Puhahonu, Gardner Pinnacles
Gardner Pinnacles
Gardner Pinnacles, or Puhahonu, rise from the Pacific as tiny volcanic spires surrounded by a vast reef system rich in seabirds, corals and marine life.
NOAA
Named after the two pinnacles of volcanic rock that are a distinctive landmark for mariners, the Gardner Pinnacles (Pūhāhonu in Hawaiian, meaning "turtle surfacing for air")
are the smallest island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Island chain. While the two islands are tiny at just 5.759 acres (0.024 km²), the surrounding reef is expansive, encompassing an area of 600,000 acres (2,428 km²). The highest peak measures 190 feet (58 m).
First discovered on June 2, 1820 by the American whaler Maro commanded by Captain Joseph Allen, the Gardner Pinnacles are 588 miles (946 km) northwest of Honolulu. While the islets' landmass is home to only one plant, the luscious sea purslane, the surrounding underwater life is much more diverse. The underwater shelves are diverse and home to the highest recorded numbers of fish species in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including many species not found anywhere else in the Northwestern Hawaiian island chain.
The coral reef area is home to an abundance of giant opihi, the endemic Hawaiian limpet. The islets' rocky inter-tidal areas are an ideal habitat for them. Besides the large numbers of fish species, the Gardner Pinnacles also have almost twice the number of coral species than the two similar rocky neighbor islands to the south, Nihoa and Necker Island. In fact, 27 documented species of stony coral can be found there.
Despite the islands' small size, the Gardner Pinnacles is also home to numerous insects, such as spiders, moths, mites, centipedes, flies, isopods, beetles and earwings, and 19 species of seabirds, including the rare blue gray noddy.
The Gardner Pinnacles are part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands wildlife refuge monument. A special permit is required to visit this area. The islands are off-limits even to the military, who once made an unauthorized
entrance to blow off the tip of an outcrop to build an emergency helicopter landing spot.
Courtesy of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Multi-Agency Education Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Gardner Pinnacles located?
Gardner Pinnacles, or Puhahonu, are located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, northwest of French Frigate Shoals and southeast of Maro Reef. They are part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
What does Puhahonu mean?
Puhahonu is often translated as “turtle surfacing for air.” The name reflects the way the rocky pinnacles rise from the ocean like a honu surfacing to breathe.
Why are Gardner Pinnacles important?
They are important because their tiny exposed rocks are surrounded by a large reef system that supports corals, fish, seabirds, giant 'opihi and other marine life.
Can visitors go to Gardner Pinnacles?
No. Public access is restricted. Most activities within Papahanaumokuakea require permits and are limited to approved research, conservation, cultural, education or management purposes.
Are Gardner Pinnacles part of a volcano?
Yes. The visible pinnacles are remnants of the ancient Puhahonu volcano. Research has identified the larger submerged volcanic structure as one of the largest shield volcanoes on Earth.
What wildlife lives at Gardner Pinnacles?
The islets support seabirds, sparse plant life and small invertebrates, while the surrounding reefs support fish, corals, algae, giant 'opihi and other marine organisms.