Moku o Loʻe Island


Offshore in Kaneʻohe Bay, Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island), southeast of Heʻeia State Park, was a royal playground, named for the coconut trees planted there in the mid-19th century by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. During WWII, the US military used it for R&R. Today the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology occupies much of the island, which you might recognize from the opening credits Gilligan’s Island.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Heʻeia State Park

1.46 MILES

This park on Kealohi Point has picnic potential and views of Heʻeia Fishpond to the south. This location was sacred to ancient Hawaiians as a place of…

2. Heʻeia Pier

1.6 MILES

Just north of He‘eia State Park, off the Kamehameha Hwy, is one of the Windward Coast’s only small-boat harbors. Watch the comings and goings of local…

3. Gyotaku by Naoki

1.62 MILES

You'll probably have seen Naoki's magnificent gyotaku (Japanese-style fish prints) all over Oʻahu in galleries, restaurants and bars, but there's nothing…

4. Kawai Nui Marsh

2.78 MILES

One of Hawaii’s largest freshwater marshes, Kawai Nui provides flood protection for the town and a habitat for endangered waterbirds, and is also one of…

5. Valley of the Temples & Byōdō-In

2.86 MILES

It's so peaceful and parklike that it might take you a minute to realize that Valley of the Temples is an interdenominational cemetery. Up at the base of…

6. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

3.49 MILES

The dramatic ridged cliffs of the Koʻolau Range are arrayed in front of you like an Imax screen at Oʻahu’s largest botanical garden. It encompasses 400…

7. Kalama Beach Park

3.67 MILES

Kalama Beach Park, 1 mile north of Kailua Beach Park on Kalaheo Ave, is the best place to park for a great walk. Climb over the grassy lawn to a much more…

8. Ulupo Heiau State Monument

3.97 MILES

Rich in stream-fed agricultural land, fishing grounds and protected canoe landings, Kailua was an ancient economic center that supported at least three…