Ethics guide
How to watch wildlife ethically
The habits that separate a good wildlife encounter from a harmful one, on land, on the water and online.
Destination guide
Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands, Oʻahu: Seabird Sanctuary Rules and Paddling Safety
The twin islets off Lanikai are a protected seabird sanctuary. Here is what to know about landing rules, wind and currents, and sharing the water with turtles.
Nā Mokulua, the "two islands," sit off Lanikai on Oʻahu's windward coast. The larger islet is Moku Nui and the smaller, steeper one is Moku Iki. Paddling out to them by kayak is one of the island's best-known ocean outings, with turquoise shallows, views back to the Koʻolau mountains, and the chance to see green sea turtles on the way.
The islets are also a state seabird sanctuary. That status shapes where visitors may go and how they should behave once they arrive. This guide covers the sanctuary rules, ocean conditions, and how to share the area with its wildlife.
A seabird sanctuary first
Both islets are part of Hawaiʻi's network of offshore islet seabird sanctuaries, managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Seabirds, notably wedge-tailed shearwaters (ʻuaʻu kani), nest in burrows dug into the soil and under vegetation. A burrow can collapse under a single footstep, crushing an egg or chick inside.
For this reason, landing and access are restricted:
- Moku Nui: visitors have historically been allowed to land only on the beach area, and must stay off the vegetated interior where burrows are.
- Moku Iki: closed to landing.
Rules for sanctuaries can change, and enforcement and signage are updated periodically. Read the current DLNR rules before you go.
Ocean conditions and paddling safety
The paddle crosses open water. It can feel easy on a calm morning, but conditions on the windward coast change quickly.
- Trade winds: Oʻahu's prevailing northeasterly trade winds often strengthen during the day. The return trip toward shore can mean paddling against wind and chop, which tires inexperienced paddlers quickly.
- Currents: currents run along the coast and around the islets, and can carry a capsized paddler away from the route.
- Surf and the seaward side: the ocean-facing side of Moku Nui is exposed to open-ocean swell. Rocky ledges and pools there have been the scene of serious injuries when waves wash over them. Stay away from the seaward rocks.
- Sun and dehydration: there is no shade or fresh water on the islets.
Sea turtles and other marine life
Green sea turtles (honu) are often seen in the shallows between Kailua and the islets, and sometimes resting on beaches. Hawaiian monk seals occasionally haul out on windward beaches. Humpback whales pass offshore in winter. All are protected under federal and state law.
Respecting the place
Lanikai and Kailua are residential neighborhoods as well as famous beaches. Parking is limited, and local residents have raised concerns about crowding and commercial activity. Using public access paths, keeping noise down and following local parking rules help keep the area welcoming for everyone.
References
- Hawaiʻi DLNR — Division of Forestry and Wildlife
- Hawaiʻi DLNR — Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- NOAA Fisheries — Viewing marine wildlife in Hawaiʻi
- NOAA Fisheries — Marine life viewing guidelines
- National Weather Service Honolulu
- Hawaiʻi Beach Safety
- U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety — life jackets
Facts in the Key facts boxes are drawn from the sources listed under References. Rules, seasons and access change — confirm with the official authority before you go. How we work.