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1966 Map of Kalapana

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Kalapana
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dominates the western half of this coastal survey, where the volatile landscape of the Puna District meets the Pacific Ocean. This 1966 field-checked edition captures the region prior to major late-20th-century volcanic activity, documenting the intact villages of Kalapana and Kaimu along the shore. The map is particularly dense with cultural landmarks, including numerous sacred sites such as Wahaula Heiau and Niukukahi Heiau, alongside coastal features like Queens Bath and the Canoe Landing Site near Hakuma Point.

Evidence of the island's geological history is etched across the terrain, from the Lava Flow of 1750 to the steep Holei Pali cliffs. Local infrastructure of the era is represented by the Chain of Craters Road, which provides access to the Visitor Center and Harry K Brown Park. This record is vital for genealogists and historians tracing the settlements and archaeological sites of the Puna coast before subsequent eruptions altered the coastline forever.