Home > Islets > Lanai > Mokunaio ISLETS: LANAI > MOKUNAIO Mokunaio   Mokunaio - Photo: F & K Starr Mokunaio - Photo: F & K Starr   Mokunaio - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Mokunaio is a barren, basalt islet near Lanai’s south end that is similar in appearance to a shark fin. It is less than 0.10 acres and reaches a height of around 30 feet. Access is difficult and all biological surveys to date have been done from a helicopter or a boat. Regulations The islet is a State Seabird Sanctuary managed by the Hawaii DOFAW. Regulations in Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13 Chapter 125, protect wildlife and plants and restrict human activities in seabird sanctuaries. Federal law also protects seabirds, shorebirds, and threatened or endangered species. Birds Surveys from the 1980s indicated the breeding by Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) and Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) was suspected but not confirmed. The low elevation of Mokunaio makes it less than ideal nesting habitat. Plants Surveys in 1982 (from a kayak) and 2006 (from a helicopter) observed no plants on the islet. The word ‘naio’ refers to a coastal sandalwood species, implying that it may have once grown on this rock. Insects No insect collections are known from Mokunaio. Marine Organisms No marine survey data is known. Human Uses Human uses are unknown. Threats Threats are unknown. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us