A Sanctuary for Seabirds (and People)
August is my favorite time of year to visit Goat Island (Mokuauia Island) in Laie. That’s when you can find newly hatched Wedge-tailed shearwater chicks. Shearwaters are a type of seabird that nest in burrows and the baby chicks look like little gray balls of puff (as in super cute). I worked for Bishop Museum on a project to document and protect Hawaii’s offshore islets – some of the last remnants of Hawaii’s coastal ecosystems. The little rocks and sea stacks scattered off the main islands act as a sanctuary for seabirds. A safe place for them to make their burrows away from predators like cats, dogs, mongoose, and rats. I was excited to take the kids on an adventure and share this special place with them.
The Best Time to Visit
Evenings and early mornings are the best times to visit if you want to see birds. The adults are feeding or doing shift changes and the chicks often sit at the entrance to their burrows. Of course, plans don’t always work out when kids are involved. By the time we made it to the island, the sun was blazing overhead and most baby chicks were tucked deep in their burrows. We did get lucky with a few lounging adults and chicks sitting in shallow burrows though.
If you’re not a big bird fan, it’s still a lovely spot to visit. You can search for crabs and shells, or splash in the protected water of the lagoon on your own private island. Before you leave, make the trip around the island or at least check out the east end where jagged rocks meet the pounding surf and breathe in the dramatic beauty. To protect the island, stay on the beach or the perimeter trail, and leave dogs at home. The interior of the island is a complex maze of burrows that are easily collapsed underfoot.
Getting to Goat Island
To get to the island, park at Malaekahana State Park. Head to the left of the bathrooms and out to the point across from the island. From there you can paddle, swim, or walk out. The crossing is easiest at low or mid-tide when the surf is mellow. At other times, you can stumble into holes in the reef and big waves can knock you over.
The best method depends on weather conditions, what gear you have, and what you’re up for. Personally, I find it easiest is to put on some reef tabis and walk out with the kids on something that floats. Reef tabis have a felt bottom which gives you protection, traction, and don’t destroy the reef. You can find them at Walmart or any fishing store. For our trip, we put the kids on a paddleboard and walked them across.
Looking for a More Mellow Oahu Family Adventure?
If you’re not up for a water crossing, there are lots of beautiful spots in the area. Malaekahana itself is fun for camping or picnicking or you can head down the coast to beautiful Kahana Bay. No worries, there are lots of more mellow ideas for family fun in the Keiki Monday archives
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