Home > Islets > Maui > Hulu ISLETS: MAUI > HULU Hulu   Hulu - Photo: F & K Starr Hulu - Photo: F & K Starr   Hulu - Photo: F & K Starr Hulu - Photo: F & K Starr   Hulu - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Hulu is an oblong sea stack about 100 feet tall and 2 acres in size. It lies 100 feet northeast of the Maui coastline and almost 1 mile northwest of Waihee Point. Cliffs border the southern two-thirds of the coastline but the northern third is low and apparently wave washed during winter storms. Although Hulu is smaller, its appearance and geology is virtually identical to Mokeehia, which lies 2 miles to the northwest. There are at least 15 small rocky islets in the vicinity of Hulu that serve as roosting and feeding sites for shorebirds, but these are wave washed and do not support breeding seabirds. Numerous submerged rocks in the vicinity of the island, onshore surges, and currents make boat access difficult. Regulations Hulu is privately owned and landowner permission is required for access. The islet is also 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 Wedge-tailed shearwaters and Bulwer’s petrels nest on Hulu. An August 1981 survey estimated 350 pairs of breeding shearwaters and a small number of Bulwer’s petrels. The survey noted that birds were using all available habitat for nesting. An April 2005 survey observed approximately 100 active shearwater burrows and noted that areas of the islet were heavily burrowed. Local residents in the 1990s observed that pigeons had been displacing roosting seabirds. Plants n August 1981, 19 plant species were observed; 8 native and 11 alien. In April 2005, only 13 species were observed; 6 native and 7 alien. No rare species are recorded although the habitat is similar to Mokeehia, where endangered Dwarf naupaka (Scaevola coriacea) were once found. Insects Limited insect collections were made in April 2005. Species identifications are not yet available. Marine Organisms No marine survey data is known. Human Uses No human uses are known. Threats Seabird and plant habitat loss due to erosion of the fragile soil is a threat. Invasion by exotic plant species, Barn owls predation on shorebirds and nesting seabirds, and alien ant species are also threats. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us