1982 Map of Makalawena

About this map

The Lava Flow of 1801 dominates this coastal landscape along the North Kona District, marking a distinct geological era where volcanic activity met the Pacific Ocean. This 1982 revision captures a transition point for the shoreline, where small coastal settlements like Makalawena and Mahaiula are reachable only by unimproved dirt roads. The map reveals a series of intricate bays and points, including Kukio Bay and Kua Bay, interspersed with archaeological and cultural markers such as Graves and a Cem near the coast. The presence of the Opaeula Pond suggests a unique brackish environment between the stark lava fields and the sea. For those tracing historical land divisions, the map clearly delineates traditional areas like Makala Wena and Maniniowali, providing a detailed look at the land's character before modern development changed the accessibility of these remote North Kona beaches.