Kayaking in Kailua, Oahu: The Mokulua Islands and Flat Island

Hawaiian Activities — island tours, luaus, and adventures across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Kailua Bay is flat, protected and dotted with islands you are allowed to land on. That last part has rules most visitors do not know about.

Where can you actually land?

This is the part that trips people up. The two Mokulua Islands off Lanikai are seabird sanctuaries. Moku Nui, the larger one, has a beach and can be landed on with the correct permit. Moku Iki, the smaller one, is closed — you may paddle around it and no further.

Popoia Island, universally called Flat Island, sits closer in and is also a state seabird sanctuary with landing restrictions.

The permit that covers this is issued by Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Guided and outfitted trips generally bundle it, which is a large part of what separates a $99 tour from a $69 hire.

Guided, self-guided or bare hire?

At $30 the gap between bare hire and the self-guided day is small for what it adds: the landing permit alone justifies most of it, and lunch and snorkel gear cover the rest. Bare hire makes sense if you are staying in Kailua, know the bay, and want the boat for a couple of hours.

When should you paddle?

Early. Kailua sits on the windward side, which means the trade winds blow onshore, and they strengthen through the day. A crossing to the Mokuluas that takes 30 easy minutes at 8am can be a genuine effort at 1pm.

The winds also mean the paddle out is usually the hard half and the paddle back is assisted, which is the right way round if you are going to get tired.

What about the North Shore alternative?

If wildlife rather than distance is the draw, the Anahulu River tour is a different proposition entirely: 90 minutes, guided, on flat river water rather than open bay, with green sea turtles resting in the stream.

It is calmer, shorter and better for mixed-ability groups. It is not a substitute for Kailua if what you want is a day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to kayak to the Mokulua Islands?

You do not need a permit to paddle there, but you do need a DLNR Offshore Islet Landing Permit to land on Moku Nui. Moku Iki is closed to landing entirely. Outfitted tours typically include the permit; bare hire usually does not.

How long does it take to kayak to the Mokuluas?

Roughly 30 to 45 minutes each way from Kailua Beach for an average paddler in morning conditions. Allow considerably longer if you set off in the afternoon, when the trade winds are up.

Is kayaking in Kailua suitable for beginners?

Yes, in the morning. The bay is protected and the crossings are short. Beginners should stay inside the bay and skip the islet crossing if the wind has already picked up.

Can you see turtles kayaking on Oahu?

Regularly. Turtles are common in Kailua Bay and around the reef, and the North Shore Anahulu River tour is built specifically around them, since turtles use the stream to rest.

What should I bring kayaking in Kailua?

Reef-safe sunscreen, water, a hat, and something to keep valuables dry. Everything else comes with the boat. Wear what you are happy to swim in, because you will get wet getting in and out.

Prices checked against operator listings, September 2026. Availability and rates are set by the operator and can change.