Loading map...

2017 Map of Kawaihae

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

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site anchors the coastline of this South Kohala landscape, where ancient Hawaiian history meets modern military and ranching infrastructure. The coastal corridor is defined by the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail winding past Kawaihae Bay and several distinct beaches such as Ohaiula Beach and Mauumae Beach. Rising from the shore toward the Kohala Mountains, the terrain is deeply incised by numerous gulches including Pohakuloa Gulch and Keauewai Gulch.

Evidence of the mid-20th-century transition to large-scale ranching and military use is visible through the Kawaihae Military Reserve and the extensive road networks of Kohala Ranch Rd. Higher elevations reveal notable summits like Pu'u'upili and Puu Honu, while the northern reaches contain the Von Holt Memorial Park. The map documents a complex shoreline of points and reefs, including Kukui Point and the Kawaihae Reef, illustrating the area's dual character as both a maritime hub and a gateway to the upland slopes.