We honor the life and legacy of Hoʻokipa, a beloved Laysan albatross whose pioneering spirit left an indelible mark on the Kahuku coastline. She was the first mōli to nest at Kalaeokaunaʻoa, a year after restoration efforts began there. She and her mate nested every single year up until her brutal killing in 2024. Her story is one of tragedy but also hope and the resilience of life.

In 2017, Hoʻokipa surprised all of us by founding an albatross colony where her kind had not nested in living memory. Whether it was the strong winds or the open space, we will never know why she chose to lay her first egg in Kahuku, defying the challenges of a world that often seems indifferent to the fragile beauty and importance of our native ecosystems. Her presence was a beacon of possibility, inspiring those of us working at this site to dream of a future where seabirds could reclaim their ancestral homes on Oʻahu’s North Shore.

During the 7 years she nested here, she and her mate produced 2 chicks. The first was Queenie who was highly visible from the trails at Turtle Bay and was often surrounded by her admiring human subjects (which is how she got her name). The second chick was produced from the egg she was incubating when she was brutally killed. This was heartbreaking in so many ways and was a reminder to our community of the threats that these birds face. Her death was a profound loss, not only to her species but for all of us who admired her and the hope she represented. The egg she was incubating, was collected and given to foster parents at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. The parents (a female/female pair) were devoted and Ho’okipa’s egg hatched and the chick grew strong and fledged in June.

Part of Ho’okipa’s legacy is a parcel of land which will forever be held in conservation for the benefit of the mōlī ʻohana she helped to establish. Her descendants and relatives are living tribute to her bold spirit, a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, life finds a way to endure and flourish.

To this albatross who dared to choose a new home here at Kalaeokaunaʻoa, we say mahalo. Your life was a gift, and your legacy will not be forgotten. May your spirit soar forever over the waves, guiding your descendants back to this place. Rest in peace, Ho’okipa. You will always be remembered.