Home > Islets > Oahu > Mokolea ISLETS: OAHU > MOKOLEA Mokolea   Mokolea - Photo: F & K Starr Mokolea - Photo: F & K Starr   Mokolea - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Mokolea is a small, jagged volcanic islet one mile southeast of Mokapu Point. It is 0.4 acres in size with a maximum elevation of 15 feet. The lava islet is the eroded remnant of a volcanic cinder cone and vent. Mokolea has little soil, no beaches, and no landing area. 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 Despite waves washing over the top of this little island during severe storms, some seabirds are still able to use it for nesting. Small numbers of Bulwer’s petrels, Brown noddies, and Black noddies (Anous minutus) have been documented nesting on Mokolea. 1998 observations recorded 200 breeding adult noddies of both species. Mokolea may be one source of the black noddies frequently seen foraging in the brackish wetlands and nearshore waters of Mokapu Peninsula. Plants Because of the lack of soil and the exposure to salt spray, only a few species of plants grow near the top of Mokolea. A 2005 survey recorded 4 low-growing plant species, 2 of them native. Insects No insect surveys are known, although an unidentified ant species was observed in 2005. Marine Organisms Surveys have been conducted but results are not yet available. Rough waters in the area discourage fishing and divers report healthy fish populations. Human Uses During World War II, Mokolea was used for target practice by aircraft. No current human uses are known, although beer cans were found during the 2005 survey. Threats No significant threats are known. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us