Loading map...

1956 Map of Umikoa

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Umikoa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The high slopes of Hawaii's northern volcanic reaches are defined here by the extensive Hamakua Forest Reserve and Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. This mid-century landscape is dominated by the high-elevation ranching operations of Umikoa (Kukaiau Ranch) and smaller outposts like Hanaipoe and Halepiula. The terrain is deeply incised by numerous north-trending gulches, including Kukuipapa Gulch and Kalopa Gulch, which dictate the movement of water and the placement of infrastructure.

Evidence of a specialized pastoral economy is visible through the network of fence lines, rock walls, and numerous rain sheds and water tanks essential for livestock in this environment. The Keanakolu Road serves as a primary artery across the mountainside, connecting various puu (cinder cones) such as Puu Mali, Puu Kea, and Puu Ulaula. The presence of the Waikamakapo (Site) suggests an earlier point of habitation or activity no longer active by the 1950s.