Mokulua Islands Hawaii
Iconic twin islets off Oahu's coast, offering a wildlife sanctuary, kayaking, snorkeling, and breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Mokulua Islands Hawaii
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic twin islets off Oahu's coast, offering a wildlife sanctuary, kayaking, snorkeling, and breathtaking views.
"A lovely kayak or paddle from Lanikai beach, with opportunities to see numerous turtles and monk seals."
🎯 Kayak Rental Tips
Book kayak rentals in advance, especially for guided tours. Consider Kailua Beach Adventures.
⚠️ Secure Your Kayak!
Pull kayaks far up the beach to prevent them from floating away with waves.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twin Island Kayak Adventure
From Lanikai Beach
Paddle to these iconic islets, a seabird sanctuary with clear waters and stunning views.
+1
Lanikai Pillbox Hike Views
Kaiwa Ridge Trail
Hike for panoramic vistas of the Mokulua Islands, Lanikai, and Kailua beaches.
+1
Wildlife Encounters
Around the Mokulua Islands
Spot sea turtles and monk seals during your kayak trip or while snorkeling.
Sunrise and Moonrise Spectacle
Overlooking the Mokulua Islands
Witness breathtaking sunrises and magical moonrises behind the Mokes.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kayak to the Mokes: Plan Ahead
Respect the Sanctuary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Kayak Rental Tips
Book kayak rentals in advance, especially for guided tours. Consider Kailua Beach Adventures.
⚠️ Secure Your Kayak!
Pull kayaks far up the beach to prevent them from floating away with waves.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Essential
Great snorkeling spots on the way; bring your own gear or rent it. +1
💧 Pack a Dry Bag
Essential for keeping your phone, snacks, and essentials dry during the paddle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Kayak Rental Tips
Book kayak rentals in advance, especially for guided tours. Consider Kailua Beach Adventures.
⚠️ Secure Your Kayak!
Pull kayaks far up the beach to prevent them from floating away with waves.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Essential
Great snorkeling spots on the way; bring your own gear or rent it. +1
💧 Pack a Dry Bag
Essential for keeping your phone, snacks, and essentials dry during the paddle.
🚫 No Landings on Sundays
Remember that landings are prohibited on Sundays due to sanctuary rules.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe turtles and seals from a distance; do not disturb them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mokulua Islands as a stunning natural paradise, perfect for kayaking and wildlife viewing. The journey offers chances to see turtles and seals, and the views from the Lanikai Pillbox hike are breathtaking. However, some find the kayaking challenging, and crowds can detract from the experience. Proper preparation and respect for the sanctuary are key.
"This is a terrible place -- don't come here! Hopefully that scared off some folks, because this place has gotten far too popular. It's a lovely kayak or paddle from Lanikai beach. Because we slowed down, we saw numerous turtles and two monk seals along the way. Don't just paddle furiously to the island: stop and look around. Once you're there, make sure to pull your kayak up far enough: it regularly happens that people's kayaks float away with a wave. Also, do NOT enter or exit where the waves connect (bang into each other) at the beach: someone once broke their ankle because their kayak slammed into them when it flipped over. Before you beach, look to make sure it's safe. Also, make sure to bring a dry bag so that you can take any kind of food and drink to enjoy while you're there. Just pack it up when you leave."
Ellen Moore
"World famous islands off pristine Kailua Bay beach. Magnificent sun and moon rises over ‘gorilla’ island. No parking in Lanikai so park and swim in huge and pristine Kailua Bay where there is a park, bathrooms, water sports of kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding."
Dr. Jan West
"This Island is an amazing sanctuary for seabirds and monk seals! Kayaking there requires moderate fitness level and depending on the day, experience navigating waves. We provide rentals, weather information, proper routes and required permits for landing. No landings on Sundays. Snorkeling is good, sea turtles are common."
Kailua Beach Adventures
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach the Mokulua Islands is by kayaking from Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach. Kailua Beach Adventures offers rentals and guided tours. Be prepared for a moderate paddle, and check weather conditions. Parking in Lanikai is difficult, so many opt to park and access Kailua Bay.
The kayak trip is considered moderately challenging, especially if you're new to kayaking or if conditions are rough. It requires some fitness and experience navigating waves. +1 Guided tours can make it more accessible.
Parking in Lanikai is very limited and often restricted. Many visitors park in Kailua Bay, which has more parking and amenities, and then access the water from there.
No, the Mokulua Islands are offshore islets and can only be accessed by watercraft like kayaks or paddleboards.
While kayaking is the most common method, some boat tours might offer views or drop-offs, but kayaking is the primary way to explore them up close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Permits are required for landing on the Mokulua Islands, which are often included with guided kayak tours. If renting a kayak for a self-guided trip, inquire about landing permits.
There are no direct entrance fees for the islands themselves, but you will incur costs for kayak rentals, guided tours, and potentially parking.
The islands are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, landings are prohibited on Sundays.
No, landings on the Mokulua Islands are not permitted on Sundays. Plan your visit for another day of the week.
Several local outfitters in Kailua offer guided kayak tours. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beaches, observe seabirds and monk seals, snorkel in the surrounding waters, and enjoy the natural beauty.
Yes, snorkeling is reported to be good, with opportunities to see sea turtles and vibrant reef life, especially on the way to the islands. +1
The islands are a sanctuary for seabirds and are known to be a habitat for Hawaiian monk seals. Sea turtles are also commonly spotted.
Be cautious when landing. Avoid areas where waves crash into each other, as this can be dangerous. Pull your kayak far up the beach to prevent it from being swept away.
Swimming is possible, but be mindful of currents and boat traffic. Snorkeling is a more popular water activity in the calmer areas around the islands.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lanikai Pillbox hike offers incredible panoramic views of the Mokulua Islands.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light provide stunning photographic opportunities. Moonrises are also a unique spectacle.
Expect breathtaking shots of the twin islands, turquoise waters, coastal landscapes, and potentially wildlife like sea turtles and birds.
Drone usage may be restricted due to the islands being a wildlife sanctuary. Always check current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable for water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure your children are comfortable in the water and can wear a life vest for extended periods. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks in a dry bag, and be prepared for sun exposure. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
+1 The sunrise and moonrise over the Mokes are particularly magical and offer unique photographic opportunities. +1 Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended for capturing shots during the kayak and snorkel. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kayaking to the Mokes: Your Ultimate Guide
When you arrive, you'll find that the Mokulua Islands are a designated seabird sanctuary. This means respecting the fragile ecosystem is paramount. You'll likely see various species of birds nesting, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal basking on the shore.
Important safety and etiquette tips include pulling your kayak well above the high tide line to prevent it from being washed away by waves, and being cautious when landing to avoid injury.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Views and Vistas
+1 The trail leads you up to two historic concrete pillboxes, remnants of World War II, which now serve as fantastic vantage points for photographers and sightseers alike. From the pillboxes, you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Mokulua Islands floating serenely in the turquoise Pacific, the pristine white sands of Lanikai Beach, and the vibrant blues of Kailua Bay.
The hike is best undertaken in the early morning to catch the sunrise or in the late afternoon for the 'golden hour' light, which bathes the landscape in a warm, ethereal glow. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and apply sunscreen, as there is little shade along the path. This hike is incredibly popular, so expect to share the trail with other visitors, especially during peak times. Despite the crowds, the unparalleled views make it a worthwhile experience for anyone visiting the Kailua area. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the natural beauty of Oahu from a higher elevation.
Wildlife Spotting: Turtles and Seals
The Mokulua Islands are also a critical habitat for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. These majestic creatures are sometimes seen resting on the beaches. It's vital to observe them from a respectful distance and never disturb them.
Beyond marine life, the islands are a seabird sanctuary. You'll likely see various species of birds nesting and flying overhead.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit