Chinaman's Hat
East Oahu Sight
This little cone-shaped lump of lava off Kualoa Point is officially called Mokoli'i but has earned the nickname Chinaman's Hat from its resemblance to the straw hats that the Chinese immigrants wore.
In the past, this little chunk of land was part of Oahu, but through years of erosion, it has separated. You can still reach it, though. It is possible to walk there from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide. You can also surf or kayak there.
The island supports an interesting array of sea life and a small beach in a secluded cove. You can also attempt to climb the cinder cone, but it is steep and arduous, so proceed with caution. Mokoli'i peaks just shy of 210 feet (64m) in height above sea level.
From Mokoli'i, you can get stunning views of the Koolau Mountains, Mokapun peninsula, Kahaluu, Kaneohe, and Kailua.
Location / Directions
Chinaman's Hat is located offshore via the Kamehameha Highway from the Kualoa Point State Recreation Area, approximately 45-minute drive north from Honolulu.
Published by: John C. Derrick
Chinaman's Hat, one of Oahu's most recognized landmarks
