Home > Islets > Maui > Alau ISLETS: MAUI > ALAU Alau - Photo: K Wood   Alau - Photo: K Wood Alau - Photo: F & K Starr   Alau - Photo: F & K Starr Alau - Photo: F & K Starr   Alau - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Alau is a 5 acre cinder cone lying off the eastern coast of Maui just south of Hana. It rises to a height of 148 feet with cliffs on the south and west sides. The seaward side has a rough broken coastline. Two ridges slope seaward and enclose a small, unprotected cove. Steep crumbly ridges make walking difficult. Regulations Alau 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 and endangered species. Birds A March 1982 survey noted 300 – 400 wedge-tailed shearwater burrows, nesting white-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus), and possible nesting by Bulwer’s petrels. An April 2005 survey noted that the islet was heavily burrowed by wedge-tailed shearwaters and likely supported one of the largest shearwater colonies on the Maui islets. Great frigatebirds were observed roosting and black noddies were seen flying around the islet. Plants A March 1982 survey noted 23 plant species; 11 native and 12 alien. Plants of particular interest included rare Schiedea globosa, Portulaca villosa, and Maiapilo (Capparis sandwichiana), a federal species of concern. An April 2005 survey also recorded 23 plant species; 9 native and 14 alien. Introduced species dominate the island but native plants are still common, such as naupaka and akulikuli. All three of the rare plants species observed in 1982 were still present in 2005. Endangered Scaevola coriacea were outplanted in 2002, but none were seen in 2005. Insects Limited insect collections were made in April 2006. All species identifications are not yet available, but Big-headed ants are present. Marine Organisms Bishop Museum, NOAA and the State of Hawaii conducted a joint marine survey in July 2006. Survey results are not yet available. Human Uses No human uses are known. Hawaiian legends tell that Pele created Alau when she broke open the side of a hill (Ka Iwi o Pele) located on the shoreline across the channel from Alau. Threats There are multiple unconfirmed reports of rats on Alau. If they are present, they are likely preying on seabird eggs and chicks, native invertebrates, and plant seeds. Conducting a rodent survey on Alau is a high priority for the OIRC. Ants and weedy plants, such as Lantana, are also a threat to native species. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us