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Chinaman's Hat Kayak Rental at Kualoa Beach Park & Snorkeling Adventure

5.00 1 reviews

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(19)

Highlights

Discover Oahu's east shore, and embark on a self-guided kayaking tour

Paddle to the iconic Chinaman’s Hat, and enjoy amazing views of the Koolau Mountains

This adventurous activity is perfect for both advanced and experienced paddlers

Multiple departure times are available throughout the day for morning or afternoon tours

Pick-up your kayak in Kailua Town. The driving distance to the launching point is 30 minutes

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Great Experience!!

2024/04/27

Families Freddie D

The staff at the loading and unloading facility were great. They greeted us with a smile, were very courteous, instructed and helped load the kayaks and answered all the questions we had. This tour was a very enjoyable self-guided tour. We were even able to save a sea turtle that became trapped between some rock on Chinaman's Hat. AAA+ to the staff and experience.

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Overview

Oahu

4.5 hour(s)

Available Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

Pick-up not available

Not Accessible

What to expect

Head to Chinaman's Hat on Oahu's east shore with a self-guided kayaking and snorkeling adventure perfect for avid paddlers, and enjoy a nature walk along this iconic off-shore island while exploring the underwater paradise of the surrounding reef.

Get ready to take the opportunity to paddle out on a kayak to the picture-perfect Chinaman's Hat, the iconic island landmark located off of Oahu's east shore across from Kualoa Ranch. After a safety briefing from a local expert, set out on a 15 to 30 minute kayaking expedition across the pristine waters of Windward Oahu. Once you arrive at Chinaman's Hat, also known as Mokolii or "little lizard" in Hawaiian, take the opportunity to hike the trails or simply walk around the island for some of the best views of the Koolau Mountains.

Why do travelers choose this tour?

Anyone looking to escape the crowds and go to a little visited Oahu spot will find the self-guided Chinaman's Hat kayak, snorkel, and hike tour right up their alley. While this iconic island can easily be seen from shore, and is a popular stop, due to its off-shore location, the island itself remains uncrowded and pristine.

This self-guided tour not only provides an excellent experience where you can explore at your own pace, but is a wonderful way to enjoy the calm waters of Oahu's windward shore on the east side of the island.

Go on a kayaking tour that takes you "off the beaten path" and you can explore both the ocean and land with snorkeling and a hiking nature walk.

Local expert tips

This activity books up quickly, and we highly suggest booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer and spring break.
During the summer months (end of May to the beginning of September) ocean conditions are calmer and more predictable, and the area is much more accessible.
The best time of the day to kayak on Oahu is in the morning since the wind has a tendency to pick-up in the afternoon and can cause rougher ocean conditions and murkier water.
Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water if planning on swimming or snorkeling, and this tour is recommended for experienced or advanced kayak paddlers.
The tour includes a small 15 liter dry bag to keep your personal belongings safe and dry, and while it is highly recommended that you bring water and snacks with you, please bring back any rubbish back to shore since litter will harm the marine life.
Wear a swimsuit, and bring a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen. You will need to wear sneakers or reef shoes to hike around Chinaman's Hat.

How does it work?

After your check-in, the experts at Active Oahu will go over the basics of how to kayak and snorkel, and point out the routes for the best way to get to Chinaman's Hat. Although snorkeling equipment is provided, you do not need to go into the water to enjoy this tour, and if you do intend on going in the water, you should be able to physically get back into the kayak. You will land on the west side of the island in a nice little rocky inlet, and you will need to have your shoes ready to explore the island.

There are two options for hiking Chinaman’s Hat, the walk around around the circumference which is the easiest and most recommended, or you can hike to the top for a challenging route which is only recommended for experienced adventurers. The trail steep and at times slippery and rocky. You should be prepared to use both your hands and feet to climb.

How to get there?

Check-in location to pick-up the kayak: Meet Active Oahu Tour's staff in Kailua Town (134 Hamakua Dr. Unit B Kailua, HI 96762).
The friendly team will be there to guide you through strapping the kayak on your vehicle and provide you with all the necessary equipment. All you need is a 4-door car to transport it. Please show up 15 minutes before your booking time.

Itinerary: Please note that it's a 30-minute drive from the Active Kayak Shop in Kailua to Kualoa Regional Park (Chinaman's Hat). You will be launching the kayak into Kaneohe Bay from the Kualoa Regional Park (49-479 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744). There is ample parking available, and your kayaks will launch just steps from the parking lot.

Self-Guided Kayak, Snorkel & Island Hike Package

USD 90.78

Child (Age 0-12)

USD 79.71

Embark on an epic self-guided ocean adventure across the calm waters of Kaneohe Bay to Chinaman's Hat.

• Rental times: Every hour from 8:00AM - 3:00PM
• Duration: 4 hours
• Includes kayak, paddles & dry bag
• A 4-door vehicle that can accommodate a kayak is required
• Available for beginners & experienced paddlers of all ages
• Check-in is at Kailua Town, a 30-min drive to Chinaman’s Hat

Child (Age 0-12)

USD 79.71

Overview

Morning, Afternoon

4.5 hour(s)

Available Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

Without pick-up

Not Accessible

Inclusions: Snorkeling equipment (snorkel, mask & fins) / Small 15 liter dry bag / Life vest / Kayak rental with seatbacks, paddle & leash

Schedule

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