1981 Map of Kau Desert

About this map

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dominates this coastal landscape, where the volcanic forces of the late 20th century are etched into the terrain. The map records the reach of the Lava Flow of 1920, the Lava Flow of 1971, and the Lava Flow of 1974, illustrating how recent eruptions have reshaped the Kau Desert. Inland from the Pacific Ocean, the dramatic escarpment of Hilina Pali creates a sharp vertical transition between the upland volcanic fields and the coastal flats. Cultural and historical markers are sparse but significant, including the Footprints near the Keamoku flow and isolated backcountry locations like Pepeiau Shelter and the Kipuka Nene Campground. A network of trails connects points like Puu Kaone and Halape, providing a look at how this active geological zone was navigated and managed by the early 1980s.