1928 Map of Mauna Loa

About this map

Mauna Loa dominates this high-altitude survey, showcasing the volcanic activity and geologic history of the central Big Island during the mid-1920s. The summit is defined by the massive Mokuaweowe Crater, surrounded by distinct historical scarring including the Lava Flow of 1851 and the more recent Lava Flow of 1926. Portions of the summit fall within the early boundaries of Hawaii National Park, while the southern slopes descend into the dense Kau Forest Reserve. This map provides a critical record of the landscape before later 20th-century eruptions further altered the topography. Volcanologists and historians can trace several human and natural landmarks, from the Ancient Trail and Menzies Trail to the subterranean Umi Caverns. Notable infrastructure includes the Noguchi Tunnels and various named waterholes, reflecting the difficulty of water management in this porous volcanic environment.