Home > Islets > Kahoolawe > Aleale ISLETS: KAHOOLAWE > ALEALE Aleale   Aleale - Photo: K Wood Aleale - Photo: K Wood   Aleale Ipomoea Tuboides - Photo: K Wood Aleale - Photo: K Wood   Aleale Kanaloa - Photo: K Wood Physical Features Aleale is a steep, 3-acre sea stack connected to the main island of Kahoolawe by a thin land bridge. It is located about 1000 feet east of Puukoae. Like the rest of Kahoolawe, it was previously subject to military target practice for many years. Regulations Public access to Aleale is restricted and a special permit is required from the KIRC in order to land. All native plants and wildlife are protected by state and/or federal law. Birds Recent surveys found remains of several dead seabirds, including Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus), Red-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda), and rare Band-rumped storm petrels (Oceanodroma castro). These species are probably all attempting to nest on Aleale. Cats, crossing over from Kahoolawe, and Barn owls (Tyto alba) are strongly suspected to be killing seabirds. Plants Aleale supports a native coastal shrubland. Fourteen of its 19 native species are endemic, i.e., found only in Hawaii. Aleale and Puukoae also have the two largest and most secure populations of Portulaca molokiniensis, a rare and diminishing species. In 1992, botanists discovered a new native species on Aleale; Kanaloa kahoolawensis. Pollen records indicate that this species, or one very similar, was common in Hawaii’s coastal lowlands until the 16th century AD. Now, unfortunately, Aleale is home to the last plant in the wild. Biologists are attempting to propagate Kanaloa cuttings with the hope of eventually outplanting them back into the wild. In 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat on Aleale for Kanaloa kahoolawensis. Insects Systematic insect collections have not been made. Marine Organisms See the description of marine organisms for Puukoaea. Human Uses Human uses are unknown. Threats Barn owls (Tyto alba) and cats are suspected to be killing seabirds. Biologists have also seen an unidentified species of rodent, which could be eating seabird eggs and native plants, including the Kanaloa kahoolawensis. As with most other islets, introduced weeds are a threat to native plants. Soil erosion and periodic drought also threaten native species. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us