About Revisions Lehua Island HI Max Depth: 71-80ft/22-24m Average Viz: 91-100ft/28-30m Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Rock Aquatic Life: Might See Something 9/25/2008 7:23 PM

Lehua is a small, crescent-shaped island only 0.7 miles (1.1 km) north of Ni?ihau. The uninhabited, 284-acre (1.15 km²) island is a tuff cone that is part of the extinct Ni?ihau volcano.


Lehua Island is a Hawai?i State Seabird Sanctuary. As a sanctuary, many activities are prohibited on the island, but entry is not prohibited. Lehua provides habitat for at least 16 species of seabirds, as well as some non-native rats and rabbits.


When weather and wave conditions permit crossings from Kaua?i, Lehua is a noted destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also well known for its unusual geological formation dubbed "the keyhole". Located in one of the crescent’s narrow arms, this is a tall, thin notch cut from one side, all the way through to the other side of the arm.


The United States Coast Guard maintains Lehua Rock Light on the highest point of the island, at a height of 704 feet (215 m).