Loading map...

1959 Map of Makalawena

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Makalawena
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The Lava Flow of 1801 dominates this arid coastal landscape along the North Kona District, where hardened volcanic fields meet the Pacific Ocean. This survey reveals a sparsely populated shoreline defined by a series of bays including Kukio Bay, Kua Bay, and Makalawena Bay. Small settlements like Mahaiula and Kukio sit near the coast, connected primarily by a network of foot trails and jeep trails that navigate the complex geology of the Makalawena and Awakee lands.

Researchers will find significant local history markers, including several graves near Kawikohale Pt and Kakapa Bay. The map highlights the interplay between the volcanic interior, featuring Lava Tubes, and the treacherous coastline marked by Sunken Rocks and Kawili Pt. Offshore, the seafloor is characterized by the Makalawena Bank, while the eastern edge of the quadrangle shows the early alignment of the Mamalahoa Highway as it skirts the volcanic slopes of Kaulana.