Paddle boarding and hiking adventure at Mokoli’i Island.

When seeking a blend of water adventure and scenic hiking on Oahu, the paddle boarding and hiking trip at Mokoli’i Island (often called Chinaman’s Hat) offers a compelling option. Run by Kaimana Hawaii Tours, this small-group experience promises not only active fun but also unforgettable vistas of the Koolau Mountains, Mokapun peninsula, and Kaneohe Sandbar. We haven’t tried it ourselves but have gathered enough details to help you decide if this adventure suits your style.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the tranquility of paddleboarding with the rewarding challenge of a short hike—all set against some of the island’s most iconic views. Plus, the small-group size—capped at just four travelers—means you’ll get personalized attention from guides committed to making sure everyone has an authentic, enjoyable experience. The inclusion of gear and transportation simplifies planning and enhances the overall value.

However, a potential consideration is the reliance on good weather—as with most outdoor activities, poor conditions could cause cancellations or rescheduling. That’s worth keeping in mind when planning your trip, especially in the volatile Hawaiian climate. This tour seems best suited for active travelers who appreciate a mix of water and land exploration, and who want a relaxed yet invigorating day out.

Key Points

• Unique combination of paddleboarding and hiking offers diverse ways to experience Mokoli’i Island.
• Small group size ensures a more personalized, intimate adventure.
• Inclusion of all gear and transport streamlines the logistics, adding value.
• Breathtaking views of Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Sandbar are highlights.
• Weather-dependent activity; flexibility or backup options are important.
• Accessible to most travelers; no prior experience required, but a good level of fitness helps.

This tour, operated by Kaimana Hawaii Tours, begins with a convenient pickup—an often overlooked but valuable aspect of guided excursions. Starting from Honolulu, you’ll be transported to Kualoa Regional Beach, a scenic spot with calm waters ideal for paddleboarding. Once there, the guides will provide the necessary gear—paddleboards, paddles, life vests, and dry bags—making sure everyone is comfortable and prepared before setting out on the water.

Paddleboarding to Mokoli’i Island

The journey across the bay to Mokoli’i Island is itself a highlight. We loved the way the guides emphasized safety and technique, catering to those new to paddleboarding while still offering a relaxed vibe for more experienced paddlers. The calm, protected waters allow for an easy, scenic paddle, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the surroundings.

Travelers can expect to paddle onto the sandy shores of Mokoli’i, a distinctive, cone-shaped island that’s a beloved local landmark. The shallow waters and gentle currents make this a manageable paddle even for beginners, but the real magic begins once you step onto the island itself.

The Hike and Viewing Points

The short, invigorating hike to the top of Mokoli’i offers stunning panoramic views. From the summit, you’ll see the lush Koolau Mountains, the expansive Kaneohe Sandbar, and the serene coastline of the peninsula. The views are often described as breathtaking, providing perfect photo opportunities and moments for quiet reflection.

The hike itself is accessible but does require some light scrambling over rocks and uneven terrain—so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a bit of physical activity. The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone stays safe and comfortable during the ascent.

The Return and Additional Experiences

After reaching the top and soaking in the vistas, the descent is straightforward, and the guides will lead you back to the paddleboard. The return paddle offers a different perspective, as you glide back along the coast toward the beach.

While the primary focus is on the paddleboarding and hiking, some reviews mention additional highlights such as snorkeling, with the chance to see fish and turtles, though this is not explicitly part of this tour. The fun and scenic nature of the experience make it a well-rounded outing that balances physical activity with natural beauty.

The tour lasts about four hours, which is ample time for the paddle, hike, and transportation. It’s priced at $199 per person, a reasonable fee considering the gear included and the personalized nature of the trip. The small group size, capped at four travelers, means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and guides can tailor the experience to your needs.

Transportation is included, starting from Honolulu, making it easier for visitors staying in the city to access this adventure without extra hassle. Confirmations are received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand—helpful if weather looks uncertain or plans change.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer shared that paddleboarding was an “absolute blast” and highlighted snorkeling as the best part, describing encounters with fish and turtles. While snorkeling isn’t officially part of this tour, it hints at the kind of abundant marine life you might encounter in the area, adding to the overall appeal of the region.

Most travelers seem to find the views the real star of the show, with the relatively short hike feeling more like a rewarding bonus than a strenuous obstacle. The tour’s intimate size and guides’ attention also make it a comfortable choice for those new to outdoor activities.

This experience is ideal for active travelers who want a mix of paddling and hiking with stunning scenery. It suits those who enjoy small-group tours, personalized attention, and all-inclusive logistics. If you’re comfortable in the water and want to see some of Oahu’s most iconic views from both land and sea, this adventure is a fantastic pick.

It’s also well-suited for families or groups seeking a memorable day without the crowds. That said, if the weather is poor, the experience may be canceled or rescheduled, so flexibility is key.

For anyone looking to combine nature, physical activity, and breathtaking scenery, this paddleboarding and hiking adventure at Mokoli’i Island offers a balanced and authentic experience. It’s a chance to enjoy Hawaii’s outdoors in a relaxed, small-group setting with all the gear taken care of, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

The views alone make it a worthwhile outing—crisp ocean air, towering mountains, and the iconic cone-shaped island create perfect photo moments and peaceful breaks from busy vacation days. The inclusion of transportation and gear means you can focus on having fun and taking it all in, rather than stressing about logistics.

While weather dependency is a consideration, the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind. If you’re craving a memorable, active day that showcases some of Oahu’s most scenic spots, this tour is certainly worth considering.

Is prior experience needed for paddleboarding?
No, most travelers can participate whether they’re experienced or trying it for the first time. The guides provide gear and instructions to help everyone feel comfortable.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers paddleboards, paddles, life vests, dry bags, and transportation (pickup and drop-off), making it a hassle-free experience.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately four hours, from pickup to drop-off, including paddleboarding, hiking, and sightseeing.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour depends on good weather, and poor conditions may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

What kind of views will I see?
Expect breathtaking vistas of the Koolau Mountains, Kaneohe Sandbar, and Mokoli’i Island itself—not to mention the serene coastal scenery along the paddle route.

Is the hike difficult?
The hike is short and invigorating, involving some light scrambling—nothing too strenuous but best with sturdy shoes. Guides will assist you along the way.

Where does the tour start?
From Kualoa Regional Beach, with transportation arranged from Honolulu, making it convenient for visitors based in the city.

Is snorkeling part of this tour?
No, snorkeling isn’t included in this specific experience, but reviews mention how much fun it is in the general area.

Who is this tour best for?
Active travelers, families, or groups wanting a scenic, small-group adventure with a mix of water and land activities.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, just four travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

This paddleboarding and hiking adventure at Mokoli’i Island is a great way to get outside, get active, and see some of Hawaii’s most iconic scenery. Whether you’re seeking a fun challenge or simply want to enjoy the views, it offers a balanced slice of island life in a relaxed setting.