Home > Islets > Oahu > Kekepa ISLETS: OAHU > KEKEPA Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock)   Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock) - Photo: F & K Starr Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock) - Photo: F & K Starr   Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock) - Photo: F & K Starr Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock) - Photo: F & K Starr   Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock) - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Kekepa (also called Turtle Rock) is located in Kaneohe Bay near the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. It is 2 acres in size with a maximum elevation of 20 feet. The islet is a raised limestone cap covered with a thin layer of soil and surrounded by coral reef. It has been undercut extensively by waves and now resembles a turtle shell or a giant elongated mushroom. The undercut edges make the island virtually inaccessible by boat and have kept human use to a minimum. 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 2005 survey noted two pairs of wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting on Kekepa. Bones of what may have been Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), bearing rodent gnaw marks, were found in 1968. Plants A 2005 survey documented 13 plants species, 9 of which were native. Native plant cover dominates the islet. This is the only known Oahu islet location for the native Akoko (Chamaesyce degeneri). Insects No insect surveys are known. Marine Organisms No marine surveys are known. Human Uses No human uses are known. Threats Small numbers of weeds are present and could be removed with a concerted effort. Mouse droppings and bird bones with rodent gnaw marks were noted in 1968. It is unknown if rodents are still present. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us