Home > Islets > Lanai > Puupehe ISLETS: LANAI > PUUPEHE Puupehe   Puupehe - Photo: F & K Starr Puupehe - Photo: F & K Starr   Puupehe - Photo: F & K Starr Puupehe - Photo: F & K Starr   Puupehe - Photo: C Swenson Physical Features Puupehe, also called Sweetheart Rock, is a basalt sea stack near Manele Bay. Legends tell that a man hid his sweetheart, Pehe, in a cave on the islet but she was killed by high surf. It is about 1.5 acres in size and reaches approximately 100 feet at its highest point. The top of the islet is fairly flat and is surrounded by steep cliffs on the north and west. Rocky benches with tide pools are present below. 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 An April 2006 survey noted small numbers of nesting Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) on Puupehe and White-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus) flying nearby. A 1979 survey documented breeding Bulwer’s petrels (Bulweria bulwerii). Plants In April 2006, Puupehe was densely vegetated and dominated by alien grasses. The most common native species observed was Sida fallax (ilima). Eight plants were observed but only 3 were native species. This contrasts to a 1982 survey which noted only 3 plant species on the islet, all of them native. Only one of the native species observed in 1982 (ilima) was still present in 2006. Endangered Scaevola coriacea were outplanted in 2002, but none were seen in 2006. Insects Limited insect observations in 2006 noted mostly alien species, including unidentified ants. Marine Organisms No marine survey data has been published. Tide pools are present around the islet. Puupehe is included within the boundary of the state’s Manele Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District. Human Uses A rock structure is located on top of Puupehe, indicating that ancient Hawaiians may have scaled the cliffs to visit the islet. Hawaiian legends tell that the structure was built as a grave for Pehe, the daughter of a Maui chief who was killed by a storm wave after being hidden on the island by her lover, Makakehau. Bird bones and shells at the site indicate that it may have been used as a koa by bird hunters. Threats Non-native invasive grasses, such as Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus echinatus, pose the most serious threats. Unidentified alien ants are also present. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us