Goat Island (Hawaii) facts for kids
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Native name:
Mokuʻauia
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Aerial view of Goat Island
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| Geography | |
| Location | Oahu, Hawaii |
| Coordinates | 21°39′43″N 157°55′28″W / 21.6618985°N 157.9244453°W |
| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
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United States
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Goat Island, also known as Mokuʻauia, is a small, flat island in Laie Bay, Hawaii. It is located on the northeast shore of Oahu. This islet is made of old, hardened sand dunes.
A shallow channel of water separates Goat Island from Malaekahana State Recreation Area. This channel is about 720 feet (220 meters) wide. The water in the channel is only about 3 feet (1 meter) deep.
Goat Island is about 13 acres (0.05 square kilometers) in size. Its highest point is only about 15 feet (4.6 meters) above the water. It is a special place called a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary, which means it is protected for birds.
Wildlife and Island Protection
Goat Island is home to many interesting plants and animals. There are 16 types of native plants that grow here. One of these is the Sesbania tomentosa, which is an endangered plant. This means it is very rare and needs special protection.
The island is also a very important breeding ground for thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters. These seabirds come to the island to lay their eggs and raise their young.
Dealing with Invasive Species
Goat Island has faced challenges from plants and animals that do not belong there. These are called invasive species. Some of these include black rats, fire ants, and big-headed ants.
Black rats were first seen on the island in 1967. People tried many times to remove the rats in the 1990s and 2000s. When the rats were removed, the number of wedge-tailed shearwater chicks grew much larger. This shows how important it is to protect the island from harmful invaders.
Protecting the Island's Beaches
The sandy dunes on Goat Island are part of the State Seabird Sanctuary. This means they are protected areas for seabirds. However, the island also has three beaches that people can visit. Many people enjoy coming to these beaches every year.
