Kayaking at Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii)

Photo by Jesse Loiterton

Kayaking to Chinaman's Hat is a great way to explore the beautiful waters and scenery of Oahu, Hawaii. Here are the steps to kayak to Chinaman's Hat:

1. Rent a Kayak: The first step to kayaking to Chinaman's Hat is to rent a kayak from a local rental shop. You can choose from single or tandem kayaks, depending on your preference and skill level. If you don't have a vehicle or equipment to transport a kayak or don't want any extra hassle from transporting it yourself. The Salty Kayaks Hawaii offer a kayak rental with free-delivery service for a more convenient adventure ( saltykayakshawaii.com to book a kayak or a self-guided tour )

2. Get Equipped: Once you have rented a kayak, it's essential to wear appropriate gear, such as a life jacket, sunscreen, hat, and water shoes. You may also want to bring a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry. If you do not have a dry bag, you can rent one from Salty Kayaks Hawaii.

3. Launch Your Kayak: Head to the launch site (Kualoa Regional Park), which is usually a beach or a dock. Make sure you launch your kayak from a safe spot and keep an eye out for any boats or swimmers.

4. Paddle to Chinaman's Hat: From the launch site, start paddling towards Chinaman's Hat. Depending on the distance and conditions, it may take 15-30 minutes to reach the island. Make sure to pace yourself and take breaks if needed.

5. Explore Chinaman's Hat: Once you reach Chinaman's Hat, you can land on the island's sandy beach, explore the island's natural beauty, and enjoy a picnic lunch. You can also hike, swim or snorkel around the island to spot marine life, such as sea turtles and tropical fish. (You can add a snorkel set when you book a kayak rental with Salty Kayaks Hawaii)

6. Return to the Launch Site (Kualoa Regional Park) : After exploring Chinaman's Hat, it's time to paddle back to the launch site. Remember to keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions and adjust your paddling accordingly.

Kayaking to Chinaman's Hat is a fun and memorable experience, but it's important to follow safety guidelines, wear appropriate gear, and respect the natural environment. If you're new to kayaking or prefer a guided tour, consider booking with Salty Kayaks Hawaii who can provide safety instructions, paddling guidance, and local knowledge.