Home > Islets > Molokai > Okala ISLETS: MOLOKAI > OKALA Okala   Okala - Photo: R Shallenberger Okala - Photo: K Wood   Okala - Photo: K Wood Okala - Photo: K Wood   Okala - Photo: K Wood Physical Features Okala is a seastack 2 acres in size and approximately 400 feet tall. It is the tallest and third largest of Molokai's off-shore islets. It lies only 450 feet north of Leinaopapio Point and one mile to the east of Kalaupapa Peninsula. The substrate consists of crumbly basalt talus and boulder outcrops interspersed with pockets of brown granular soil. The combination of steep slopes, loose boulders, and talus makes research on Okala particularly dangerous. A submarine tunnel cuts through the islet. 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. Okala is also within the boundaries of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, which co-manages the islet with the state. Birds Due to its small size and the difficulty of access, Okala has not been intensively surveyed for seabirds. Biologists have observed 4 seabird species that may be nesting on Okala, including Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus), Red-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda), Black noddies (Anous minutus), and White-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus). Plants Okala is home to a spectacular assemblage of rare, native plants. The islet is dominated by a native coastal shrubland consisting of 26 native plant species; one of the highest numbers of coastal natives recorded in one place. The endangered Scaevola coriacea (Dwarf naupaka) was recently discovered on Okala. This plant was historically recorded from all the main islands of Hawaii except Kahoolawe, but is now only known from five locations; three of these on offshore islets. Two federal species of concern, Bidens molokaiensis and Nesoluma polynesicum, are also present. Pittosporum halophilum (hoawa), another extremely rare plant endemic to Molokai, was presumed extinct for many decades until it was recently re-discovered on Huelo, Okala and Mokapu Islets and on nearby Kukaiwaa Peninsula. However, the last plant on Huelo died in 2002. Two healthy individuals of P. halophilum remain on Okala, making a total of 14 plants left in the wild. Because Okala is a valuable source of rare plant seeds, biologists continue to visit the islet to collect seeds for propagation and outplanting in safe locations. Insects No insect survey data is known. Marine Organisms The National Park Service conducted a survey of fish and corals in September 2004. Human Uses No human uses are known. Threats The main threat to Okala is invasive alien species. Several weeds are already established, including Christmasberry, Java plum, lantana, pluchea, and others. Although rats are not known to be on Okala, they could potentially swim the narrow channel separating it from Molokai. Soil erosion and landslides are also potential threats to rare plants and nesting seabirds. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us