeds ranging between 10 to 20 mph. Feel free to call our shop if you’re curious about what the conditions might look like in the coming week, and always remember to consult with the lifeguards on the beach before embarking on your kayaking journey.
One aspect of paddling to Chinaman’s Hat that many people struggle with is launching and landing the kayaks. Picking the launch spot can be tricky. Generally, we recommend launching near the lifeguard tower, but far enough away from the tower that you won’t have to maneuver the kayak to avoid the sea wall about 20 ft from the beach. To launch a kayak from the beach, first position the kayak straight into the ocean and waves. Next, pull the kayak into about knee-to-waist deep water. Then, if paddling in a double kayak, have the person in the front of the kayak hop in first okole (behind) first! After that, the person in the back can hand the person in the front the kayak paddles and then hop in themselves. Remember that you’re feet should be the last thing that enters the kayak. Then, paddle, paddle, paddle, and try to keep the kayak pointed straight into the waves. Although, the landing point on Mokoli’i is small and without a sandy beach, it is the point closest from launching from almost any point in Kualoa park. Oftentimes, you can even look for other kayakers or paddleboarders that have already landed there. Continue kayaking until you think that you are in about knee deep water by the island and then you can hop out and walk the kayak the rest of the way. PRO TIP: Make sure that you pull up your kayak high enough so that when the tides change that your boat won’t float away!
Hiking to the Top of Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli’i)
While the paddle out to Chinaman’s Hat is generally an easy and enjoyable experience, the hike to the top of the island poses quite a challenge. It is considered difficult, if not technical, requiring significant effort and caution. For this reason, we strongly advise against attempting to summit the islet. The trail is poorly marked and has suffered considerable erosion over time, making the hike even more treacherous. As you approach the summit, be prepared to climb on your hands and knees, as the terrain can become quite steep and rugged. Moreover, if you do manage to reach the top, be aware that there are no guard rails in place, and you will find yourself on the edge of a sheer cliff, surrounded by steep drop-offs.
WARNING: Do not use the ropes that have been left on the trail to assist you in scaling the mountain. These ropes could have been there for varying lengths of time and may have been tied by anyone, posing an additional risk. If you decide to attempt the climb to the top of the island, ensure that you avoid using these ropes. Ascending to the peak carries inherent hazards and is dangerous. Proceed to the top at your own risk, as people have fallen during this hike in the past, putting both themselves and our first responders at unnecessary risk.
THINGS TO bring with you TO CHINAMAN’s HAT
Lots and lots of water in resealable containers
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Phone (For emergencies and pictures!)
Lifejackets (PFDs)
Sunglasses with sunglass retainers
Water shoes with good soles
Snack
Binoculars for bird watching
Rash guard with UPF for sun protection
Mask & Snorkel
Waterproof phone case and/or Drybag
Tips for a Memorable Mokoli’i Kayaking Experience
Plan Ahead: Check conditions and tides before embarking, and dress comfortably for a day on the water.
Respect Nature: As you explore Mokoli’i, remember to treat the island and its nesting seabirds with the utmost respect. Seabirds should be given at least 35ft. Please note that many of the birds live burrow in holes in the island so watch where you put your feet! Follow the Leave No Trace principles to protect the ecosystem.
Capture the Moment: Don't forget your camera! The views from your kayak and the unique vantage point of Mokoli’i are perfect for creating lasting memories, but just make sure to place the camera in a dry bag or other waterproof case before embarking.
Hydration and Snacks: Always bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and pack some snacks to keep your energy up throughout the adventure.
How far is the paddle to Chinaman’s Hat?
In most conditions, the paddle to Chinaman’s Hat takes most paddlers between 20-35 minutes to reach.
Are there sharks around Chinamans hat?
While there are a lot of sightings of hammerhead sharks in Kaneohe bay, the part of the bay that is directly to Mokoli’i is often to shallow for most sharks (At low tides, you can almost walk all the way to Chinaman’s hat).
Who owns chinaman’s hat (Mokoli’i)?
Chinaman’s Hat, or Mokoli’i as it is officially known is owned by the City and County of Honolulu.
Where is the best place to see Chinaman's hat?
While we would definitely argue that the best view of Mokoli’i is from a kayak or paddlebaord, a great view of Chinaman’s Hat without getting wet can be seen from Kualoa Regional Park just across the street from Kualoa Ranch.
Check out our other guides on Kayaking: