Home > Islets > Oahu > Kaohikaipu ISLETS: OAHU> KAOHIKAIPU Kaohikaipu   Kaohikaipu - Photo: F & K Starr Kaohikaipu - Photo: F & K Starr   Kaohikaipu - Photo: F & K Starr Kaohikaipu - Photo: F & K Starr   Kaohikaipu - Photo: C Swenson Physical Features Kaohikaipu, also known as Black Rock, is located near Manana and is 1/2 mile north of Makapuu Beach on the southeast coast of Oahu. It is 11 acres in size with a maximum elevation of 40 feet. Kaohikaipu is Oahu's southernmost and geologically youngest offshore islet. It is primarily composed of a volcanic cinder cone that was formed only a few thousand years ago by cinder, spatter, and lava from the Koko fissure. An old vent forms a tiny bay on the northeastern side. The islet must have formed when sea levels were lower because if it had erupted underwater, it would have formed tuff cone like Manana. There are no beaches suitable for landing boats and visitors must swim in. 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. Visitors must obey all posted signs and stay away from the interior of the island, where dense concentrations of seabird burrows occur. Birds Wedge-tailed shearwaters and small numbers of Bulwer’s petrels breed on Kaohikaipu. A 2000 survey estimated 750 breeding shearwater adults on the islet. Small numbers of Black noddies were suspected to be breeding in 1939 but this has not been confirmed since. In 1993, biologists initiated a project to attract breeding Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutablis) to the islet. Life-sized albatross decoys were placed around the islet to encourage the birds to nest. This technique began with Atlantic puffin colonies in Maine and has been successful with many seabird species. Unfortunately, albatross did not nest on Kaohikaipu and the project was discontinued. Plants Much of the islet, especially on the windward side, is covered with low native vegetation. Weeds, including golden crown beard, are concentrated on the west side and could be removed or controlled with consistent effort. A 2005 survey noted 32 plant species, 15 of them native. The endangered Ohai (Sesbania tomentosa) was recently rediscovered after having last been seen in 1937. Insects Recent collections indicate that alien insect, including several species of ants, are common. However, the rare Native beetle, Rhyncogonus vestitus, was recently found on Kaohikaipu. Marine Organisms No marine surveys are known. Human Uses No human uses are known. Threats Like other islets, invasive weeds and ants threaten native species. Golden crown beard in particular should be removed before it spreads. Biologists in 1968 also saw what appeared to be a black rat but were unable to capture it. There have been no subsequent reports of rodents. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us