Offshore Islands Aloha! Want to paddle Oahu’s offshore islands? Below’s every little thing you need to recognize. A number of islands along the eastern coast of Oahu use a perfect possibility for recreational paddling. Offered Hawaii’s substantial tourist market, you can lease kayaks and paddleboards at any variety of outlets, and even attempt your hand on an outrigger canoe. Amateur paddlers need to go for summertime when dominating swell strikes the contrary side of the island. During the shoulder periods and via wintertime, much heavier waves can be expected out of the north (veteran paddlers and those looking to rack up uncrowded waves may see this as an incentive).by link americankayak website The majority of the islands are managed by the state as wildlife bird sanctuaries, so public gain access to is normally limited to the beaches.
The Mokes
For those searching for a very easy introduction, intend on heading to the Mokulua Islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki, jointly referred to as The Mokes to locals. This pair of islands can be accessed from neighboring Lanikai beach, just outside the town of Kailua. An about 1-mile paddle brings you to a southwest encountering coastline on Moku Nui. Expect a moderate-sized group also delighting in a vacation. Bring towels, snorkel equipment and an outing spread. Public accessibility is restricted to the beach, however if the problems enable take into consideration circumnavigating the two islands to check out the rock developments and bird life.
MokoliI (Chinaman s Hat )As you drive north along the eastern coast, this island stands out like an aching thumb. Park at Kualoa Regional Park and beach launch to paddle about 900 lawns to the behind of the island. There you will certainly find a narrow keyhole beach entrance. Ideally, no person else has the very same concept. Once landed, draw your hiking footwear out of a drybag and trek the steep trail to the top. Ensure to bring a small day pack, water and other fundamentals. On larger swell days the keyhole beach could be hard to reach because of the high wave energy. Low tide can also produce some actual superficial sections on the reef in between the island the beach park.
Moku’auia(Goat Island)
This small flat island is a seabird haven, however still is a cool location for paddlers looking for a little bit extra journey. Park and beach launch at Hukilau Beach and browse out of the bay approx. 2/3 mile out to the island. This location is more revealed, so winds and swell are extra consistent. If you made a decision to come down on the beach, you are needed to remain within the high-tide line and respect the boundaries of the wildlife sanctuary.
Logistics and Gear
There are lots of areas to rent kayaks and paddleboards on Oahu. The majority of what you’ll discover are older sit-on-top designs, Sea Kayak and comparable. But these are actually rather ideal for browse launches, paddling over waves and navigating the rocky coastlines. Hawaii is likewise very SUP friendly (the sport did stem there) so there are lots of options to be had.
Windward Watercraft Inc. offers Hobie kayaks. This firm would certainly be a good beginning source for those exploring the details for kayak fishing.
Below are some other local choices for leasings. A lot of these firms need to have the ability to aid outfit your vehicle for carrying watercrafts or SUPS.
For seeing paddlers, transferring rental kayaks on your rental auto could be one of the larger obstacles. Many rental automobiles won’t come outfitted with racks, and unless you’re willing to bet extra cash money for one of the common Jeep Wranglers, you’ll wish to come prepared with a DIY service. The simplest technique I’ve discovered is to toss some added webcam bands into your travel luggage and roll up a couple towels for a make-shift shelf. This could work for brief ranges, however Oahu particularly has actual freeways, so bringing a set of soft browse racks might not be a poor concept.
Going to paddlers ought to come prepared with one or two of their own drybags, and even your preferred PFD and breakdown kayak paddle if you’re particular regarding your comfort. Sun tee shirts, water footwear and sunhats must be worn. Usually, the gear provided by rental firms will certainly be of the cheaper, large and much heavier quality, so strategy appropriately.
Hazards
- Sunlight and wind are your main foes below. Strong winds prevail, particularly the additional north you take place the island. Waves and currents are also constantly in play. The Hawaiian Islands experience strong sea swells out of the north in the wintertime and from the south in the summertime.
- The shallows around Hawaii are home to a selection of sea life, a few of it a lot more benign than others. You can expect to see eco-friendly sea turtles and a range of seas birds. Urchins do crowd the rocky tidal locations and prepare to deliver an unpleasant spike to feet and hands, so use your sandals.
- While uncommon and frequently a situation of incorrect identification, shark assaults do occur. In 2025 a pro-surfer and Hawaiian lifeguard was killed while surfing at Goat Island.
- Hawaiian culture generally is peaceful, yet also deserving of respect. Several of the external islands and coastlines are less-trafficked by tourists. Give locals the right-of-way, wear’t drive fast, and throw out great deals of shakas and smiles. Keep in mind to safeguard your valuable in all parking area.
![]() Your Overview to Paddling Oahu’s |