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Islets Off Laie and Malaekahana
Posted: December 4, 2007
Five small islets lie just offshore from Laie and Malaekahana on the northern coast of Oahu. The names of these tiny islands in order from north to south are Kihewamoku, Mokuauia, Pulemoku, Kukuihoolua, and Mokualai. Some of these small islands are close to shore and can be reached by wading in the water, while others are more than a half mile offshore in deep water which can be rough and difficult to reach by swimming.
The three northern most islets can be seen on the horizon in this panoranic shot of Hulikau Beach. From left to right are the islets of Kihewamoku, Mokuauia, and Pulemoku. The largest island is Mokuauia which can be reached by wading from Malaekahana State Park. The native and introduced plants on this island tolerant saltly spray and windy conditions that are common along the Koolauloa Coast. Mokuauia is also a nesting site for native sea birds like ua’u kani or wedge-tailed shearwaters.
Kukuihoolua is the islet off Laie Point with a prominent hole in the middle of the tiny island spanned by a sea arch. Ocean waves batter Kukuihoolua sending salt spray high into the air and crash into a miniature cove carved into the limestone rock at the tip of Laie Point. In the background is Pulemoku Islet.