1995 Map of Kau Desert

About this map

Ka'u Desert and the volcanic coastal reaches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park define this mid-1990s landscape. This survey documents the complex geology of recent history, specifically labeling the Lava Flow of 1920, Lava Flow of 1974, and Lava Flow of 1971. The terrain is characterized by massive volcanic features like Maunaiki and Cone Crater, alongside the sharp descent of Hilina Pali toward the Pacific Ocean. Rare human outposts appear as backcountry waypoints, including Kipukanene and Pepeiao Cabin, while the historic Footprints site near the Ke'amoku Lava Flow marks a significant cultural landmark. Trails like the Ka'u Tr and Puna Ka'u Tr provide the primary means of navigating these expansive wilderness zones, including the Hilina Wilderness and Kipuka Nene Wilderness.