Chinaman’s Hat Kayak Rentals

Choose us when you are looking for Chinaman’s Hat kayak rentals. Experience the beauty of Oahu’s windward coast and one of its signature islets, Mokolii (Chinaman’s Hat), from the water, on its shores and, if you are ultra adventurous, from its peak. It’s a true one-of-a-kind Oahu adventure. We will help you experience the whole package with our Oahu kayak rental services. Our shop is a quick 25-minute Hop over from Honolulu. We’ll help you get the gear safely mounted on your vehicle and then you’ll be on your way to the most accessible kayaking adventure on Oahu.

Not ready to book? Read more below or check out our Oahu rental services and our Oahu tandem kayak rentals

What it’s like to Paddle & Hike Chinaman’s Hat

In our opinion kayaking and hiking Chianaman’s hat is one of the best adventure experiences on the island. Here are 3 reasons why kayaking and hiking Chinaman’s hat is one of the beast Oahu adventures:

1. Kayaking to Chinaman’s hat is accessible. You can pick up your kayaks from our shop on your way up from Honolulu. from there it’s just 35 minutes more to drive to Kualoa Regional Park where you can launch the kayaks from the beach park.
2. Kayaking and Hiking Chinaman’s hat is challenging (but not too challenging). It is only about a 25-minute paddle to get to the islet and a 4-hour round trip total from the rental pickup to rental return. The bike is steep and rocky, but short. You’ll have plenty of time out in the island. Reserve our full day option if you are bringing lunch and just want to hang out longer on Chinaman’s hat Island.
3. The views from Chianamn’s Hat are epic. It’s no wonder that so many movies are filmed along this coastline. It’s amazing! You’ve just got to experience it for yourself.

Rent a Kayak and Paddle to Mokolii

With our Chinaman’s Hat kayak rentals, you can explore one of Oahu’s signature landmarks and film set to numerous movies such as Jurassic Park, Battleship and 50 First Dates. You’ll paddle across the crystal clear waters and glimpse some of the offshore reefs and maybe a sea turtle or two along the way while paddling in your ocean kayak to Chinaman’s Hat. The water is only about 10-12ft deep at its deepest point and the whole area is protected by the Kaneohe Bay Barrier Reef.

Once there you’ll land on a rocky and sandy inlet, then get ready to check out the offshore islet of Mokolii. There are trails around the circumference as well as several paths that head straight to the top. These are not official trails, but the area is included as part of Kualoa Regional Park, a very large coastal park managed by the City and County of Honolulu.

Hiking Chinaman’s Hat

There are 2 options when it comes to hiking Chinaman’s hat:

1. Go around the circumference of Mokolii – We suggest this safer option
2. Hike up higher to get a better view and all the way to the top if you are comfortable with risks*

*Going all the way to the top of Mokoli’i is dangerous. Only do it if you are experienced and willing to take responsibility for your choices.

Hiking Around Mokolii

Hiking around Chinaman’s hat is much easier than going straight to the top, but each has plenty of rocks and will require you to put on some athletic shoes or maybe you already have barefoot skills and want to test your limits (the rocks get hot after 11am).

The backside of Mokolii has some tide pools and a nice mini inlet where you can sometimes land your kayak, but only on super calm glassy days.

Hiking up Mokolii

Hiking up the islet is also dangerous. So, be responsible, watch your footing, hold on tight, and be safe. You are required to sign liability waivers before using any of our equipment, so it’s up to you to be conscious of your limits.

The trail up to the top of Mokolii is steep, but not too long. It’s rocky and sometimes slippery but plenty doable if you are looking for great views of the windward coast. You don’t have to hike all the way to the top to get great views from Chinaman’s Hat.

Views from the Top of Mokolii

Finally, after a tricky bit of climbing, you can get to the top of Chinaman’s hat with a panoramic view of the East side of Oahu (Windward Oahu). No matter which of the routes you choose, you’ll have to do some bouldering to get to the top. Please only climb to the top if you are experienced in bouldering. From the peak of Mokolii, you might recognize the mountains from Jurassic Park or some other epic movie backdrop. Don’t forget to feel the amazing breeze on the top. You usually won’t feel any wind until you crest to the top or go around to the other side of the island so it will be refreshing when you feel it again. After sweating to hike all the way up, just imagine stepping up to the top with that fresh ocean breeze washing over you. Totally worth it. Here are some pictures of the view at the top of Mokolii:

Furthermore, If these photos didn’t do their job at inspiring you to rent a kayak and paddle away, check out these videos. They are calculated to get you pumped to head out here and take advantage of our Chinaman’s Hat kayak rentals:

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Not ready to book? Read more below or check out our Oahu rental services and our Oahu tandem kayak rentals