Kahoʻolawe Map

Description: This map shows roads, rivers, bays, beaches, peaks, and base casmp on Kahoolawe Island.

Other Maps of Kahoʻolawe

Kaho'olawe is the smallest of the eight main Hawaiian islands, located about seven miles southwest of Maui. With a land area of approximately 44.59 square miles (115.5 km²), it is relatively uninhabited due to its history and current status as a reserve. The island has a semi-arid climate, receiving less than 25 inches of rainfall annually, making it one of the driest locations in Hawaii. Its highest point is Pu'u Moaulanui, which reaches 1,483 feet (452 meters) above sea level.

Historically, Kaho'olawe held significant cultural importance to Native Hawaiians. Archaeological evidence suggests human settlement dating back to around 1000 CE. The island was traditionally used for religious ceremonies and contained numerous heiau (temples) and cultural sites. Native Hawaiians referred to Kaho'olawe as Kanaloa, after the Hawaiian god of the ocean. During the 19th century, the island was used as a penal colony and later became ranch land, leading to significant ecological damage from introduced goats and sheep that caused extensive soil erosion.

From 1941 to 1990, Kaho'olawe was used by the United States military as a bombing range and training ground. This period resulted in extensive environmental damage and contamination with unexploded ordnance. After decades of protests led by Native Hawaiian activists, the U.S. government ended the military use of the island in 1990 and transferred control back to the state of Hawaii in 1994. A cleanup effort costing approximately $400 million removed many unexploded bombs and ordnance, though portions of the island remain potentially dangerous.

Today, Kaho'olawe is managed by the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) and is designated as a cultural reserve. Unlike other Hawaiian islands, Kaho'olawe has no permanent residents or tourist facilities. Access is strictly limited and requires special permission, typically granted for cultural practices, environmental restoration work, or educational purposes. The island has no permanent fresh water source, which has historically limited human habitation.

Restoration efforts focus on revegetating the island to combat erosion and preserve archaeological sites. Notable locations include Hakioawa, a primary landing site on the northeast shore where many volunteer groups begin their work, and Honokanai'a, which serves as the main base camp on the western side. While Kaho'olawe does have several beaches, including Kanapou Bay on the eastern shore, they are not accessible to the general public. The island's future is dedicated to Hawaiian cultural practices, education, and environmental restoration rather than development or tourism.

Traditional subdivisions

Beaches on Kahoʻolawe

Main sights on Kahoʻolawe