Ready to paddle to Chinaman's Hat? We make it easy. Rent a tandem kayak from our Kailua storefront, drive 35 minutes north to Kualoa Regional Park, and launch yourself into one of Oahu's most iconic adventures. This is a self-guided experience — you set your own pace, choose your own route, and explore on your terms.
What's Included in Your Rental
Tandem kayak — stable, ocean-ready, with comfortable seat backs
Life vests (PFDs) — for every person in your group
Paddles — sized to your height
Dry bags — keep your phone, wallet, and snacks dry
Foam roof pads and straps — fits any 4-door vehicle
Safety equipment — whistle and basic safety gear
Personal on-site instruction — kayaking basics, safety demo, route description, and directions to Kualoa
Pricing
Visitor rate: $82 per person
Kamaʻaina / Military rate: $70 per person
Duration: 4 hours (plenty of time for paddling, hiking, and exploring)
Group discount: 15% off for groups of 4 or more — use code 15OFFGROUPS at checkout
How It Works
Book online — Select your date and time on our real-time availability calendar
Check in at our Kailua shop — 134B Hamakua Dr, Kailua. We'll help you load the kayak onto your car with foam pads and straps
Sign a waiver — Quick liability waiver required for all participants
Get your lesson — We'll walk you through kayaking technique, safety, the route, and tide timing
Drive to Kualoa — 35 minutes north through Kaneohe (we'll give you directions)
Launch and explore — Paddle 500 yards to Mokoliʻi, hike the island, and enjoy the views
Return the gear — Bring the kayak back to our shop by closing time
Why Rent From Active Oahu?
Local, family-owned — We've been running tours on Oahu since 2011
Top-rated — 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp
All gear included — No hidden fees or surprise charges
Personal instruction — We don't just hand you a kayak; we make sure you're confident and safe
Convenient location — Our Kailua shop is on the way to Kualoa from Waikiki and Honolulu
Important Info
Age recommendation: 12+ (younger children may join in calm conditions)
Skill level: Beginner-friendly — suitable for first-time ocean kayakers in good conditions
Best time to go: Morning (calmest water, best light, emptier parking)
Vehicle requirement: 4-door car or SUV with roof access (we provide foam pads and straps)
Cancellation: Flexible policy — re-schedule or full refund if we cancel due to weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, we recommend booking ahead, especially in summer and on weekends. Use our real-time calendar to check availability and secure your spot.
What if I've never kayaked before?
No problem. The paddle to Chinaman's Hat is one of the safest on Oahu, and we'll give you a thorough lesson before you head out. The water is shallow, protected by a reef, and the crossing is only 500 yards.
Can I take the kayak somewhere else?
Your rental is for the Chinaman's Hat route, but we also rent kayaks for Kailua Bay and the Mokes. Let us know what you're planning and we'll set you up.
What if the weather turns bad?
We monitor conditions closely. If we need to cancel due to high winds or storms, we'll let you know as soon as possible and offer a full refund or re-schedule.
Book Your Chinaman's Hat Kayak Rental
Check real-time availability and secure your spot. Pick up in Kailua, drive to Kualoa, and paddle to Oahu's most iconic offshore island.