Hew is always a verb. It means (1) to make or shape with or as with an ax, and (2) to adhere or conform strictly [to something]. Hue is almost always a noun. It means (1) color, (2) the property of colors by which they can be perceived as within a range between primary colors, and (3) appearance; aspect.
The past tense of hew makes hewed. For the participial adjective, American writers usually use hewed, and hewn is preferred in most non-U.S. varieties of English.
Examples
These writers use hew well:
With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. [Alameda Times-Star]
Although Apple doesn’t hew to a set schedule for upgrades, the last time it boosted the MacBook Pro was in April 2010, nearly 300 days ago. [Computerworld]
And these writers use hue well:
The rosy hue, named after the plant, is described by the global colour authority as vibrant and energetic … [Victorian Times Colonist]
Researchers compared how many total servings of fruit and vegetables 82 people ate per day to the precise hue of their flesh. [MSN Health & Fitness]
