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1997 Map of Piihonua

Name: 1997 Topographic Map of Piihonua
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1999
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1999

About this map

The Wailuku River carves a dramatic path through this landscape, featuring prominent landmarks such as the Boiling Pots and Wailuku River State Park. The terrain is significantly defined by volcanic history, with distinct boundaries marking the Lava Flow of 1855, Lava Flow of 1881, and Lava Flow of 1852 as they advanced toward the coast. These geological events shaped the development of settlements like Piihonua and Kaumana, as well as the numerous agricultural tracts identified as Punahoa Homesteads and Kaumana Homesteads.

Further inland, the map transitions into protected areas, including the Hilo Forest Reserve and the Hilo Closed Watershed. Local history is preserved in features like the Kaumana Cemetery and former worker settlements such as Camp 4 and Camp 5. The region's high rainfall is evident in the dense network of water features, from Kulaniapia Falls to the various springs like Lyman Spring that dot the upper elevations.