Popoia Island State Seabird Sanctuary
A small, greenery-covered islet accessible by kayak, serving as a vital sanctuary for nesting seabirds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See fluffy fledglings and sleeping birds.
Popoia Island State Seabird Sanctuary
Best Time
See fluffy fledglings and sleeping birds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, greenery-covered islet accessible by kayak, serving as a vital sanctuary for nesting seabirds.
"Great to kayak and chill around. Lots of birds nesting here. "
🥾 Footwear is a MUST
Coral is sharp! Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals to protect your feet.
💰 Permit Fee Required
There's a small $3 per person fee to land on the island.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seabird Sanctuary
Witness nesting shearwaters and other seabirds in their natural habitat. Observe fluffy fledglings and sleeping 'teen' birds.
Kite Surfing Spectacle
Enjoy the dynamic sight of kite surfers zipping around the island, adding a vibrant energy to the seascape.
Panoramic Views
Gain a unique perspective of Kailua Beach, the majestic mountains, and even the Lanikai Pillbox from the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kayak Essentials for Popoia
Island Access & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Footwear is a MUST
Coral is sharp! Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals to protect your feet.
💰 Permit Fee Required
There's a small $3 per person fee to land on the island.
Popoia Island Kailua Oahu
Kayak to Popoia Island or Mokulua Islands
🛶 Kayak Rental Tips
Rent kayaks in Kailua for a 4-hour trip to Popoia. Consider guided tours for added insight.
🦀 Watch for Crabs
Keep an eye out for the incredibly fast-moving rock crabs on the island.
Oahu open water swim to small islands
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Footwear is a MUST
Coral is sharp! Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals to protect your feet.
💰 Permit Fee Required
There's a small $3 per person fee to land on the island.
🛶 Kayak Rental Tips
Rent kayaks in Kailua for a 4-hour trip to Popoia. Consider guided tours for added insight.
🦀 Watch for Crabs
Keep an eye out for the incredibly fast-moving rock crabs on the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Popoia Island for its unique seabird sanctuary and scenic views, accessible via an enjoyable kayak trip. While the sharp coral terrain requires careful footing and a small permit fee is necessary, the opportunity to observe wildlife and the panoramic vistas make it a worthwhile excursion.
"You can visit this tiny bird sanctuary many ways, most by kayaking. You can get a nice perspective of Kailua Beach and the mountains, and even the Lanikai Pillbox. While on the island, we had a good time watching kite surfers zipping all around the tiny island. Note: there’s a $3 per person permit fee to land on the island and also some kind of footwear is highly desirable."
Big Fish Dive Club
"Great to kayak and chill around. Lots of birds nesting here."
Hana. R
"Did the kayak guided tour with Branden from Kailua Adventures. It was worthwhile, lots of information of the cultural and eco-knowledge. We went in mid to late November and saw many fledglings and "teen" birds sleeping. So fluffy and cute.
Saw extremely fast moving rock crabs.
Be careful to wear good sandals as walking around on the coral island is very sharp. I went with water shoes and it felt like a bad reflexology foot massage. The views though, it was great!"
Connor Leung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Popoia Island is by kayaking from Kailua Beach. Kayak rentals are readily available in Kailua. Some visitors opt for guided kayak tours which can provide valuable cultural and ecological information.
Kayaking to Popoia is generally considered a moderate effort, suitable for those with some kayaking experience. The distance is manageable for a 4-hour rental.
Popoia Island is a seabird sanctuary and is primarily accessible by watercraft like kayaks. It's not typically reachable by foot or other land-based methods.
The Mokulua Islands are a bit further and may require more energy to reach than Popoia. While both offer beautiful scenery, Popoia is specifically known as a seabird sanctuary.
It typically takes about 1.5 hours to kayak to Popoia Island, depending on conditions and your paddling speed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small permit fee of $3 per person to land on Popoia Island.
Tickets or permits are usually purchased upon arrival or as part of a guided tour. It's advisable to check with local kayak rental companies or tour operators for their specific procedures.
As a natural sanctuary, Popoia Island doesn't have strict opening hours like a traditional attraction. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours and consider weather conditions.
Visitors should be mindful of the island's status as a seabird sanctuary and avoid disturbing the nesting birds. Proper footwear is essential due to the terrain.
Information on camping is not readily available, and it's generally assumed that overnight stays are not permitted to protect the wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popoia Island is a sanctuary for nesting seabirds, particularly shearwaters. You might also spot fast-moving rock crabs.
Sturdy footwear like water shoes or sandals is crucial due to the sharp coral and rocky terrain.
The island has a coral-based terrain that can be sharp and uneven, making appropriate footwear essential.
Popoia Island is a natural sanctuary and typically does not have amenities like restrooms or picnic areas. Visitors should come prepared.
While swimming is possible, the primary activities are bird watching and enjoying the views. Be aware of currents and marine life.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the seabirds, the unique island landscape, kite surfers in action, and panoramic views of Kailua Beach and the surrounding mountains.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for bird photography, especially if you visit during nesting season when fledglings are present.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a respectful distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots.
While there are no explicit restrictions mentioned, it's always best practice to be respectful of the wildlife and avoid disturbing their habitats.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kayaking to Popoia: Your Gateway to Adventure
When planning your kayak trip, consider the conditions. While Popoia is accessible, it's still an open water paddle. Weekday mornings often offer calmer waters and fewer crowds, making for a more serene journey. Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. The journey offers a unique perspective of the coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Navigating Popoia's Terrain and Wildlife
Beyond the avian residents, keep an eye out for the island's other inhabitants, such as the incredibly fast-moving rock crabs. The island also offers a dynamic visual spectacle with kite surfers frequently zipping around its perimeter, adding a splash of color and energy to the seascape. While the island itself is small, the views it provides are expansive, offering a great vantage point of Kailua Beach, the surrounding mountains, and even the distant Lanikai Pillbox.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit