What to Know Before Kayaking to the Mokes in Kailua (O’ahu)

Are you looking to do a bit of kayaking to the Mokes? This guide discusses what to know before you go kayaking in Kailua!

For years, kayaking to the Mokulua Islands (Nā Mokulua) had been on my list of things to do, but I had never had the opportunity to do it during my trips to O’ahu. However, I was determined to make it happen during my most recent visit.

In this guide, you will find all the information you need to know before embarking on your own kayaking trip to the Mokes, such as how to book the trip, the necessary items to bring, and what you can expect during the journey.

I also discuss how exactly to do the trip and whether it is best to go on a guided tour (like I did!) or on a self-guided trip.

What are the Mokes (Mokulua Islands)?

The Mokulua Islands (Nā Mokulua), known as the Mokes, are two islands situated close to each other, and they are named Moku Nui and Moku Iki.

The Mokes are situated off the coast of Kailua, which is a beautiful beach community near Honolulu. The term Nā Mokulua, which is the Hawaiian name for the islands, translates to “the two islands”.

These islands are visible from Lanikai Beach, and are easily the symbol of the beach and community (you can see them so easily from the shore!).

Moku Nui is the bigger of the two islands and is located 0.75 miles away from the Lanikai coast, and around 2–2.5 miles away from the coast of Kailua. A permit is needed to visit Moku Nui, as it’s the only one that’s open to visitors.

The state of Hawaii designates both Moku Nui and Moku Iki islands as sanctuaries for seabirds, which means that pets and dogs are not allowed to accompany visitors.

Visitors are only allowed to walk on the marked paths on the island since it is a seabird nesting habitat.

How to Reach the Mokes

The Mokes have limited accessibility, and some individuals opt for standup paddleboards or kayaks to reach the islands. I recommend taking the kayaking tour, as it is a renowned activity in Hawaii, and it is the one that I took and loved!

However, in regards to kayaking, you can choose to visit the Mokes independently or through a tour. I chose a guided tour, and I am happy with my decision for reasons that I will explain below.

Here are the two options available by kayak to the Mokes (keep in mind I opted for a guided one):

1. Kayak to the Mokes (Guided Tour)

Guided/Self-Guided: guided
Duration: 5-6 hours
Physical Ability: moderate
Season: year-round (can be canceled due to bad weather)
Meeting Point: 130 Kailua Rd. in Kailua
➡️ BOOK HERE

While it is possible to kayak to the Mokes on your own, I suggest taking a guided tour if you lack kayaking expertise or have never been sea kayaking before (it is so different than kayaking in a river or lake).

The tour usually lasts for five to six hours. Even though I have kayaked multiple times, I am not an expert. I think that going with an expert guide is the best choice if you are not very familiar with the route or sea kayaking. It is also a great choice for those who are not extremely in shape or at a higher fitness level.

I went on a guided tour to the Mokes with Kailua Beach Adventures, whose office is at 130 Kailua Road. The tour fee included a permit, a packed lunch and drinks, all the necessary equipment (such as kayaks and a dry bag), and a guide.

My group was small, consisting of only seven people (not counting the guide), but it can accommodate up to 8 people. Most people usually kayak in a 2-person kayak, but I went on my own.

After receiving a brief safety briefing, you will need to transport your kayak to the launch at Kailua Beach Park, which may be slightly difficult if you are alone and not strong. However, the crew was helpful and assisted me in carrying the kayak to the launch site. It was about a 10-minute walk.

It took us about an hour to kayak out to the Mokes, but we stopped to take plenty of photos along the way. The sea was very calm and it was an easy journey on the day that I went, however, it can be somewhat challenging to land on Moku Nui, which is why I think a guided tour is really helpful!

The guide will help you come ashore and you need to allow the water to push you. The area between the two islands behaves like a pinball machine, so you need to hit it at the right time to end up on the shore.

Returning to the starting point was more difficult than getting there as I got badly burnt by the sun on my excursion. It was also harder because the ‘pinball’ area was at the beginning instead of the end. I started to feel seasick due to the heat and dehydration, but fortunately, our kayaking instructor was nearby in case I needed help.

He had a Sprite ready for anyone who felt seasick and even tossed one into my kayak!

2. Kailua Kayak Rental (Self-Guided to the Mokes)

Guided/Self-Guided: Self-guided
Duration: 5-6 hours
Physical Ability: moderate
Season: year-round (can be canceled due to bad weather)
Meeting Point: 130 Kailua Rd. in Kailua
➡️ BOOK HERE

If you are an experienced kayaker and want to visit the Mokes without a guide, Kailua Beach Adventures offers self-guided options with all necessary gear, a packed lunch, and a Moku Nui permit.

The company also provides some instructions for getting there. I saw many people renting kayaks and doing this on their own and I would likely do it this way the next time I go.

The rental costs around $75 less than the guided tour and is an ideal option for those who feel confident in exploring the Mokes independently.

How long does it take to kayak to the Mokes?

The Mokes are located approximately 0.75 miles from Lanikai Beach, but kayakers will launch from Kailua, making the trip around 2-2.5 miles each way. With the return trip factored in, you will do about 5 miles of kayaking.

The guided tour takes approximately 5.5 hours, including a short briefing and a 15-minute trip to the launch.

The journey to the Mokes takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and you will have around 2 hours on the island before returning.

In the event of bad weather or rougher seas, the journey may take longer, and tours will be canceled or rescheduled with a refund.

Kayak Launch Point

To reach the kayak launch area, you should head to Kailua Beach Park located behind Kalapawai Market. Follow a path across a parking lot and cross a small bridge to reach the launch area.

A guide will be available there to assist with the launch, and the entire process is well-organized and straightforward. If you are doing a guided tour, you’ll have someone take you out there and assist.

Things to Do on Moku Nui

There are several things to do on Moku Nui, even though it is a small island. One of the top things to do includes visiting the Queen’s Bath, which is a shallow saltwater pool around 8 feet deep.

The pool is said to have spiritual healing powers and was once used by Hawaiian royalty. You can take pictures and hang out around the area before going back to the beach. Many of the people on my tour went in for some cool photo opportunities!

You can also spot wildlife such as seabirds, turtles, and monk seals. However, you must keep a distance from the animals to protect them! We only saw turtles while kayaking and nothing came to shore when there. Humpback whales may also be visible in the winter months.

The kayaking tour also provides a light lunch which includes a turkey sandwich and drinks, but vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.

Should you kayak to the Mokes with Kailua Beach Adventures? 

If you have an average fitness level, you will be able to handle the tour and will likely enjoy it! I have moderate fitness but did well on the tour until getting sunburnt.

My sister also did the tour on a different occasion and loved it (although she is in much better shape than me)!

FAQ About Kayaking to the Mokes

Are there any facilities or bathrooms on Moku Nui? No, there aren’t any on the small island, so you have to stick to the main paths.

What should I pack for a Kailua kayaking tour? I suggest bringing reef-safe sunscreen and reapplying it often, a water bottle (in addition to the one provided), a UV shirt if you have sensitive skin, sunglasses that you don’t mind getting salty, a bathing suit, a waterproof phone case, and a GoPro or DJI Action.

I also recommend sea bands or something similar if you’re prone to seasickness. I had a bit of trouble on the way back, but I didn’t take good care of myself. You wouldn’t think about getting seasick in a kayak, but it can definitely happen with the waves!

Can you visit Moku Iki? No, it is completely off-limits. You can only visit Moku Nui.

How do you get to Kailua? Kailua is easy to reach from Honolulu by rental car, or public bus, or you can even take a taxi. I find that taking an Uber in Hawaii is relatively painless, but it could be a pricey option for budget travelers.

Any other advice? One thing that made me nervous was the shallow coral on the way to Moku Nui. It felt like we were going to hit it, but we managed to avoid it. Just be cautious and avoid getting too close. And keep an eye out for sea turtles – I saw a lot of them!

Also, I suggest trying The Sunrise Shack, a fantastic cafe located next to Kailua Beach Adventures, for a delicious acai or superfood bowl. It’s one of my favorite cafes on the island, and it kept me energized for most of the day!

Booking Your Kailua Kayak Trip

I was so excited about this tour that I booked it a couple of weeks in advance through Viator.

It’s important to note that these tours are very popular and do fill up quickly, especially since you can’t visit the Mokes without a permit. Be sure to book as early as you can to secure a spot.

I hope you enjoy your Kailua kayaking tour and please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions about taking one of these tours!