Pūpū Kōlea

Pūpū kōlea are found on all rocky shorelines in Hawai'i. They live where waves will occassionally wet them but can live for long periods of time with out the constant spray.

Pūpū kōlea are a food source but not commonly eaten.

It is found along the rocky shore all year long but I have noticed them in great numbers and spread across rock flats during the winter season when surf is high and the spray keeps the shoreline wet farther back than during the summer months. The winter season is also the season when kōlea or golden plover migrate to Hawai'i. Pūpū kōlea litter the rocky flats in such great numbers that they may have resembled kūkae or excrement. Their name may stem from the appearance of kōlea at the same time of year, documenting this natural occurence.