1956 Map of Puu Oo

About this map

Volcanic activity dominates this mid-century survey of the high-altitude landscape between Mauna Kea and the northern reaches of the Mauna Loa Game Reserve. The terrain is defined by successive volcanic events, including the sprawling Lava Flow of 1935 and earlier movements from the Lava Flow of 1843 and Lava Flow of 1855. Human presence in this environment is centered on the Humuula Sheep Station and Puu Oo Ranch, connected by the vital Saddle Road that cuts through the Humuula Saddle. These ranching outposts, along with the cluster of buildings at Omaokoili, provide a rare look at mid-century upland agriculture. The map also records numerous cinder cones like Puu Huluhulu and Puu Kahiliku, providing essential detail for researchers of Big Island geology and local ranching history.