Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands

One of our absolute favorite activities from our four trips to Oahu is our Guided Kayak Trip to the Mokulua Islands with Two Good Kayaks. These small islands are off the coast of Oahu and are known for all of the sea turtles that like to hang out off the coast.

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Two Good Kayaks
5 Hour Guided Kayak Tour to Mokulua Islands
We chose to do a Guided Kayak Tour with Two Good Kayaks. There are a few other companies that also do this tour but the two things we took into consideration were price and family. Two of the other companies we looked into only allowed children ages 12/13+ and Aurora is only eight so that wouldn’t have worked for us. The cost compared to everything included with the tour we also felt was reasonable. For our tour we had snorkel equipment, lunch, kayak rental, lifejackets, dry bags, water shoes and transportation included in the price. If you have your own snorkel gear of course you are welcome to bring it and use it. There are other tours available from them also.
View Two Good Kayak’s Website HERE.

You can either meet at the kayak shop or have transportation provided with your tour. We already had a rental car so we just met at the shop. There is a small store with supplies incase you forgot something. Here is what I suggest packing for your guided kayak tour:
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks
Water Shoes (wear them)
Waterproof Phone Case
Hat & Sunglasses

Make sure you purchase and bring a waterproof sunscreen. You will get wet in the kayak. Provided with your lunch is one water bottle per person. Kayaking is a strenuous activity and it will be hot, you will need more water. We also found ourselves wanting a little more food than just lunch so I was glad I had packed a few extra snacks. Two Good Kayaks will provide you water shoes if needed but I highly recommend purchasing some if you are traveling to Hawaii as they will be very useful. I personally wear Tevas and linked them above. It is very sunny and I wore my Free People hat to keep the sun out my face. Our waterproof phone cases worked great and was under $10 for two on Amazon. We were able to take photos and videos while snorkeling.

The shop has maps of the islands so you can see where you will be kayaking. Before your tour the guides will review some basic instructions and safety information. Our guides were really fun and made the tour a blast for us.

Your tour will start at Kailua Beach Park where you will float your kayak through the canal out o the beach.

This beach is beautiful and there are many other kayaking tours happening and people renting and enjoying other beach sports as well.

You can see the Mokulua Islands from the time you start. Your guides will make sure everyone stays together and safe. We saw at least five sea turtles on our way to the island. This particular area is known for the many sea turtles that like to hang out and eat.

Kayaking down to Eastern Coast of Oahu is also beautiful. These mansions had us oooing and awing.

It is quite a distance to the islands so it does take a good hour/hour and a half to get there. You can only go as fast as your slowest kayaker since the group has to stay together.

The Mokulua Islands are protected bird sanctuaries. There are signs that tell you about the different species of birds inhabiting the island and there is a rope you cannot pass beyond (that is the protected area).

There are hundreds of birds. Instead of nesting in trees they make a kind of burrow on the ground.

We also saw a Hawaiian Monk Seal in the water shortly after we landed. He came close to shore to say hello then went along on his way.

You will only venture to the closest Mokulua island, but you will have a fantastic view of the other. The kayak guides gave us a tour of the island and pointed out a few spots.

There were tide pools to explore where we found quite a few fun sea creatures. Aurora loves hunting for crabs and shells.

There were many tiny fish and sea urchins inside the tide pools.

There were sea slugs and hermit crabs galore.

One particular spot they will take you to is known as the “Queens Bath”. It is a spot in the rocks that has a large pool you can jump into. Travis took the plunge.

Gotta get the cool shot for the gram.

After visiting the Queens Bath and Tide Pools you will have about an hour to snorkel off the coast of the island. The currents are really strong and the waves are big since they wrap around the island. Even if you are an experienced swimmer and snorkeler I recommend wearing your life jacket to make it easier on yourself. We got the opportunity of a lifetime when we happened upon two sea turtles while we were snorkeling.

Swimming with two sea turtles in the open ocean was the most amazing experience and by far my favorite out of all of our trips. It was so incredible to see them swimming and eating in their natural habitat.

For lunch you will get to choose between a pulled pork sandwich, ham/turkey sandwiches or cheeseburgers. You will make your selection when you book the tour.

Heading back does not take as long since you will be paddling with the current this time.

If we were to go again we’d be comfortable enough to rent a kayak and go on our own next time. We have kayaks at home and are seasoned. However your first time I highly recommend going with a guided tour. The area is new and kayaking may be different here than what you’re use to.