Laie Bay & Goat Island Kayaking Guide
Paddle to Mokuauia — Oahu's Hidden Bird Sanctuary
Mokuauia (Goat Island) is a 13-acre island just off Laie Bay on Oahu's North Shore. This protected seabird sanctuary offers one of Oahu's most peaceful and accessible kayak trips — a short paddle across shallow, calm waters that are ideal for beginners and families.
How It Works — Pick Up & Go
1. Check in at our Kailua shop (134B Hamakua Dr). We'll help load your vehicle with our foam pads or rigid racks — fits any 4-door car.
2. Drive yourself to the launch point. Laie Bay Beach Park is about a 45-minute scenic drive up Oahu's windward coast.
3. Return the gear by closing time. No delivery, no guides — just you and the adventure.
Why Kayak to Goat Island?
Goat Island (Mokuauia) is one of Oahu's best-kept secrets. Unlike the busier Mokulua Islands, Mokuauia offers uncrowded exploration on a designated Hawaiian seabird sanctuary. The waters surrounding the island are protected by a fringing reef, making the paddle exceptionally calm — perfect for kayakers of all experience levels.
The island itself features a sandy beach on its western shore, fascinating tide pools along the rocky edges, and excellent snorkeling around the surrounding reef. The island's interior is a nesting ground for wedge-tailed shearwaters and other native seabirds, so visitors are asked to stay on the beach and perimeter trails.
Launch Directions — Laie Bay Beach Park
Your launch point is Laie Bay Beach Park (also known as Hukilau Beach Park), located at the end of Laie Beach Road. GPS coordinates: 21.6469° N, 157.9281° W. Look for the public parking lot near the boat ramp — it's free and typically has ample space.
From the parking area, carry your kayak to the small boat ramp or the sandy beach just south of it. Launch during mid to high tide for the easiest entry — at low tide the reef can become exposed, making the first 50 yards a walk across shallow coral.
What to Expect on the Paddle
- Paddle distance: ~400 yards one way from the boat ramp
- Time: 15–20 minutes each way
- Best launch: Laie Bay Beach Park boat ramp area
- Island exploration: 1–2 hours for beach, tide pools, and snorkeling
Pro tip: Check the tide chart before you go. The reef shelf between Laie Bay and Goat Island becomes very shallow at low tide. Plan your paddle for mid-to-high tide, and aim to return before the tide drops too low to avoid dragging your kayak across the reef.
Once on the island, you can explore the sandy beach, wade through tide pools teeming with small fish and invertebrates, and snorkel the reef edge where you'll find coral heads and colorful reef fish. Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen — Hawaii's reef ecosystems are fragile.
Wildlife & Conservation
Mokuauia is a state-designated seabird sanctuary managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The island hosts nesting colonies of wedge-tailed shearwaters ('ua'u kani) and is a regular haul-out site for Hawaiian monk seals — one of the world's most endangered seal species.
Important guidelines:
- Stay on the beach and perimeter. The island interior is off-limits to protect nesting birds.
- Keep 50+ feet from monk seals. If you see a seal hauled out on the beach, observe from a respectful distance — it's the law.
- No dogs, no drones. Both can disturb nesting seabirds and are prohibited on the island.
- Pack it in, pack it out. There are no facilities on the island — take all trash with you.
Gear You Need — What's Included in Your Rental
When you pick up your kayak rental from our Kailua shop, you'll receive everything needed for a safe and comfortable trip:
- Tandem sit-on-top ocean kayak — stable and easy to paddle
- USCG-approved life vests for each paddler
- Paddles and adjustable seat backs
- Dry bags to keep phones, keys, and snacks protected
- Foam pads and tie-down straps for vehicle transport
- Safety whistle and rescue rope
What to bring on your own: reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with strap, water shoes or reef booties (the coral can be sharp), drinking water (at least 1 liter per person), snacks, and a waterproof camera. We recommend wearing a rash guard or lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection.
Safety Tips for Laie Bay Paddling
- Wind conditions: Laie Bay is generally calm in the morning. Trade winds typically pick up by early afternoon — we recommend launching before 10:00 AM for the smoothest conditions.
- Reef shoes are essential. The reef shelf is sharp — never walk barefoot on exposed coral. Water shoes or sturdy reef booties protect your feet both in the water and on the island's rocky sections.
- Sun protection is critical. The Hawaiian sun reflects off the water, doubling your UV exposure. Wear reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses.
- Know your limits. While this is one of Oahu's most beginner-friendly ocean kayak trips, always stay with your kayak, watch for changing conditions, and turn back if the wind picks up unexpectedly.
- Check conditions before launching. Call our shop at (808) 498-1894 if you have any questions about current wind, tide, or swell conditions.
Ready to Paddle to Goat Island?
Laie Bay and Goat Island offer one of the most serene and accessible kayaking experiences on Oahu. Whether you're a first-time kayaker or an experienced paddler looking for a quiet escape, the short paddle to Mokuauia delivers incredible wildlife viewing, fantastic snorkeling, and postcard-worthy views of the North Shore coastline.
Pick up your kayak rental at our Kailua shop and drive yourself to Laie Bay Beach Park — it's one of the most rewarding self-guided adventures on the island. Our team will get you set up with top-quality gear, a thorough orientation, and all the local tips you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
