The Manihiki Plateau, a Large Igneous Province (LIP) formed during the Early Cretaceous, has a multistage volcanic evolution history, which so far is poorly constrained and understood. For the first time, the magmatic history can be studied in detail using a high resolution seismic reflection dataset of enhanced quality obtained during cruise SO224 of RV Sonne. Incorporating DSDP Site 317, a correlation of lithology and age to the observed reflectors is possible, e.g. age of the top of basalt ~ 120 Ma. Below the top of basalt, additional intra-basalt reflectors hint on at least three eruptional phases with multiple extrusion centers. For the lowermost identifiable reflector a first age estimation based on stacking velocities and given deposition rates indicate an age of at least 134 Ma. After the initial emplacement period an upper reflector package in the sedimentary column gives evidence for another later phase of volcanic activity during the Santonian/Campanian. Further analysis of the detailed seismic features will expose a tectonic setting that may be allocated to the break-up of the Ontong-Java and the Hikurangi LIPs.