Home > Islets > Maui > Puukii ISLETS: MAUI > PUUKII Puukii - Photo: F & K Starr   Puukii - Photo: F & K Starr Puukii - Photo: F & K Starr   Puukii - Photo: F & K Starr Puukii - Photo: F & K Starr   Puukii - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Puukii (also called Puu Ku) is located off of the north end of Kauiki in Hana Bay and is separated from the shoreline by a narrow channel. It is 1.5 acres and reaches a height of 60 ft. Puukii was formerly connected to the shore by a small bridge but the bridge is now gone. The island is composed of a mix of solid lava flows and loose cinders, which make walking in steep areas difficult. There is a small underwater cave at the base of Puukii and several tidepools are present. Regulations Permission to land on federally owned Puukii is required from the U.S. Coast Guard. 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 An April 2006 survey noted minimal nesting activity by Wedge-tailed shearwaters, even though a number of unoccupied burrows were present. Observations in the 1980s indicated that wedge-tailed shearwaters and Black noddies were nesting in small numbers. It is possible that the low numbers of nesting birds is due to predatory mammals, such as cats and rats, that are able to cross the narrow channel and prey on seabirds. Plants An April 1982 survey found 16 plant species; 9 native and 7 introduced. Hala and Naupaka were common. Rare plant observations included the endangered grass, Ischaemum byrone and two federal species of concern; Maiapilo (Capparis sandwichania) and Lepidium bidentatum var. o-waihiense. An April 2006 survey also observed 16 species; 8 native and 8 introduced. The endangered Ischaemum byrone was not observed in 2006 but the other two rare plants seen in 1982 were still present. Invasive ironwood trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) are dominant today and appear to have increased significantly since 1982. Endangered Scaevola coriacea were outplanted in 2002, but none were seen in 2006. Insects Limited insect collections were made in April 2006. Although a complete list of species is not yet available, invasive Big-headed ants and hala scales are present on the islet. Marine Organisms No marine survey data is known. Several tide pool present. Human Uses The U.S. Coast Guard currently maintains an aid-to-navigation light on Puukii. The light was originally established in 1908. Threats The main threats are the continued spread of ironwood trees, lantana, invasive ants and hala scales, and predatory mammals that may swim across the channel to prey on seabirds. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us