Goat Island (Mokuauia) - Honolulu, Hawaii - Day Trip to a Private Island

Mokuauia, also known as Goat Island, is a saddle-shaped rock formation covering thirteen acres in Laie Bay on Oahu's windward coast. Composed of raised limestone, sand and sandy soil, it rests inside a reef that fringes the shoreline.

Legend has it that this island and four others near Laie Point were formed by the demigods Niheu and Kana. They supposedly killed a great lizard and threw its pieces into the ocean, which became these islets. The name "Goat Island,'' however, derives from a more recent time, when Laie residents used to graze their goats here.

Mokuauia is low and flat, reaching a maximum elevation of only 15 feet. It can be reached by kayak from the recreation area at Malaekahana State Park across a shallow channel that is about 400 yards wide. At low tide, it is possible to wade from shore to the island. However, at high tide the surrounding currents and riptides can be strong, making access and return difficult.

Viewed from a distance, the island has a rather bumpy appearance. This is caused by the burrowing of seabirds as they nest. A survey conducted in 2000 estimated that more than 6,500 Wedge-tailed shearwaters of breeding age were present on the island, up from only several hundred in the 1960s.

In the very center of the island is a restricted area, the State Seabird Sanctuary managed by the Hawaii DOFAW. It provides refuge to many species of ground-dwelling birds that raise their young here. State and federal laws protect the wildlife and plants within the clearly marked sanctuary. Visitors must obey all posted signs, avoid the island interior, and refrain from disturbing nesting areas, seabirds and shorebirds.

Elsewhere on the island, brackish tide pools provide excellent locations for observing small sea life, including native shrimp. There are two sandy beaches, one of which has coral formations in the shallows nearby, while the other on the west shore is protected and preferred for swimming. The presence of reef-dwelling fish, octopi, sea urchins and lava pockets makes the waters surrounding Mokuauia ideal for snorkeling.

Besides birds, the island is also home to 52 plant species, only sixteen of which are native. Among local insects, fire ants dominate, accompanied by a rare, yellow-faced bee identified as Hylaeus anthracina. Black rats have occasionally been seen on the islet, too, although the Hawaii DOFAW instituted an eradication program in 2006, which has been largely successful.

Because Mokuauia is easily accessible, yet unspoiled, it has become one of Oahu's most popular day drips for fishermen, surfers and picnickers, particularly on weekends. Those wishing to visit are advised to protect their feet from coral and rocks by wearing sneakers or reef shoes instead of flip-flops. Any items taken to the island must be removed when returning to the shore; dogs are strictly prohibited.

Wading to Goat Island from Cooke's Point takes only fifteen minutes at low tide. The entire perimeter of the island can be hiked in 20~30 minutes. To get there by car, take the Kamehameha Highway north of Laie just a few miles to the Malaekahana State Park Recreation Area where parking is available. Goat Island can be seen just offshore.