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2017 Map of Waialeale

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Waialeale
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Wai'ale'ale and the peak of Kawaikini dominate this landscape, which serves as the hydrographic heart of Kaua'i. The intricate drainage patterns shown here illustrate how water moves from these high summits down through the Wainiha Valley and Lumaha'i Valley via the Wainiha River and Lumaha'i River. To the west, the map details the dramatic drop into Olokele Canyon, while the eastern slopes feed the N. Fork Wailua River and its numerous tributaries.

Evidence of the island's volcanic origins is visible at Kilohana Crater in the southeast. While largely an interior wilderness of ridges like Keana'āwi Ridge and steep pali, the map records small named points of interest such as Hanahanapuni and Kapalaoa. Numerous waterfalls are documented throughout the drainage basins, including the remote Kāhili Falls, Kapakahi Falls, and Uhau'iole Falls, marking the sudden elevation changes characteristic of this central highland.