Rabbit Island is the larger one of two small islets located off the southeastern shore of Oahu. Also known as Manana island to the locals, Rabbit island has become a popular sight to see from the top of the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail. The island picked up it’s name because John Cummings, back in the 1880’s, used it as a breeding ground for rabbits. Even though the rabbits were all removed in 1994 because they were damaging the local ecosystem, the name kind of stuck. Some people say that at the right angle and a bit of an imagination that the island kind of resembles a rabbit swimming. Can you see a rabbit in the image that I took below?

Why did the Rabbits get the boot?

Introducing a non-native species of animal into a new environment can upset the delicate balance that nature has figured out over thousands of years. The rabbits began to destroy what little resources were on this tiny islet which serves as a nesting zone and breeding ground for multiple species of endangered sea birds. Through dedication and periodic check ups by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Manana islet is returning back to a natural rabbit free habitat. This makes Rabbit island a popular spot for bird watching and photography.

Great Diving Spot

Rabbit Island has been described as an excellent dive spot since the area is a protected wildlife sanctuary. You are not allowed to set foot on the island so the best diving is done in the surrounding waters from a boat. Surrounding water depth is 40 – 70 feet (12 – 21 m) with visibility reaching as much as 80 feet (24 m) on a good day. With the interesting coral formations and abundance of sea life these waters are some of the best for diving enthusiasts. Keep in mind though, these waters are home to white tip reef sharks and tiger sharks who are known to be territorial and have a history of attacking divers in the past. Divers be warned, if you see sharks in the water, please leave and view from a safe distance.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Lookout

I know I mentioned in the beginning that Rabbit island can be seen from the top of Makapu’u lighthouse trail so I wanted to circle back and mention that the hike itself is great for families. If looking at this beautiful islet from a distance is more your speed and you would also like to check off two tasks at once, then take advantage of the Makapu’u lighthouse. You might even be able to catch some whales if you visit between November and April. For more information on the Makapu’u lighthouse trail check out the following video from World School Manatees.