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2017 Map of Kalae

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Kalae
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Kalae occupies the southernmost tip of the Island of Hawai'i, where the volcanic landscape meets the Pacific Ocean. This 2017 survey details a coastline defined by geological history, most notably the prominent Lava Flow of 1868 that cuts a wide path toward the sea. The cultural landscape is anchored by the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which traverses the coastal shelf past numerous kīpuka—islands of older land and vegetation surrounded by more recent flows—such as Kipukakamao and Kipukakuniaiu.

Tracing the path of S Point Rd, the map reveals a network of coastal features including Mahana Bay and Kaulana Bay. The terrain rises toward the Pali'okālani cliff, marking a dramatic shift in elevation near the shore. Inland, named features like Lua'opalahemo and Lua Makalei point to the unique volcanic sinkholes and geological formations that have long served as landmarks in this coastal environment.