Kahoolawe

Also known as Kahoʻolawe, Kaho'olawe

Kahoolawe is the smallest of the eight main volcanic islands of the Hawaiian Islands. Unpopulated, it lies about southwest of Maui. The island is long by wide, with a total land area of . Its highest point is the crater of Luamakika, at the summit of Puuomoaula Nui, about above sea level.

Key facts

Island.name: Kaho‘olawe
Island.nickname: The Target Isle
Island.image_name: Kaho’olawe.jpeg
Island.image_caption: Landsat satellite image of Kaho‘olawe
Island.map_image: Map of Hawaii highlighting Kahoolawe.svg
Island.map_caption: Location in the State of Hawaii
Island.location: North Pacific Ocean
Island.area_sqmi: 44.59
Island.highest_mount: Puuomoaula Nui
Island.elevation_ft: 1,483
Island.population: 0 (No permanent population)
Island.country: United States

~20 min read

Article

19 sections

Contents

Geology
Climate
History
Settlement
Warfare
Post-contact: Penal colony and ranching attempts
Training grounds
Operation Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana (PKO)
Kahoʻolawe Island Archeological District
End of military use
Fire
Current status
Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve
Traditional subdivisions
See also
Notes
References
Bibliography
External links

Kahoolawe is relatively dry, with an average annual rainfall of less than resulting from a combination of being too low to generate much orographic precipitation from the northeastern trade winds and lying in the rain shadow of eastern Maui's volcano, Haleakalā. More than one quarter of Kahoolawe has been eroded down to saprolitic hardpan soil, largely on exposed surfaces near the summit.