Explore the beauty of Chinaman’s Hat
Chinaman's Hat Island, also known as Mokoli'i, is a small islet in Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu's east coast that provides vistas of turquoise seas and towering cliffs. It is a popular destination for travellers around the world.
Chinaman's Hat Island is easily seen from the beautiful road that connects the North Shore with the rest of the island via Kamehameha Highway. The name of this tiny island landmark was given to it because of its unique form, which resembles a traditional Chinese straw hat. Several stories surround the island, but one claims that the hat belonged to an ancient giant who is believed to be buried under the surface of the water.
You have a choice of how you get to Chinamans Hat Island. You can either kayak or swim there and then hike up the mountain for an astonishing view of the shore and the Kualoa mountains. The kayak ride from Oahu's North Shore takes about 20 minutes, but it might be shorter depending on the water current in that area at the time.
When you reach the summit of the climb, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the wide ultramarine Hawaiian waters, as well as a stunning vista of the beach and Kualoa Regional Park. The towering mountain range provides a lovely background to the scene. From the summit, you can also view Chinaman's Hat's many beaches and cliff lines. We came upon a Hawaiian Monk Seal stretched out in the sun on one of the rock formations.
To get to Chinaman's Hat, follow the Kamehameha Highway north from Kaneohe up the east coast to Kualoa Point State Recreation Area. It is approximately a 45-minute trip from Honolulu. The island is located only a few hundred yards offshore from the picnic area.
It's no surprise that so many movies are shot along this stretch of beach. It's really fantastic! It's something you have to see and feel for yourself. Trust us, it’s a must-visit spot on O’ahu island!
