Summary
Kayaking and Hiking at Chinaman’s Hat Island in Oahu, Hawaii
An all-time favorite memory of Oahu, Hawaii is the day we got some friends together and kayaked out to the iconic Chinaman’s Hat Island (also known as Mokoli’i or Mokolii Island), and then did an epic hike and barbecue on the beach. We spent almost the whole day kayaking, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun and nature. It was legendary stuff, making me miss Hawaii every time I think about it.
What Is Chinaman’s Hat?
The Chinaman’s Hat Island, also called Mokolii Island, is a unique mini island that resembles a traditional Asian rice farming hat. Legend says this iconic hat belongs to a giant resting beneath the water, contributing to its fame on souvenir postcards and calendars. Chinaman’s Hat is located on the east side of Oahu near Kualoa Regional Park, and the best way to reach the island is by kayak, which you can rent online.
Kayak Trip To Chinaman’s Hat Island
On the day of our visit to Mokoli’i Island, we loaded up three kayaks with five people, a drone, a small bag of charcoal, a cooler of meat, and a portable grill, setting off into the wild blue yonder.
To protect our phones, drone, and other water-sensitive possessions, I brought a 30 liter Earth Pak dry bag, which fit the bill perfectly. They also make 10, 20, and 40 liter versions of this bag. It’s essential to bring at least one dry bag for this adventure since there were times we almost tipped our kayaks!
As the crow flies, the distance from Kualoa beach to Chinaman’s Hat is less than half a mile. Our kayak journey was straightforward and took about 30 minutes, although it felt longer as we tried desperately to keep our kayaks afloat. Landing on the island went smoothly; however, be cautious as the rocks can be slippery. We secured our kayaks on the rocks to prevent them from floating away.
With only a pair of palm trees offering some shade, remember to bring essentials like a hat, drinking water, and sunscreen. Water shoes are also beneficial, as the rocky surface can be challenging, but you can discover a small hidden beach on the north side of the island where you can relax on patches of dirt and white sand.
Now, standing on the outer brim of Chinaman’s Hat, we felt exhilarated!
Next, we needed to cook lunch. We brought just enough meat and charcoal to sizzle up a feast. Chef Tony got the grill started while the others snorkeled near the shore, and I flew my DJI Mavic Drone for aerial views of Mokoli’i island.
What unfolded over the next hour was a feast that could easily claim a Guinness World Record for the most scenic BBQ ever. These types of adventures are what make Hawaii special.
Chinamans Hat Hike
After lunch, our next goal was to hike to the top of Chinaman’s Hat. We gathered our belongings and paddled our kayaks to the front (southwest side) of the island, where the trail to the top begins. The hike is a rocky scramble that takes about 20 minutes, rewarding you with breathtaking views of Oahu’s windward side. However, the trail can be steep and challenging, so wear suitable shoes. It’s crucial to be cautious as accidents can happen; there have been incidents on this hike.
Three of us reached the summit safely and were rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the windward coast of Oahu. To the left, we could see Kaneohe Bay stretching into the distance, and to the right, the majestic Ko’olau mountains where Jurassic Park was filmed.
Occasionally, you might spot Hawaiian monk seals or sea turtles here, but this time, we were alone with our views. The scenic bliss was captivating, yet we needed to return the kayaks, thus we had to leave.
Overall, the trip to Chinaman’s Hat was undoubtedly one of the most memorable days I spent in Hawaii, and remains one of my favorite travel experiences.
How To Get To Chinaman’s Hat (Mokolii Island)
Mokoli’i Island (Chinaman’s Hat) is situated on the east coast of Oahu, less than half a mile from the nearest beach at Kualoa Regional Park. The kayak trip takes about 30 minutes one way, and the hike to the top takes under 20 minutes. While it’s also possible to swim to the island or wade at low tide, caution is essential to avoid becoming stranded during high tide.
Kayak Rentals In Oahu Hawaii
Oahu offers many great kayak rental options on the windward side:
- Ocean Adventure – Full Day Oahu Self-Guided KAYAK Adventure
- Single Person Oahu Kayak Rental – Full Day
- Chinaman’s Hat Self-Guided Kayak Tour
- Stand Up or Kayak – Mokoli’i Island with Transportation
Additionally, consider other companies like Active Oahu, Kailua Beach Adventures, or Windward Watersports, all based in Kailua.
Safety Tips For Chinaman’s Hat Island
Always bring life jackets and water shoes to Mokoli’i Island, regardless of how you get there. There have been unfortunate accidents at Chinaman’s Hat over the years. A man drowned in 1982 while rescuing several children, and two U.S. Army soldiers sadly drowned in 2011 near the island.
It’s also wise to lock your vehicle at the beach park and avoid leaving valuables in sight due to frequent car break-ins on Oahu, including at Kualoa Regional Park. Remember the parking lot gate closes at 8 PM, so plan accordingly to avoid getting locked in.
Be sure to pack out any waste you bring in. During our visit, we cleaned up and noticed no litter on Mokoli’i Island, so let’s keep it that way!
Keep these safety tips in mind, and you’ll have an enjoyable trip. After all, this is Hawaii—be safe and have fun!
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