This 5.5-hour guided kayak tour departs from Kailua and crosses turquoise waters to the Mokulua Islands—twin volcanic islets off Oahu’s windward coast. With a certified local guide, you’ll paddle past sea turtles, snorkel coral reefs, explore hidden tide pools like Queen’s Bath, and enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. The tour includes all gear, permits, and lunch, and thanks to limited group sizes, it feels more like a private expedition than a commercial outing. Expect waves, sun, and one of the most immersive nature adventures available in Hawaii.
"We had a great experience kayaking out to the Mokes!"
Verified Review
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 13+, group size limited to 8 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate paddle and snorkel adventure
WHAT TO BRING
Swimsuit, sun protection, towel, water
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.8★ from 3,960+ reviews on Google
Travelers love this tour for the balance of active paddling, island exploring, and relaxing swims in the turquoise water. Many highlight the calm vibe and knowledge of the guides, who share stories about local wildlife and help spot sea turtles and monk seals. Visitors often say it’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill — an authentic Hawaiian day out with just enough waves and salt spray to make it memorable.
"We booked a double canoe to visit the moke islands and it was my favorite experience on Oahu."
Verified Review
Duration & Schedule:
- Approximately 5.5 hours
- Morning departures — plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and gear fitting
Group Size & Style:
- Small group (up to 8 guests) for a safe, personalized adventure
- Guided paddle to the Mokulua (Twin) Islands with local certified guides
What You’ll Do:
- Meet your guide at Kailua Beach Adventures’ shop for a pre-trip briefing
- Transport your kayak by cart to Kailua Beach
- Paddle across turquoise water to Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands
- Explore hidden spots like Queen’s Bath tide pool and nearby reefs
- Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish — gear provided
- Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch with ocean views
- Paddle back and debrief with your guide at the shop — share photos and stories from the day
Inclusions:
- Single or double kayak, Dry bag for your valuables, Snorkel gear, Life jackets, Island landing permits, Lunch and drinks, Lockers for personal items, Certified local guide
Requirements & Notes:
- Moderate fitness level required — you’ll paddle about 2–3 miles round trip
- Wildlife sightings like Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles are common but not guaranteed
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle
- Optional roundtrip transportation from Waikiki available for morning tours ($30/person)Kailua Beach Adventures has been the go-to outfitter for ocean adventures on Oʻahu’s Windward Coast for over 30 years. Locally owned and deeply connected to the Kailua community, they specialize in guided kayak tours to the Mokulua Islands — blending ocean fun with genuine stewardship for Hawaiʻi’s fragile nearshore ecosystems. Their experienced team of certified guides makes it easy to explore hidden reefs, wildlife sanctuaries, and the best saltwater pools around.
Meet at: Kailua Beach Adventures, 130 Kailua Road, Suite 101B, Kailua, HI 96734.
Check-in: Arrive 30 minutes before your tour to get your gear, sign waivers, and meet your certified guide. Kayaks are transported by cart to the beach from the shop.TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY
Outside of 48 Hours of your Activity:
Cancellations are eligible for a 100% refund.
Reschedule for free.
Tours may be rescheduled unlimited times.
Within 48 Hours of your Activity:
Cancellations will incur a full charge or a $25/Person fee to reschedule (unless you have purchased Trip Protection.)
Tours may be rescheduled unlimited times at the $25 fee each time but will no longer be eligible for refunds.
Groups consisting of 14 participants or more and/or customized activity packages require 7 days notice of cancellation to avoid a 50% charge and may incur additional fees based upon arrangements.
All contentions will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the management. If you have any questions or concerns with this information, contact the manager before booking.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
To the Mokes and Back Again
You start in the neighborhood—Kailua’s breezy streets, the buzz of people picking up dry bags and reef-safe sunscreen. But within minutes you’re carting your kayak across the sand, stepping into that unreal blue water, and aiming your bow toward the Mokulua Islands. The Mokes, as they’re called locally, don’t look far—but the ocean makes you earn it. Which is part of the magic.
The paddle across is steady, salty, and surprisingly fun. The guides strike a rhythm that feels doable for most people, and they’re full of easy banter—pointing out turtles in the shallows, explaining how this whole area is part of a marine sanctuary. You land on Moku Nui (the larger of the two islets), and suddenly you’re somewhere else entirely: a little patch of lava, sand, and wild birds, with no roads, no vendors, no noise. Just raw beauty.
“The paddle out was a workout—but the kind that empties your head and fills your lungs with something better.”
There’s a natural tide pool called Queen’s Bath tucked into the rocks where the surf rolls in dramatically and carves out this tiny blue basin. You climb down, carefully, and slide in. It’s cold and perfect and you think, okay, this is the moment. Then it gets topped—snorkeling over reef shelves with sea turtles gliding past like they’ve done this for centuries. Because they have.
Lunch is simple and hits the spot. You sit on lava rock and talk with strangers-turned-friends. The paddle back is quieter, legs a little tired, arms sun-kissed, but hearts full. This wasn’t just a kayak tour. It was a full dive into a version of Hawaii that still feels sacred.
