Hawaii Best Travels

If you love Mother Nature, a visit to Goat Island Bird Sanctuary (also known as Mokuauia Island) might be just the kind of experience that you would enjoy. Located on Oahu’s northeastern coast on the southern part of Malaekahana Bay, the island can be reached by swimming over to it during low tide from Cooke’s Point. Kayaking over is also a good way to get to the island easily and safely. This 13 acre area is home to many species of birds and is a protected seabird sanctuary. If you swim over to visit the island, be careful not to disturb or bother the seabirds, especially if it is during nesting season. The currents can be strong here so do not venture out into the water when the sea is rough or during high tide.  If you swim over, you may want to take a flotation device as the ocean floor is sharp here and there are many reefs that you could step on and damage.

The center of the island is restricted for nesting birds and there are signs so do not go into the center of the island. If you travel to the island, be sure to obey all posted signs and take care not to disturb the birds or any sea turtles who may be basking in the soft sands here.  To get to the location of this island, take Kamehameha Highway north of Laie to the Malaekahana State Park Recreation area. You will find parking in this area.