Mokulua Islands
Mokulua Islands
4.5
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Situated off the coast of Lanikai beach.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
15 reviews
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10
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4
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aimielin
17 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We rented kayak from “Kailua beach adventures”. The wind was medium that day. I’m not a good swimmer so I was bit scared when we passed waves. But definitely worth going. We skipped flat island and headed to Mokulua directly. My tips to you are: WATCH the video guide thoroughly, especially the part that tells you which “route” to take from Kailua to the Mokulua. Cuz if you go too further out when kayaking along the beach line, and you are not a water sport adventurer, big waves may scare you. And know how to avoid being sandwiched by waves coming from both directions when you try to land on the island beach. It was a fun and unique experience.
Written May 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene G
53 contributions
Jul 2018
The Mokulua Islands also known as The Mokes are two Virgin Islands that serve as bird sanctuaries. I have never kayaked before and neither has Aaron. My sister Anna said we would be ok as first timers. We agreed and no sooner did we check in at the front desk, the receptionist stated, “Good luck out there today, the water is rather on the rough side”. My stomach sank as I grabbed my life jacket. Heck, we all grabbed life jackets. No turning back (meow)! Anna and her friend Joseph launched first and did well.. Aaron and I on he other hand, more so myself, struggled to get in the kayak as the waves came crashing one after the other. After flipping over twice I was finally in and away we paddled! It was thrilling being on the ocean trying to reach our destination. The Mokes are incredibly raw. It’s nature at its finest. As soon as we landed, we saw a baby seal sun bathing, tons of birds and their eggs, hermit crabs, black crabs, a sea turtle diving up for air, sea salt and all sorts of unique vegetation. Anna, this trip has inspired me to learn to kayak the right way since Aaron said he was doing most of the work!
Written July 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmaill61
Stanwood, Wa.78 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
My son (25) and I (58) shared an ocean kayak and paddled to the larger island. The currents are coming from three directions so there is a possible and highly likely chance of turning over a kayak. We made it through some 3 foot waves after the reef getting closer to the island. It was intense for me. I highly recommend a life vest.
We climbed the rocks to the opposite side of the island. The surf was so big we could not go the entire route. There is a huge risk of dangers during this time of year. There is lovely pools in which you can get in and soak to cool down.
Water shoes are highly recommended. No facilities there.
The paddle back was challenging getting in the surf at the right time with currents from three directions at 3 for waves from each direction. We managed to get off with a hard strong synchronized paddle. We found ourself riding a 4 foot wave at one point, thankfully we had it come from behind at the right angle and were able to paddle it safely.
Not something I would have typically done, totally out of my comfort zone. Was happy to be back on main shore.
We climbed the rocks to the opposite side of the island. The surf was so big we could not go the entire route. There is a huge risk of dangers during this time of year. There is lovely pools in which you can get in and soak to cool down.
Water shoes are highly recommended. No facilities there.
The paddle back was challenging getting in the surf at the right time with currents from three directions at 3 for waves from each direction. We managed to get off with a hard strong synchronized paddle. We found ourself riding a 4 foot wave at one point, thankfully we had it come from behind at the right angle and were able to paddle it safely.
Not something I would have typically done, totally out of my comfort zone. Was happy to be back on main shore.
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mokulua
Kailua, HI37 contributions
Sep 2014
Far from the beautiful scenes of nature we were expecting, our trip to the Mokulua islands was filled with drunken Marines and local kids partying. Besides that, the island was overwhelmed with fellow tourists and our kayaks trying to find a few inches of sand like penguins bracing for the winter storm. It was crazy how crowded this place was and how much beer folks could lug out to the island.
While there are 2 islands, you can only get onto one of them so the crowds stack up. It seemed like the tourists just keep coming in wave after wave of yellow kayaks.
How this much public drunkenness is allowed is beyond me. Who is supposed to police this place? While there we saw one fight and several families just grab their kids and paddle back once they figured out the scene. Sad.
While there are 2 islands, you can only get onto one of them so the crowds stack up. It seemed like the tourists just keep coming in wave after wave of yellow kayaks.
How this much public drunkenness is allowed is beyond me. Who is supposed to police this place? While there we saw one fight and several families just grab their kids and paddle back once they figured out the scene. Sad.
Written October 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerseybella
NJ South Jersey78 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
My daughter and I kayaked from Lanakei Beach access to the Mokulua Islands. My brother and friend followed us with stand up paddleboards. We lugged along an extra surf board with a small cooler on it and 2 beach chairs. We had a waterproof bag with our towels and stuff also. We had a two person kayak and had so much fun kayaking to the island. While on the island we took at walk to the right side of the island and saw a beautiful natural pool. On the left side you can hike up a cliff and dive. The day we were there my brother heard people yelling from the cliff area but just thought it was roudy local kids having fun. The next day we read in the newspaper that someone fell down the cliff and was badly injured and a jetski patrol had to rescue him and take him to the hospital.
Written March 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunyEllie
Jersey City, NJ178 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
This Island is stunning. We kayak there and the beach is beautiful. There is nothing there it's a virgin Island. There was a baby seal that was too cute too watch and I did the hike to the Queens Bath which was breath taking and refreshing :) .
Don't miss it.
Don't miss it.
Written July 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess Lilly B
Darwin, Australia27 contributions
Jan 2015
We kayaked over to the Mokulua Islands and had a beautiful relaxing time here. It was great to watch the surfers catch a wave. The kayak company we used provided us with snorkeling equipment but you couldn't really see anything. On our way back to shore, we saw some huge turtles.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tracischrag
Wichita, KS11 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Short sail to Mokulua Islands where we had a tour of the bird hatching areas as well as a dip in the baths! Beautiful! Snorkeling with sea turtles and a visit from a monk seal!! So incredible!! Our guides were knowledgeable and fun! Such a great experience!!
Written August 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley B
Salt Lake City, UT7 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
These islands are spectacular and so fun to go visit. Pack a lunch and bring water! All the reviews said that kayaking out to these islands was somewhat difficult, but me being a person that is "in shape" thought it would be easy. I have to admit that we were exhausted when we were done. It took time and effort to get to the big island. Plan on getting wet too! All in all a very fun activity and the views of the mainland are amazing!
ps. We rented from Kailua Sailboards & Rentals are were very pleased with this place. No need to have a guided trip though...
ps. We rented from Kailua Sailboards & Rentals are were very pleased with this place. No need to have a guided trip though...
Written September 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clay B
Mississippi Traveler21 contributions
Sep 2013
My wife and I rented a double kayak and snorkeling equipment and set off. It took 30-40 minutes to get there. The hike around the island is nice. We enjoyed swimming in one of the tidepools. We were able to see some pretty unique fish and a couple of sea turtles while snorkeling. There's also a nice jump rock, but the water was too rough the day that we went, so no one was jumping.
Written October 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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