Mokulua Islands Self Guided Kayak Adventure

Kayaking to Kailua’s Twin Islands: A Thrilling Adventure

Just off the shores of the picturesque Lanikai Beach sit the breathtaking Mokulua Islands, also known as Kailua’s Twin Islands. While they make for a stunning view from the beach, the real magic happens when you paddle out and experience them up close. Kayaking to the islands provides a one-of-a-kind adventure where you can explore hidden tide pools, visit the famous Queen’s Bath, and soak in panoramic views of Oahu’s windward coast. In this guide we will cover everything you need to know before heading out on an unforgettable adventure to the Mokulua Islands.

people kayaking to the Mokulua Islands with kayak rentals from Active Oahu

Transporting Your Kayak Rentals

When you arrive at our adventure hub, our friendly adventure guides will help you get all the gear you need for your day out on the water. We offer two options for transporting your kayak to the beach:

Using a Vehicle: we will provide everything you need to transport your kayak on top of your vehicle including foam pads or roof racks and straps. Our guides will show you how to load and unload all of your gear with ease to make the process quick and hassle-free so that you can spend more time out exploring on the water.
Using Our Electric Bike Rentals: No vehicle? No problem! Using our e-bikes equipped with kayak trailers is a convenient and thrilling way to get your rentals to the beach. Avoid battling for a parking space and enjoy a scenic ride through Kailua Town as you safely and securely transport your kayak rental.

What to Expect

You’ll begin by navigating over to Kailua Beach Park and parking your vehicle or locking up your e-bikes. From there, you will carry your kayaks over Ka’elepulu Canal, located to the right of the parking lot. Begin your journey by entering the canal for a brief paddle to get to the beach. The canal’s calm waters are the perfect place to practice paddling and build your confidence before you head out to the ocean! When you’re ready, it’s just a brief paddle to where the canal meets Kailua beach. From there, drag your kayak over the sand and into the ocean waters. It is easiest to board the kayaks if you walk them out until you are waist deep and then hop in–that way you won’t be battling the waves as much.
From there, you begin the paddle out to the Mokulua Islands, which takes about an hour. As you paddle, stay in the shallows between the shoreline and the reef until you are in front of the Mokulua Islands. You will land on the sandy shore facing Lanikai Beach and secure your kayak out of the water. It is only permitted for visitors to land on Mokulua Nui, the larger of the two islands.

people carry a kayak rental into the water at Kailua Beach

Enjoying the Islands

Once you arrive on the Island, take a look around! The Mokulua Islands are a seabird sanctuary, and there is lots to explore! Check out the hidden tidepools with sea creatures lying inside, walk the perimeter of the island and take in the stunning views, and even take a dip in the famous “Queen’s Bath” located on the backside of the island. As you explore you’ll be treated to views of Oahu’s windward coast line and the turquoise waters and white powder-soft sand of Lanikai Beach. You can even snorkel off the shore of the island and discover tropical fish, reef, and if you’re lucky you may even spot sea turtles gliding by!
The Mokulua Islands are a wildlife animal sanctuary. Visiting the islands allows you to appreciate these animals and help preserve them. Because of this, wildlife sanctuary permits are required when landing on Mokulua Nui, which we include in your rental so that you don’t have to worry about getting them on your own. The Mokulua Islands are known for housing resting Monk Seals and seabirds. Help respect these animals by staying at least 50 feet from Monk Seals and do not attempt to touch or feed them. These large animals can be dangerous if approached.

Concluding the Adventure

Once you have finished adventuring on the island, launch your kayak back into the ocean and take the same course you paddled on the way to the islands. After making your way back through the canal and over to your vehicle or bikes, load up all the gear and head back to our adventure hub where our friendly guides will help you unload the gear before you head out on your next adventure!

Things to Do After

There are plenty of ways to continue your adventure in Kailua! Check out some of our favorites:

Grab a bite to eat at Kono’s which is known for it’s mouthwatering Kalua Pork dishes and milkshakes, Sunrise Shack for acai bowls and smoothies, or Bob’s Pizzeria for Boston-Style Pizza
Hike to the Lanikai Pillboxes Lanikai Pillbox Hike Adventure Guide
Bodyboard at Kalama Beach Kalama Beach Bodyboarding Adventure