Aloha! Want to paddle Oahu’s offshore islands? Here’s everything you need to know. Several islands along the eastern shore of Oahu offer an ideal opportunity for recreational paddling. Given Hawaii’s extensive tourism industry, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at any number of outlets, or even try your hand on an outrigger canoe. Novice paddlers should aim for summertime when prevailing swell hits the opposite side of the island. During the shoulder seasons and through winter, heavier waves can be expected out of the north (veteran paddlers and those looking to score uncrowded waves might see this as a bonus). Most of the islands are managed by the state as wildlife bird sanctuaries, so public access is generally limited to the beaches.
The Mokes
For those looking for an easy introduction, plan on heading to the Mokulua Islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki, collectively known as “The Mokes” to locals. This pair of islands can be accessed from nearby Lanikai beach, just outside the town of Kailua. An approximately 1-mile paddle brings you to a southwest facing beach on Moku Nui. Expect a moderate-sized crowd also enjoying a getaway. Bring towels, snorkel gear and a picnic spread. Public access is limited to the beach, but if the conditions allow consider circumnavigating the two islands to check out the rock formations and bird life.
Mokoli’I (Chinaman’s Hat)
As you drive north along the eastern shore, this island sticks out like a sore thumb. Park at Kualoa Regional Park and beach launch to paddle about 900 yards to the backside of the island. There you will find a narrow keyhole beach entrance. Hopefully, no one else has the same idea. Once landed, pull your hiking shoes out of a drybag and hike the steep trail to the summit. Make sure to bring a small day pack, water and other essentials. On larger swell days the keyhole beach might be inaccessible due to the high wave energy. Low tide can also create some real shallow sections on the reef between the island the beach park.
Moku’auia (Goat Island)
This small flat island is a seabird sanctuary, but still is a cool destination for paddlers looking for a bit more adventure. Park and beach launch at Hukilau Beach and navigate out of the bay approx. 2/3 mile out to the island. This area is more exposed, so winds and swell are more consistent. If you decided to land on the beach, you are required to stay within the high-tide line and respect the boundaries of the wildlife sanctuary.
Logistics and Gear
There are plenty of places to rent kayaks and paddleboards on Oahu. Most of what you’ll find are older sit-on-top styles, Ocean Kayak and similar. But these are actually pretty ideal for surf launches, paddling over waves and navigating the rocky shorelines. Hawaii is also very SUP friendly (the sport did originate there) so there are plenty of options to be had.
Windward Boat Inc. sells Hobie kayaks. This company would be a good starting resource for those looking into the particulars for kayak fishing.
Here are some other local options for rentals. Most of these companies should be able to help outfit your vehicle for transporting boats or SUPS.
For visiting paddlers, transporting rental kayaks on your rental car could be one of the bigger challenges. Most rental cars won’t come equipped with racks, and unless you’re willing to pony up extra cash for one of the ubiquitous Jeep Wranglers, you’ll want to come prepared with a DIY solution. The easiest method I’ve found is to throw some extra cam straps into your luggage and roll up a couple towels for a make-shift rack. This might work for short distances, but Oahu in particular has actual freeways, so bringing a set of soft surf racks might not be a bad idea.
Visiting paddlers should come prepared with one or two of their own drybags, and even your preferred PFD and breakdown kayak paddle if you’re picky about your comfort. Sun shirts, water shoes and sunhats should be worn. Generally, the gear supplied by rental companies will be of the cheaper, bulky and heavier quality, so plan accordingly.
Hazards
- Sun and wind are your primary adversaries here. Strong winds are common, especially the further north you go on the island. Waves and currents are also always in play. The Hawaiian Islands experience strong ocean swells out of the north in the winter and from the south in the summer.
- The shallows around Hawaii are home to a variety of sea life, some of it more benign than others. You can expect to see green sea turtles and a variety of seas birds. Urchins do crowd the rocky tidal areas and are ready to deliver a painful spike to feet and hands, so wear your sandals.
- While rare and often a case of mistaken identity, shark attacks do happen. In 2024 a pro-surfer and Hawaiian lifeguard was killed while surfing at Goat Island.
- Hawaiian culture in general is peaceful, but also deserving of respect. Some of the outer islands and beaches are less-trafficked by tourists. Give locals the right of way, don’t drive fast, and throw out lots of shakas and smiles. Remember to secure your valuable at all parking lots.
Photos and words by Aaron Black-Schmidt
