5 hours · Ages 13+ · Kayak and snorkel
Mokulua Islands Guided Kayak Tour
The twin islands off Kailua with a guide.
| Visitor | $205 |
|---|---|
| Kama'aina | $185 |
| Private, 1 to 2 | $399 |
Editorial spotlight · 134B Hamakua Drive, Kailua, Oahu
2026 Golden Lei Awards nomineeBest Kayak & E-Bike Tour
Active Oahu Tours
A Kailua outfitter that puts you on the windward side of Oahu in whichever way you like: a guide to the Mokulua Islands, a kayak to Popoia, a self-guided run to Chinaman's Hat or the Kaneohe Bay sandbar, a rainforest river paddle, or an e-bike. Michael Gulden started it, per the operator, to share the island's scenery in a more convenient and family-friendly way.
- Mokulua guided
- $205
- Self-guided from
- $82
- Tripadvisor
- 4.9
- Travelers' Choice
- 2022, 2024
Editorial spotlight. Active Oahu Tours is a nominee in the 2026 Golden Lei Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.
The company
Built around self-guided trips
The operator's About page names Michael Gulden as founder and owner and says he started the company to share some of the best scenery and adventures on Oahu in a more convenient, family-friendly way. The page gives the start as both 2013 and 2016, so we leave the year out. Tripadvisor has named it a Travelers' Choice winner in 2022 and 2024, per the operator.
The business leans on self-guided rentals and tours: kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, e-bikes and snorkel sets, with the gear, straps and instruction provided. It also runs guided trips to the Mokulua Islands and Popoia Island, and a Kailua e-bike food tour. Nearly every trip has a Kama'aina or military rate.
“Some of the best scenery and adventures on Oahu in a more convenient and family-friendly way.”
Founder and owner
Michael Gulden
Owner as named on the About page. Guides Jared and Logan are named in guest testimonials.
The one to book
Mokulua Islands guided kayak tour
Five hours with a guide: ocean kayaking and snorkeling to the Mokulua Islands off Kailua. The price includes bird-sanctuary permits, kayaks, beach gear and instruction. Ages 13 and up on the group trip; private tours are available for children 12 and under. Guests should be physically active.
The booking page lists the visitor fare and a Kama'aina or military fare for Hawaii residents.
| Visitor, 13+ | $205 |
|---|---|
| Kama'aina or military | $185 |
| Private, 1 to 2 people | $399 |
| Private, 3 or more | $299 |
Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026. Private rates are per person.
Check AvailabilityThe gear
Kayaks, boards and e-bikes
Gear comes with straps, pads, life vests and instruction. Self-guided trips are also sold by the day.
Kayaks
- Tandem
- Fits one or two people, 425 lb capacity
- Model
- Malibu Pro 2 tandems, per the operator
Stand-up paddleboards
- Kit
- Life vest, paddle and leash
E-bikes
- Motor
- 749 W, 20 mph top speed
- Kit
- Helmet and lock
Book it
Tours and rentals
Per person. Visitor fare shown; a Kama'aina or military fare applies to most trips. Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026.
3 hours · All ages · Beginners
Popoia Island & Kailua Bay Guided Kayak
A short guided paddle for families.
| Visitor, 13+ | $145 |
|---|---|
| Child, 5 to 12 | $125 |
| Kama'aina | $125 |
3 hours · Ages 16+ and kids 8 and under
Popoia Kayak & E-Bike Adventure
A kayak, a snorkel and an e-bike in one trip.
| Visitor, 18+ | $175 |
|---|---|
| Child, 8 and under | $155 |
| Kama'aina | $155 |
4 hours · All ages
Chinaman's Hat Self-Guided Kayak
Kayak and hike at Kualoa, on your own.
| Visitor, 13+ | $82 |
|---|---|
| Child, 12 and under | $72 |
| Kama'aina | $72 |
4 hours or all day
Kaneohe Bay Sandbar Self-Guided Kayak
The sandbar in the middle of Kaneohe Bay.
| Visitor, 13+ | $82 |
|---|---|
| Kama'aina | $72 |
4 hours · All ages
Rainforest Self-Guided Kayak
A river paddle at Kahana, a 40-minute drive from Kailua.
| Visitor, 13+ | $82 |
|---|---|
| Child, 12 and under | $72 |
| Kama'aina | $72 |
Half day · Guided scenic and food tour
Kailua E-Bike Kau Kau Adventure
A guided e-bike tour around Kailua with food stops.
| Visitor, 13+ | $189 |
|---|---|
| Child, 8 and under | $149 |
| Kama'aina | $179 |
4 hours or full day
Kailua Rentals
Kayak, board, e-bike and snorkel rentals.
| Tandem kayak | $69 |
|---|---|
| SUP | $48 |
| E-bike | $57 |
| Snorkel set | $15 |
More: the Popoia Island paddleboard lesson, the Sharks Cove self-guided snorkel at $38, a West Oahu guided snorkel tour, and multi-day kayak rentals.
Before you go
Know before you go
Where to check in
The Kailua storefront at 134B Hamakua Drive.
Vehicle
The Kahana river trip is 40 minutes from Kailua; bring a four-door vehicle or roof racks for the kayaks, per the operator.
Ages
The Mokulua group trip is 13 and up with private tours for younger children. Several guided trips are for 16 and up with small children allowed.
Bring
Reef-safe sunscreen, water, a hat, water shoes and a dry change.
Policies
Weight limits and cancellation terms are in the booking flow; we could not confirm them on the operator's pages.
Reviews
What guests say
- 4.9Tripadvisor441 reviews as of September 30, 2026
- 2xTravelers' Choice2022 and 2024, per the operator
- Kama'ainaRate on most tripsHawaii residents and military
Reviewers praise friendly, flexible staff, good communication before the trip, thorough safety briefings, full gear and the Kaneohe Bay sandbar, turtles and clear water. A few said older boats took on water or that self-guided drop-offs came with little guidance.
Questions
Good to know
Is it guided or self-guided?
Both. Mokulua and Popoia are guided; Chinaman's Hat, the sandbar and the river are self-guided.
What does it cost?
Mokulua guided $205, Popoia $145, self-guided kayaks $82, e-bike rental $57, tandem kayak $69. Checked September 30, 2026.
Is there a Kama'aina rate?
Yes, on most trips, for Hawaii residents and military.
Can kids come?
Yes on Popoia and the self-guided trips; the Mokulua group trip starts at 13.
Where is the shop?
134B Hamakua Drive, Kailua.
Paddle the windward side
Guided kayaks, self-guided boats and e-bikes from Kailua.
Check Availability