From One Nest to Thirty: Protecting the Mōlī on the North Shore

Restoring Oʻahu's Coastline

With over 60,000 acres of undeveloped land, the North Shore plays a vital role in the well-being of Oʻahu's residents, visitors, and natural ecosystems. Recognizing this importance, the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) was founded in 1997 to protect, steward, and enhance the region's natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural character from Kahuku to Ka‘ena, Oʻahu. Through collaborations with landowners, government agencies, private funders, and community groups, NSCLT works to protect land for public benefit-ensuring it supports recreation, farming, habitat preservation, and scenic conservation.

Volunteers mobilize in Kalaeokaunaʻoa to help restore the native coastal ecosystem. - WSL / Tony Heff

One of NSCLT's most significant restoration sites is Kalaeokaunaʻoa (Kauku Point), a 39-acre coastal ecosystem that remains one of the few intact coastal sand dune habitats on Oʻahu. While much of the island's shoreline has been impacted by urban development and invasive species, Kalaeokaunaʻoa continues to support a diverse range of native Hawaiian coastal plants such as the endangered ʻōhai (Sesbania tomentosa), Dwarf Naupaka (Scaevola coriacea), and ʻAhinahina (Achyranthes splendens var. rotundata).

A Laysan albatross, known as Mōlī, seen nesting below a tree on the restoration site! - WSL / Tony Heff

This area also serves as a critical nesting and birthing ground for several endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal (ʻīlio-holo-i-ka-uaua), green sea turtles (honu), Laysan albatross (Mōlī), and yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus anthracinus).

Restoring Kalaeokaunaʻoa

NSCLT's coastal restoration efforts focus on:

• Increasing native plant cover to stabilize the sand dunes
• Supporting and protecting native seabird populations and other wildlife
• Preserving cultural resources and maintaining pono (respectful) recreational access

To date, NSCLT has worked with over 7,000 volunteers, local schools, and community organizations to plant more than 30,000 native species, restoring 15 of the 39 acres at Kalaeokaunaʻoa.

Volunteers seen planting native species to restore the balance in this coastal ecosystem. - WSL / Tony Heff

Volunteers coming together to restore this vibrant coastal ecosystem. - WSL / Tony Heff

WSL One Ocean x NSCLT at the Lexus Pipe Pro

As part of the Lexus Pipe Pro, WSL One Ocean partnered with NSCLT to support restoration efforts at Kalaeokaunaʻoa. Volunteers had the unique opportunity to walk among Laysan albatross nests and learn about these fascinating seabirds. The event also included coastal native plantings, helping to expand the nesting habitat for the growing Mōlī colony-which has increased from one nest in 2017 to 33 nests in 2025!

A huge mahalo to everyone who participated, helping to protect one of Oʻahu's last coastal dune ecosystems.

Mahalo nui to everyone who came out to support this important work! - WSL / Tony Heff

Looking Ahead

NSCLT continues to work toward the goal of fully restoring all 39 acres of Kalaeokaunaʻoa. These ongoing efforts are only possible with the dedication of volunteers, the local community, and partners like WSL One Ocean.

To learn more about NSCLT's work or to get involved, visit NSCLT's website.

As surfers, the ocean is our playground and our stadium. Getting involved in protecting and conserving the ocean is critical for us today and for future generations. Show us what you are doing by posting on social media with the hashtag #WSLOneOcean and tagging @wsl and @wsloneocean in your posts. You can learn more and get involved at WSLOneOcean.org.

WSL One Ocean is supported by YETI, with regional support from Lexus and Open Water.