Home > Islets > Molokai > Kanaha ISLETS: MOLOKAI > KANAHA Kanaha   Kanaha - Photo: R Shallenberger Kanaha - Photo: Ken Wood   Mokuhooniki and Kanaha - Photo: R Shallenberger Kanaha - Photo: Ken Wood   Mokuhooniki and Kanaha - Photo: C Swenson Physical Features Kanaha is located in the Pailolo Channel about one mile from the east end of Molokai. It lies 150 feet southwest of Mokuhooniki, to which it was formerly connected. It is a square, steep-sided sea stack with a sloping plateau. The islet is about 1.2 acres and 100 feet at its highest point. Both Kanaha and its neighbor islet, Mokuhooniki are the remnants of a single, volcanic tuff cone that was cut into two parts by wave erosion. Kanaha and Mokuhooniki were heavily bombed for military training during World War II. Shrapnel, bullets, and an assortment of projectiles can be found everywhere, including offshore waters. Cliffs show fracture lines, and there are impact craters on the summit. Regulations The islet is a State Seabird Sanctuary managed by the Hawaii DOFAW. Regulations in Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13 Chapter 125, protect wildlife and plants and restrict human activities in seabird sanctuaries. Federal law also protects seabirds, shorebirds, and threatened or endangered species. Birds A 1981 survey estimated that just under 50 pairs of Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) were nesting on Kanaha. Plants A 1981 plant survey found 14 species of vascular plants on the islet; 10 native and 4 alien species. Vegetation at that time was estimated to cover 10% of the islet overall with nearly 40% cover on the deeper soils on the islet’s plateau. Insects Insect surveys have not been conducted on Kanaha. Marine Organisms Marine survey data is unknown. Human Uses Kanaha, like Mokuhooniki, was subject to military target practice from 1944 to 1958, although the territorial permit to the Navy that allowed bombing apparently only specified Mokuhooniki. Recreational divers sometimes visit the waters around Kanaha. Threats Soil erosion, caused in part by historical use as a military target range, is a potential threat to native plants and nesting seabirds. Non-native vegetation also poses a threat by displacing native vegetation and seabirds. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us