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2017 Map of Kau Desert

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

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park dominates this terrain on the island of Hawai‘i, showcasing a landscape defined by volcanic activity and coastal drop-offs. The map documents significant geological formations, including the sprawling Ka‘ũ Desert and the distinct Lava Flow of 1920. Prominent volcanic features like Maunaiki and Twin Pit Craters are situated among various kīpuka—pockets of older land surrounded by more recent flows—such as Kīpukakeanabihopa.

Along the southern coastline, the dramatic Hilina Pali escarpment falls toward the Pacific Ocean, where the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail follows the shore. This coastal corridor includes the area of Halapē and overlooks Keaoi Island. The topography reveals the intricate network of cliffs (pali) and arroyos, like Pohakaa Arroyo, that characterize this dynamic environment where the land meets the sea.