Home > Islets > Maui > Mokuhuki ISLETS: MAUI > MOKUHUKI Mokuhuki   Mokuhuki - Photo: F & K Starr Mokuhuki - Photo: F & K Starr   Mokuhuki - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Mokuhuki is a small, 0.4 acre islet lying just offshore from the north coast of east Maui in Waiohue Bay. The islet is separated from the boulder shoreline by a narrow but rough channel. The islet rises abruptly to a height of about 55 feet. Rainfall along this section of Maui’s coastline averages 150” per year and sections of the islet are densely vegetated. Mokuhuki is one of the wettest of Maui’s islets and despite its tiny size has the second highest number of plant species (native and alien species combined) on Maui’s islets, exceeded only by Maui’s largest islet, 22 acre Molokini. Regulations Mokuhuki is state property. State and/or federal law protects all native wildlife and plants. Birds No bird survey data is known. Plants A July 1981 survey found 27 plant species; 15 native and 12 alien. An April 2005 survey recorded 33 plant species; 17 native and 16 alien. This is the highest number of native species for any of the Maui islets. This is all the more impressive given the tiny size of Mokuhuki. Furthermore, the vegetation of Mokuhuki is unique among Hawaii’s offshore islets in that it’s upper ridge-line is thickly covered with the indigenous fern Palaa (Spenomeris chinensis) with scattered individuals of Amau (Sadleria pallida) fern. Hala (Pandanus tectorius) is common on the islet. The 2005 and 1981 surveys both recorded the presence of the endangered grass, Ischaemum byrone. Insects Limited insect collections were made in April 2005. Species identifications are not yet available. However, the yellowing hala trees indicate that the invasive hala scale (Thysanococcus pandani) is present. Marine Organisms No marine survey data is known. Tide pools are present on the north end of the islet. Human Uses No human uses are known. Threats Weedy plant species such as Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa) and shoebutton ardisia (Ardisia elliptica) can easily displace native plant species. The hala scale threatens the health of hala trees throughout east Maui. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us