Kayaking in Kaneohe
scenic Paddling Destinations of oahu
Kaneohe Bay offers pristine kayaking waters full of marine life and vast coral reef systems. For those who want to explore a different part of Oahu by kayak, Kaneohe has protected waters and opportunities for snorkeling with off-shore islands and sandbars to land on. Read on to discover the different kayak destinations located in Kaneohe Bay:
Chinaman’s Hat Kaneohe Bay Oahu
CHINAMAN’S HAT (MOKOLI’I )
Chinaman's Hat, also known as Mokoli’i, is an iconic landmark in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. This 200ft tall islet can be accessed by a short and exciting kayaking trip. Launch your kayak from the scenic Kualoa Beach Park, where the classic movie Jurassic Park was filmed, and paddle through the crystal-clear waters and reef patches of Kaneohe Bay. Chinaman’s Hat is a beginner-friendly paddle so you can kayak to Chinaman’s Hat in less than half an hour.
Mokoli’i has a rich history and is surrounded by Hawaiian legends. According to local stories, the island was once a giant lizard that protected Kaneohe Bay from invaders. The lizard was eventually defeated by a warrior who cut off its tail, which then became Chinaman's Hat. The island's unique shape has also led to other legends, with some saying it resembles the hats worn by immigrants from east asia.
THE SANDBAR (THE SUNKEN ISLAND OR DISAPPEARING ISLANd)
The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is one of the best kayaking destinations in the world. The miles long bank of sand in the middle of the bay is always between waist and ankle deep, and when the tide is very low it can be completely exposed. While the town of Kaneohe is located under the impressive Ko’olau mountain range, where rain clouds collect to make it a rainier than average part of the island, the sandbar is a few sunny miles off shore. This means the clouds pass straight over the sandy expanse and leave it sunny and dry, all day long! Paddling/SUP to the sandbar can take up to an hour, but it’s well worth it. Once the water is shallow enough to walk, jump in and enjoy! Snorkel gear is a must, as the reef patches and wildlife like the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle in Kaneohe Bay are unparalleled. There is no shade or dry land, so bring sunscreen and a hat and be prepared to be wet all day.
Mokuoloe (Coconut Island)
One of the first features you come to in the South East part of Kaneohe Bay is a half natural, half man-made island called Mokuoloe. Commonly referred to as “Coconut Island,” the island was originally designed as an exclusive resort and yacht club. Today, the island is home to University of Hawaii research facilities. Even though landing on the island is prohibited, you can enjoy its beauty via kayak or stand up paddleboard from all around. The island was featured in the 2nd and 3rd season of Gilligan’s Island! The two tall pine trees visible in the opening theme are still visible today. Additionally, kayaking through the coral patches around this island can be a great opportunity to see fish and wildlife in the bay.