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1956 Map of Mauna Kea

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Mauna Kea
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

The summit of Mauna Kea dominates this mid-century topographic study, revealing the high-elevation landscape of Hawaii Island before the proliferation of modern observatories. Reaching its peak at Summit VABM 13796, the volcanic terrain is marked by numerous cinder cones, or puu, such as Puu Poliahu and Puu Makanaka. A significant cultural and geological landmark, the Keanakakoi (Ancient Quarry), is located on the southern slopes, providing evidence of traditional basalt harvesting. Nearby, the remarkably high-altitude Lake Waiau sits within its alpine basin.

Human activity and land management in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve are represented by the Hale Pohaku Ranger Station and the Kahinahina Forest Cabin. The map details a network of access points including the Mauna Kea Trail and Humuula Trail, along with the rugged Keanakolu Road. Steep drainage systems like Wailuku River and Pohakuloa Gulch cut through the volcanic slopes, illustrating the complex hydrology of the island's interior heights.