Things to do nearMokoliʻi
Mokoliʻi is a small volcanic islet off Oʻahu's windward coast, known for its striking cone shape, rich Hawaiian legend, and clear surrounding waters.
Mokoliʻi, commonly known by its informal nickname Chinaman's Hat for its distinctive silhouette, is a small state-protected islet sitting in the shallow waters of Kāneʻohe Bay off Oʻahu's northeastern coast. Formed by volcanic activity and shaped over millennia by wind and wave erosion, its pointed profile is one of the most photographed natural features on the windward side of the island.
In Hawaiian tradition, Mokoliʻi carries deep cultural significance. According to legend, the islet is the tail of a great lizard, or moʻo, slain by the demigod Hi'iaka, sister of Pele. The name Mokoliʻi itself translates roughly to 'little lizard,' and the story is woven into the broader oral history of the Kāneʻohe region. The islet is designated a seabird sanctuary, providing nesting habitat for wedge-tailed shearwaters and other native species.
Visitors access the area through Kualoa Regional Park, a beloved stretch of shoreline backed by the dramatic cliffs of the Koʻolau Range. At low tide, the sandy flat between the beach and Mokoliʻi becomes passable on foot for a portion of the way, offering a rare chance to feel surrounded by open water in every direction. Kayaking is the most popular way to reach the islet itself, and the calm bay conditions make it accessible to paddlers of most skill levels.
The windward coast setting gives Mokoliʻi a quieter, more contemplative character than many of Oʻahu's busier attractions, and the combination of natural beauty, Hawaiian legend, and easy outdoor access makes it a rewarding destination for anyone exploring beyond Honolulu.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Mokoliʻi
Visit during low tide to wade partway across the sandbar from Kualoa Regional Park, but check tide charts in advance and never attempt the crossing during high tide or strong currents.
Bring water shoes, as the sandy approach gives way to sharp reef and uneven terrain near the islet.
Rent a kayak from a nearby outfitter to paddle around Mokoliʻi and explore the calm, shallow waters of Kāneʻohe Bay at your own pace.
Arrive early in the morning for the best light and to beat the midday heat, as there is no shade on the sandbar or the islet itself.
Pair your visit with a stop at Kualoa Regional Park, which offers restrooms, picnic areas, and some of the most dramatic mountain-meets-ocean scenery on Oʻahu.
Top tours & experiences near Mokoliʻi
4-Hour Self-Guided Kayak Tour to Mokoli'i, Oahu
Self-guided kayak to Mokoli'i (Chinaman’s Hat) with gear and a quick safety demo
Circle Island Tour From Waikiki With Turtle Swim
Circle Oahu with North Shore stops and a sea turtle snorkel
Full-Day Oahu Circle Island Guided Tour From Waikiki
Circle Oahu by mini-bus with admissions and lunch included
Explore Oahu on a 10-Hour Pearl Harbor Circle Tour
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, then circle O‘ahu’s North Shore and East Coast
Swim At Waimea Falls On A 10-Hour Oahu Tour
See Oahu in a day and swim at Waimea Falls in Waimea Valley
Explore Oahu’s North Shore & Waimea Waterfall Tour
See O‘ahu highlights in one day with a guided North Shore and Waimea Valley stop
Fly a Private 60-Minute Oahu Helicopter Tour
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats
Circle Island Guided Tour of Oahu in a Convertible
Private 9-hour Oahu circle island tour in a luxury convertible
Private O'ahu Circle Island Tour for Up to 14
Private, customizable O‘ahu tour with a licensed driver and pickup for up to 14 guests
Explore Oahu on a Private Circle Island Tour
Private 9-hour Oahu circle island tour with 21+ stops and a professional guide
Full-Day Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour
See Oahu in a day with a narrated mini-bus tour and Turtle Beach swim stop
Self-Guided Chinaman’s Hat Kayak Rental From Kailua
Pick up a kayak in Kailua and paddle to Chinaman’s Hat at your own pace
Take a Private 10-Hour Oahu Island Tour & Waterfall
See Oahu highlights with your private guide, plus a swim at Waimea Falls
Explore Oahu on an 8-Hour Circle Island Tour
Circle Oahu in 8 hours with a small group and Turtle Beach snorkeling
Explore Oahu on a 9-Hour Circle Island Bus Tour
See Oahu’s top lookouts, beaches, and North Shore stops on a shared 9-hour bus tour
Private Oahu Circle Island Tour With Waimea Falls
Circle Oʻahu by private van with Waimea Valley, Waimea Falls, and North Shore stops
Private East Oahu Sightseeing Tour From Waikiki
Circle Oʻahu with coastal lookouts, temples, and local food stops
Private Oahu Circle Island Luxury Van Tour
Customize a 7-hour private circle-island ride in a luxury van for up to 7 people
Guided Honolulu & North Shore Convertible Tour
Ride a luxury convertible to Honolulu sights and North Shore beach stops
Private Oahu Island Tour With Turtle Snorkeling
See Oahu in a day with a private Spanish-speaking guide and turtle snorkeling
Private 6-Hour O'ahu Island Tour With Dole Plantation
See O‘ahu highlights in 6 hours, including Dole Plantation
Oahu Circle Island Guided Tour With Dole Plantation
Private Oahu circle island tour with 13+ stops and Dole Plantation
Private Oahu Circle Island Tour Up to 24 Passengers
Ride with a private guide around Oahu, with stops like Turtle Beach and Chinaman’s Hat