James Ashley Maude documented the first known discovery of the island in July 1817, referring to it as "Hawlool Island".
He wrote:
North-easterly direction of Sherarou Island in latitude 25°41′N. longitude per chromometer 52°23′E. bearing N. N. W. distance 10 miles, appears high in the centre gradually decreasing at each extremity; no trees and no appearance of vegetation; the water deep close too.

Maude also notes the island's close proximity to extensive pearling beds.

In 1823, the first map of the island was produced by Captain George Barnes Brucks.
In Brucks' memoir, published posthumously in 1856, he gave a brief account of the island as well as its geographic location.
He wrote that the island is high and noted the presence of wells.
It is unknown if these wells were natural occurrences, such as sinkholes, or constructed by fishermen.
He also remarks on the high elevation of the island and claims it was formerly known as May Island.

Scottish hydrographer James Horsburgh wrote a description of the island in his 1855 guide The India Directory.
His account did not differ by much from the earlier description given by Maude in 1817.
James Ashley Maude documented the first known discovery of the island in July 1817, referring to it as "Hawlool Island". He wrote:
North-easterly direction of Sherarou Island in latitude 25°41′N. longitude per chromometer 52°23′E. bearing N. N. W. distance 10 miles, appears high in the centre gradually decreasing at each extremity; no trees and no appearance of vegetation; the water deep close too.
Maude also notes the island's close proximity to extensive pearling beds.
In 1823, the first map of the island was produced by Captain George Barnes Brucks. In Brucks' memoir, published posthumously in 1856, he gave a brief account of the island as well as its geographic location. He wrote that the island is high and noted the presence of wells. It is unknown if these wells were natural occurrences, such as sinkholes, or constructed by fishermen. He also remarks on the high elevation of the island and claims it was formerly known as May Island.
Scottish hydrographer James Horsburgh wrote a description of the island in his 1855 guide The India Directory. His account did not differ by much from the earlier description given by Maude in 1817.
Halul Island