Chinaman’s Hat Kayak Adventure
Paddle, explore, and conquer. Your next adventure starts at Chinaman’s Hat! Combining the thrill of ocean kayaking with a short hike with amazing panoramic views, our self-guided tour to Mokoli’i, more commonly referred to as Chinaman’s Hat, is one of the best ways to explore Oahu! Chinaman’s Hat is a picture-perfect island off of Oahu’s windward coast that you can paddle to and explore. At Active Oahu, we will provide everything you need to make some of your best memories of Oahu! With our self-guided tour, you’ll be free to paddle at your own pace and take in the beautiful scenery of Kualoa Regional Park and Chinaman’s Hat. Paddling out to Chinaman’s Hat is a must-do for any Oahu Itinerary!
Beginning the Adventure
Your adventure kicks off at our storefront in Kailua, where our adventure guides will check you in and get you geared up with everything you need to have an epic day out on the water. Our guides make the process simple and stress-free, so you can spend more time enjoying every moment of your island experience. We will walk you through how to safely and easily transport your kayaks using your vehicle and provide all the equipment you need to make loading and unloading hassle-free. We will also provide you with a dry bag for your valuables, life jackets, a map of the route, and give you some tips for paddling out to the island and hiking to the summit. If you need any beach essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, snacks, etc., they will be available for purchase at our store when you arrive.
Arriving and Exploring at Chinaman’s Hat
Once all the gear is loaded into your vehicle, it’s time to hit the road and begin your adventure! You’ll start by navigating to Kualoa Regional Park–about a 30 minute drive from our storefront. As you cruise up the coast towards the North Shore, you’ll be treated with stunning ocean views. When you arrive, park in the designated lot and unload your gear. You’ll carry the kayaks down to the beach and launch straight into the ocean. The water is typically pretty calm at Chinaman’s Hat, although weather can affect conditions so be sure to assess the wind and water conditions before beginning. After launching into the ocean, paddle perpendicular to any oncoming waves and get into deeper water before heading over to the island. Paddling is easier once you get out of the shallows into deeper water. As you paddle, enjoy the crystal-clear water and take in the views around you! Paddle at your own pace and feel free to take your time as you relax and enjoy the experience. Paddling out to the island typically takes 30-40 minutes depending on your pace.
As you approach the island, prepare for landing! The safest place to land is on the west side of the island, closest to the beach park. Depending on the season it can become dangerous to paddle around the island to the backside due to the waves. After landing, make sure to pull the kayaks up out of the water to avoid losing them in a passing wave or rising tide. You can pull them up onto the rock shelves if needed. Now that you’ve reached the island, it’s time to explore! You can walk around the circumference of the island or if you’re feeling adventurous, make the climb to the top for stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. If you are planning to hike to the top, we recommend you bring athletic shoes, as the climb is steep and rocky. Although the hike takes only 15 minutes, it can be strenuous and individuals should exercise caution. The island also serves as a seabird nesting ground, so please respect the wildlife and clean up any trash to help us preserve the island!
Concluding the Adventure
After you finish exploring the island, make your way back to your kayaks. Once again, launch into the ocean and paddle back towards the park. The paddle back will be easier thanks to the winds heading toward the park. When you reach the shore, carry the kayaks back to your vehicle and load everything back up. Make your way back to our storefront in Kailua where our adventure guides will help unload all the gear. Our storefront has bathrooms as well as an outdoor shower you can use. Our guides will be happy to provide recommendations on the best food spots in town or activities to do next, and then you’ll be off on your next adventure!
What to Do Next
Start planning your adventure to experience Chinaman’s Hat for yourself! At Active Oahu we make it effortless to rent and transport kayaks and paddleboards. Click this link to make your booking today! https://activeoahutours.com/rentals/oahu-tandem-kayak-rentals/
Amazing Kayaking Experience
Gorgeous Views
