Mokolea Rock facts for kids
Mōkōlea Rock is a small island, called an islet, located in Kailua Bay off the coast of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. It sits to the east of Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This islet is a special place because it's a State Bird Sanctuary. Many different kinds of birds live there. Because it's a sanctuary, you need a special permit to visit Mōkōlea Rock. Only people who help protect the birds and their home are allowed to go there. Locals sometimes call it "Birdshit Island" or "Bird" because its dark lava rock is covered in bird droppings!
What is Mōkōlea Rock?
Mōkōlea Rock isn't just one rock. It's actually three connected pieces of land. These pieces are made of rough, black lava rock. The highest point is only about 25 feet above the ocean. There are no plants growing on the islet.
This islet is part of an ancient volcano. It's on the edge of what used to be a large volcanic crater called Kawainui.
A Home for Birds
Mōkōlea Rock is a very important home for many birds. It is a State Bird Sanctuary. This means the area is protected to keep the birds safe. Because it's a sanctuary, people are not allowed to visit without a special permit. This rule helps protect the birds and their nests from being disturbed.
Exploring the Islet
About 300 feet from Mōkōlea Rock, there's a shelf under the water. This shelf rises from deep water to about 25 to 30 feet below the surface. It can be an interesting place for scuba diving. However, the ocean around Mōkōlea Rock can often be rough. It can also be hard to anchor a boat safely there.
Diving Near Mōkōlea
Some people might think about diving to Mōkōlea Rock from the shore. However, this is not a good idea. The currents in the water are very strong. Also, the distance from Kailua beach to the islet is quite far. It is much safer to dive from a boat if you plan to explore this area.
