Chinaman’s Hat & Jurassic Park Mountains
Mokolii Island, also known among locals as Chinaman’s Hat because of its shape, is a popular spot for taking pictures on Oahu's windward coast. The small island can be found at the north end of Kaneohe Bay and offshore Kualoa Regional Beach Park.
In Hawaiian, Mokolii is a term that meaning "small lizard." It's also known as the Chinaman's Hat because of its cone-shaped shape, which is reminiscent of the peasant's hat worn by peasants in rural China. The only thing that exists here is a few of lonely palm trees and two tiny beaches, which are the only things to see and do. Even so, it's a fantastic destination for anyone seeking adventure and the opportunity to have an island all to themselves once in a lifetime, as shown in the video below.
Things to know before heading to Chinaman’s Hat
After checking in at Kualoa Ranch, there is a shuttle that will transport you straight over the road to the location where the kayaks are located. I would recommend taking a water bottle, sunglasses, and perhaps a hat or sunscreen with you on your trip. If you did not bring your own water shoes, they will supply you with some. Water shoes are strongly recommended since you will be walking in and on the water as well as on the rocks to launch and retrieve your kayak. Remember that the island is also a seabird breeding site, so if you come here, be mindful of this and take care not to disturb the birds.
Once we've gotten our bearings, we'll depart from the beach and make our way to the famous Chinaman's Hat. The water is just a few feet deep. At the bottom, which is just waist-deep, you can see the water. If there is just a small party, the guide will lead you on a short walk to snap some photos. We get a chance to swim for a few minutes to cool down before setting off on our kayak tour around the island. The secret island is the next stop on the itinerary. There is cold water available, and we are given a short tour of the facility. After taking a few more photos, we get back on our kayaks and paddle east to the beach, where the shuttle will come and pick us and our kayaks up from there. There is also a shower facility in the area for you to rinse off. If you want, you may either stroll around the island to a tiny beach that faces the open ocean or climb to the summit for a breathtaking view of the magnificent Koolau Mountains and the windward coast. There is a moderate amount of effort required for the roughly 20-minute ascent that takes you through dense vegetation, mud, and lava ledges. However, if you're in good shape, you should be able to make it to the top.
The Nearby Jurassic Mountains
For Jurassic Park fans, seeing the locations where scenes from their favourite movie were filmed is an incredible opportunity. The island of Oahu in Hawaii has so much to offer and that includes visiting a place known as Kualoa Ranch! This ranch was home to many filming activities for movies like "Jurassic World" which will leave you wanting more after viewing these sites up-close-and personal. What if you're not a fan of Jurassic World? The scenery is so stunning that you'll enjoy the experience nonetheless!
