When I woke up Saturday morning and walked onto my deck to see another beautiful day in Hawaii, I thought, today is a great time for a day adventure. As I considered all the different options that Oahu has to offer, I decided that paddling out on a kayak from Kailua Beach to the Mokulua Islands was just what I needed.
The Mokulua Islands are fairly famous with beach and ocean enthusiasts. They are commonly featured on postcards, calendars, and many artists love to use them in their artwork.
The Mokuluas are made up of 2 islands:
- Moku Nui (North Mokulua)—Only Moku Nui is allowed access by the public during daylight hours.
- Moku Iki (South Mokulua)—Moku Iki is off-limits to the public.
The car ride from Saint Louis Heights to Kailua Beach takes only 30 minutes. The ride on the Pali Highway is beautiful, everything is so lush and green with tropical foliage everywhere. After we go through the Pali Tunnel and look out at the windward side of Oahu, I can’t help but take a deep sigh of pleasure at the picture perfect view of Kailua, and the mesmerizing aqua blue ocean that I am about to play in.
Kailua Beach
As we pull into the parking lot of Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks Inc., where we rent our kayak, I can see many other people had the same idea to get out and enjoy the day. There are people windsurfing, snorkeling, kite surfing, kayaking, surfing, bike riding, ect…
After we have parked our truck and put the kayak in the water, I look at the Mokulua Islands and feel anxious to start our journey. The ocean water trade winds are so refreshing and cool that, even though you’re in the sun, you stay very comfortable.
Mokulua Islands
Paddling to Moku Nui Island
Once we arrive to our destination, there are about 25 people hanging out—that is a Saturday crowd. During the week, there are usually half as many people on the Mokulua Islands. Some people go there to stay for the day and picnic, while others just stay for a few minutes and return back to Kailua Beach.
The islands are also a bird sanctuary for a variety of seabirds. About 15 minutes or so after we arrived, a woman came swimming up. I asked her how long it took her to swim from Lani Kai to the Mokuluas. She said when the water is calm it takes her about 30 minutes; on a day when the water is choppy it can take up to 1 hour to make the journey. My husband and I stayed for about 1 hour just enjoying the scenery and taking in the day. With the wind at our back helping us along paddling back to Kailua, the journey was quicker and easier.
After loading the kayak in our truck, we both realize we are hungry for something cool and refreshing, that means a quick stop by Lanikai Juice is next. Lanikai Juice is a favorite for many people with a variety of tasty and healthy smoothies and bowls (it really hits the spot).
Kailua and Lanikai Beach is a great area with a nice selection of boutique shops and restaurants. The small town beach community is a great place to live and play. Property in Kailua Beach ranges from condos to multi-million dollar beachfront estates.
As I return home to my little house in Saint Louis Heights once again, I think to myself how fortunate I am to be living the Hawaii life.
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