Home > Islets > Oahu > Kapapa ISLETS: OAHU > KAPAPA Kapapa   Kapapa - Photo: F & K Starr Kapapa - Photo: F & K Starr   Kapapa - Photo: F & K Starr Kapapa - Photo: F & K Starr   Kapapa - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Kapapa is a low islet just inside the outer reef of Kaneohe Bay. The 9.5 acre islet is two miles offshore and reaches a height of about 15 feet above sea level. The 1946 tsunami washed over the islet, drowning nesting seabirds. Kapapa is formed from a lithified sand dune, limestone, sand, and sandy soil. It is easily accessible to boaters and is frequently visited. Regulations Kapapa is state property. State and/or federal laws protect all native wildlife and plants, as well as cultural sites. Birds Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest on the islet but suffer from heavy public use. Recent studies documented that fewer than half of the Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) chicks fledge, probably due to human activities and the dogs people bring to the islet. Small numbers of Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) were previously documented nesting on Kapapa but may not be present now. Plants A 2005 survey recorded 41 plants species, only 13 of them native. Despite the high number of alien species, many areas of the islet are covered almost completely by native plants. Vegetation is similar to that found on Mokuauia. Insects A new species of native weevil, Rhyncogonus kapapa, was found on Kapapa in 1968 and is only known from this location. It is unknown if this rare endemic species is still present. Marine Organisms Kapapa is located at the outer edge of the Kaneohe Bay reef. Kaneohe Bay is noted for its diversity of corals and invertebrates, some of which are found nowhere else. A popular dive site is located nearby. Human Uses Hawaiian legend tells that the deity Wakea and his wife were washed up on Kapapa by a tsunami. The remains of a cultural site, either a heiau or fishing shrine, are present on Kapapa and resulted in Kapapa’s designation as a National Historic Site in 1972. In 1979, Kapapa was proposed for inclusion in the state seabird sanctuary system but public outcry kept it off the sanctuary list and full public use continues. Compared to most of the other Oahu islets, human activities on Kapapa are relatively unrestricted. Boaters, fishermen, divers, surfers, and campers frequently visit Kapapa. Threats Heavy public use is the main threat to the island. Human activities and pets reduce seabird nesting success. Like most islets, invasive weeds pose a threat to native plants. Mice (Mus musculus) were trapped in the 1960s and may still be present. Mice can eat native seeds and insects and may impact small seabirds. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us