Hawaiian Seabird Guide
Laysan Albatross
The Laysan Albatross, called moli in Hawaiian, is a graceful ocean traveler best known for long-distance flight, lifelong pair bonds and elaborate courtship dances. In Hawaii, it nests mainly in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Laysan Albatross Overview
Known as moli in the Hawaiian language, the Laysan albatross is common in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. On the main Hawaiian islands, it can be found at Kilauea Point and Barking Sands Beach (Kauai), at Kaena Point (Oahu) and on the islands of Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island.
Adult and juvenile birds have a black back and tail and a white body. They have a black patch around their eyes. Their bill, legs and feet are pale pink. Their courtship displays are complex and most birds mate for life. Nests are built in the sand in which a single white egg is laid.
