Coconut Island (Moku o Loe)

The Basics

The 28-acre (11-hectare) island was once owned by the Hawaiian royal family, and is most famous for its role in the opening credits of the TV hitGilligan’s Island. Today, while the island is usually off-limits to visitors, the surrounding barrier reef offers some of the best snorkeling on Oahu.

Many public tours provide boat access to locally known snorkeling spots in Kane‘ohe Bay as well as tours around the island’s perimeter. On catamaran and kayak tours, you can expect to see a variety of native tropical fish and green sea turtles (honu) while you learn about ancient Hawaii from your guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Coconut Island is ideal for nature and outdoors lovers.

• Check the HIMB website for information on their occasional family-friendly tours.

• Kane‘ohe Bay is a nursery for scalloped hammerhead sharks. Snorkelers may encounter the shark pups, which like to swim in shallow water. Hammerheads don’t pose much risk to humans, but it is advised to leave the sharks alone and avoid swimming when they are present.

• Be aware of the changing tides in Kane‘ohe Bay. Check the tide timetable to avoid getting stuck at high tide in places such as Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli‘i) and the Ahu o Laka sandbar.

How to Get There

Kane‘ohe Bay lies northeast of Honolulu and Waikiki on Oahu’s Windward Coast. It is accessible by city bus and car, but traffic and parking can be time-consuming. Many bay tours include transport along with boat trips, kayak rentals, or catamaran tours—which is helpful, as you need a boat to reach Coconut Island.

When to Get There

The bay is lovely year-round, despite a moderate rainy season from December through February. Hammerhead sharks give birth to their pups in May and June, when you’ll see more sharks in the area.

Visit Ahu O Laka Sandbar

Ahu o Laka is a beautiful sandbar in Kane‘ohe Bay about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from shore. Many bay tours include boat trips to the sandbar for picnics and exploration of the bay’s small archipelago, including Chinaman’s Hat and Coconut Island. Some visitors experience the bay by kayak or canoe—with many guided tours of the area offering kayak rentals with instruction—or even by helicopter.

Ways to explore

Coconut Island is not typically open to the public, but for those still interested in visiting, it’s possible to join an organized tour through the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Guided tours feature a boat ride to the island and a 2-hour walking tour to learn about Coconut Island’s history and the unique marine life found in the surrounding waters. These educational experiences are geared toward families with kids ages 5 and older, individuals, and community groups.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Age limits

5 years old and older

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat

Not allowed

Pets, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address 

Coconut Island is only accessible by boat, and it’s only open to the public via organized tours through the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. However, the following are directions for arriving at the shuttle boat that can take you to the island on a tour.

Driving

From downtown Honolulu, take H-1 heading east and then merge onto Pali Highway (Route 61) or Likelike Highway (Route 63) toward Kāneʻohe. Exit onto Lilipuna Road and follow signs to the pier. From there, you can catch the shuttle boat to the island.

Public transportation

From Honolulu, take TheBus routes 55, 56, or 65 to the Windward Mall or Kamehameha Hwy stops. From there, walk for about half an hour until you reach Lilipuna Pier where you can take the shuttle boat to the island.

Best times to visit

You must visit on an organized tour through the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) in the morning or afternoon, so check with them directly for specific times.

Best days to visit

Organized tours are available through the HIMB on weekday mornings and afternoons.

Best months to visit

The best time to visit Oahu generally is in the summer months (June through August) for the best weather conditions.

Special events

Oahu holds seasonal festivals throughout the year, including the Honolulu Festival in March and the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June. Organizing your visit to coincide with these events can be a great way to enhance your trip.