1956 Map of Kawaihae

About this map

Kawaihae serves as the central hub of this mid-century coastal survey, situated where the arid slopes of the Kohala mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. This landscape is defined by its deep cultural history, most notably the Puukohola Heiau overlooking Kawaihae Bay. The map documents the area during a period of transition, showing the Coast Guard Reservation and the Kawaihae Light guiding maritime traffic near the extensive Coral Reef. Inland, the terrain is deeply incised by numerous gulches such as Honokoa Gulch and Waiulaula Gulch, while former habitation areas like Hoepa (Site) and Kawaihae Uka (Site) suggest the shifting settlement patterns of the Big Island. From the recreation areas at Spencer Park and Waikui Beach to the protected upland of the Kohala Forest Reserve, the sheet provides a meticulous view of Hawaii's western shoreline and its complex network of seasonal streams.