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Mokolii Island
(Chinaman's Hat)

Trailhead


A nifty but dangerous climb awaits you on this islet's west side, a wave-swept, rocky shoreline on its east side. Truly a spectacular way to view Oahu's windward coastline, especially at sunrise!


Description:
This islet rises from waters offshore Kualoa and is a geologic feature known as a sea stack. This pointy remnant of the mighty ridge that stands tall behind Kualoa has been weathered by wind, rain, and surf. And while it is featured in Hawaiian lore and topic of amusement to passers-by, Mokolii Island also provides ocean-goers with a hiking opportunity.


What to Expect:
This is a short but challenging 206-foot climb to the top. The "shoreline" is narrow - don't expect an easy landing if surf is rough. It tends to be more choppy and dangerous on the windward (west) side of the islet. The lower half of the islet is steep with alternating patches of crumbly rock and fine, sandy dirt underfoot surrounded by scrubby dry vegetation. The upper half is almost entirely vertical, crumbly rock face.

This trail is almost entirely an ascent of varying degrees - there is very little lateral journey to be gained.

Mokolii Island is approximately 0.3-mile (map measured) offshore Kualoa Point. The low-tide depth sounding averages 4 feet on the west and 9 feet on the east side of the islet.


Trailhead Location:
There is no true trailhead. Start from whereever you choose your beach landing, work your way to the leeward (west) side of the islet before you commence climbing. There is no graded trail but an obvious footswath will switchback steeply until you hit the rocky vertical section.


Accessing the Trail:
Mokolii Island is most accessible from the state's Kualoa Regional Beach Park. This is along the Kamehameha Hwy (State 83) on the north side of Kaneohe Bay. Specifically, Kualoa is between Waikane and Kaaawa Valley.

Once at the beach park getting to the island is up to you. Obviously, this requires crossing a body of water in some manner: kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, boating, etc.


Property/Access:
Owner: State of Hawaii


Dangers/Other Considerations:
In addition to reasonable considerations regarding challenging hikes, know what you are doing before attempting whatever crossing you choose to make to Mokolii Islet. Be aware of sea and meteorological conditions, both current and forecasted, before attempting this hike.


Mokolii Island
Mokolii Island
(View from Kualoa Ranch)

Mokolii Island
Mokolii Island
(view from Kualoa Beach)

Mokolii Shore East
Mokolii Island Shore
(Facing Oahu)

Mokolii Shore West
Mokolii Island Shore
(Facing Ocean)

Puu Ohulehule Sunrise
Puu Ohulehule & Kualoa Beach Park
(View West from Top)

Horizon Sunrise
Sunrise View
(View East from Top)



What the books say...
Hawaiian Hiking Trails
Craig Chisholm
Not listed
Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails
Robert Smith
Not listed
The Hikers Guide to O'ahu
Stuart Ball
Not listed