Home > Islets > Maui > Keopuka ISLETS: MAUI > KEOPUKA Keopuka   Keopuka - Photo: F & K Starr Keopuka - Photo: F & K Starr   Keopuka - Photo: F & K Starr Keopuka - Photo: F & K Starr   Keopuka - Photo: F & K Starr Physical Features Keopuka is a steep, narrow knifelike ridge 2.2 acres in size and about 125 feet tall. It lies about 200 ft offshore of the coast of Maui, west of Honomanu Bay. The islet is located along the wet, windward coastline of east Maui and receives regular rainfall, accounting for the dense vegetation on the cliffs and ledges that includes a small grove of Hala (Pandanus tectorius). Regulations The islet 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 or endangered species. Birds Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest on the summit and Black noddies (Anous minutus) have been observed on the lower ledges on the leeward side, possibly nesting. Plants A May 1982 survey listed 26 species; 17 native and 9 alien species. Significant finds in 1982 included the rare, threatened Peucedanum sandwicense (makou) and the endangered grass, Ischaemum byrone. An April 2005 survey found 23 plant species, but only 8 of them were native. The Peucedanum sandwicense is still present but the Ischaemum byrone was not relocated. In 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat in on Keopuka for Peucedanum sandwicense and for endangered Brighamia rockii. Although Brighamia rockii is not currently found on the islet, establishing a population on Keopuka would be an important step towards species recovery. Insects Limited insect collections were made in April 2005. Although all species identifications are not yet available, the survey noted the presence of the introduced hala scales (Thysanococcus pandani) that is currently damaging Maui’s hala forests. Alien long legged ants (Anopolepis longipes) are also present. Marine Organisms No marine survey data is known. Human Uses No human uses are known. Threats Threats include weeds like Christmas berry, Lantana, and figs; and alien insects like ants and the hala scale. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us