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Classic sequence stratigraphy concepts were applied to small, mid-ocean carbonate platforms (maximum diameter of approximately 40 km) in the Pacific Ocean to explain the lithologic, stratigraphic, faunal, and stratal pattern changes observed in core and seismic data. Changes in faunal assemblages define major sequence units, whereas emergence surfaces, marked by subaerial erosion, cemented limestones, and sometimes karstification represent sequence boundaries. Lowstand systems tracts are not identifiable along the perimeter of the summit plateaus but occur as turbidites in the adjacent archipelagic apron deposits. Transgressive and highstand systems tracts generally appear as aggrading units in the seismic data; an exception exists with the lowermost transgressive systems tract, where retrogradational reflectors onlap an irregular reflector interpreted as seismic basement. Increased abundances of planktonic species mark maximum flooding surfaces. The absence of transitional sediments between the last platform carbonates and the first pelagic sediments leads us to postulate that the demise of these carbonate platforms relates to a rapid fall in sea level (causing a cessation in carbonate production), followed by a rapid rise that outstripped the rate of carbonate production.