2017 Map of Kukaiau

About this map

Island of Hawai‘i’s Hamakua Coast is defined by a dense network of steep drainages cutting toward the Pacific Ocean, as seen in this 2017 topographic study. The settlement pattern clusters along the lower elevations where the Hawaii Belt Rd and the Old Mamalahoa Hwy traverse the landscape. Historical residential pockets like Kūka‘iau, Milo Village, Kukui Village, and Niu Village sit between deep gulches such as Ka‘awikiwiki Gulch and Kealakaha Stream. The coastal geography is marked by prominent headlands including Popoloau Point and Nahiwa Point. Rising toward the interior, the terrain transitions toward ranching lands accessed via Mauna Kea Ranch Rd, while the steep descent of the watercourses is punctuated by features like Hikiau Falls.