Home > Islets > Maui > Molokini ISLETS: MAUI > MOLOKINI Molokini   Molokini - Photo: F & K Starr Molokini - Photo: F & K Starr   Molokini - Photo: F & K Starr Molokini - Photo: F & K Starr   Molokini - Photo: C Swenson Physical Features Molokini, located about 2.5 mile offshore from Maui in the Alalakeiki Channel, is Maui’s largest islet. It is an eroded tuff cone approximately 22 acres in size and 165 feet tall at its highest point. Similar in shape and geology to larger tuff cones like Lehua and Kaula, Molokini was formed about 150,000 years ago and has since been eroded by wind, waves, and rain. Molokini is one of the best known islets in Hawaii because thousands of divers and snorkelers visit Molokini’s waters each year. A Marine Life Conservation District was established around the islet in 1977. Regulations Unauthorized landing on Molokini is prohibited. Permission to land on federally owned Molokini is required from both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Hawaii DOFAW. Because Molokini is a State Seabird Sanctuary, regulations in Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13 Chapter 125, protect wildlife and plants and restrict human activities. Federal law also protects seabirds, shorebirds, and threatened or endangered species. Birds An April 1978 survey documented two species of nesting seabirds; about 1500 pairs of Wedge-tailed shearwaters and about 100 pairs of Bulwer’s petrels. DOFAW surveys in 1980 and 1982 estimated between 800 and 1200 breeding pairs of shearwaters. In addition to the two nesting seabird species, Great frigatebirds are commonly seen roosting on the islet. Plants The first botanical survey in 1913 noted 15 plant species, at least 11 of which were native. Subsequent surveys noted many more species but almost all of them alien. The most recent survey in April 2006 recorded 35 species; 9 native and 26 alien. The intensive bombing of Molokini during and after World War II and the presence of rabbits for many years apparently disturbed the habitat sufficiently to change the ecological balance and create a situation where alien species currently dominate the island. Today, alien buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is the dominant ground cover. Even so, Molokini was the place where the rare Portulaca molokiniensis (named after the islet) was first discovered. This plant persists today in very low numbers. Endangered Scaevola coriacea were outplanted in 2002, but none were seen in 2006. Insects Limited insect collections were made in April 2006. 22 species were collected, all of them apparently introduced. Three species of alien ants are present, included big-headed ants. Marine Organisms Molokini is one of Hawaii’s premiere diving and snorkeling locations because of its clear waters, abundant and unique marine life, and unique geology. A Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) was established in 1977 to protect the 260 fish species, 100 algae species, and 38 hard coral species. Several rare marine species are present at Molokini that are not commonly seen in other locations. Before the MLCD was established, commercial black coral harvesting occurred starting in the 1950s. Since the MLCD was created, mooring buoys have also been installed and all visiting boats are required to use them to avoid anchor damage to corals. Human Uses Early Hawaiians visited Molokini to fish and probably also to harvest seabirds, eggs, and feathers. A variety of stone sinkers and lures, used in traditional fishing techniques, are still present in waters around the islet. The U.S. Coast Guard currently maintains an aid-to-navigation light on Molokini. The original light was installed in 1911 but has been replaced twice since then. Rabbits were introduced to the islet some time around 1915 but apparently died out on their own by the 1960s. During and after World War II, the military used Molokini for target practice. Impact craters, shell fragments, and spent casings are found on the island and in the surrounding waters. However, 2006 surveys found that there is no evidence of unexploded ordnance on land. In 1975 and 1984, the Navy detonated unexploded bombs in the shallow waters around Molokini, destroying a large area of coral and creating a public outcry. Subsequently, some remaining bombs were towed out to deep water for disposal. Thousands of visitors each year dive and snorkel around Molokini each year, but are forbidden to land on the islet. Threats The primary threats to native habitat are the abundant weedy species, such as buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris),that compete with native plants for space and nutrients. Alien ants also pose a threat to native plants, seabird chicks, and native insects. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us