A Shore to Sky Seabird Sanctuary on Molokaʻi

The Molokaʻi Land Trust has acquired the Galiher Estate (the entire Aha ‘ino ahupuaʻa) for conservation purposes. No information currently exists on the presence or distribution of endangered seabirds - the ‘a‘o and ‘ua‘u - on the property, but an initial visit in 2025 revealed prime breeding habitat for the species in the upper portions of the property. Endangered seabird populations on Molokaʻi have been almost extirpated by introduced predators, so the project site provides an excellent opportunity to protect remaining breeding populations and attract transiting birds to protected areas. The project will focus on identifying whether the two species are breeding on the property using acoustic sensors and auditory surveys, mapping of the distribution of breeding birds if present, and creation of a seabird management plan for the site.