Kahoʻolawe is located in the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of Maui. It lies near Lanai and Molokini and is situated at approximately 20.5500° N latitude and 156.6000° W longitude.
Kahoʻolawe Location Map
Google Map of Kahoʻolawe, Hawaii, United States
About Kahoʻolawe
Kahoʻolawe is located in the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean and is part of the U.S. state of Hawaii. The island lies southwest of Maui and south of the islands of Lanai and Molokai, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Geographically, Kahoʻolawe is situated at approximately 20.5500° North latitude and 156.6000° West longitude. It is separated from Maui by the Alalakeiki Channel and has no permanent transportation links. Nearby locations include Maui to the northeast, Lanai to the northwest, and Molokini crater just off its northern coast.
According to available records, Kahoʻolawe has no permanent civilian population and is uninhabited. The island covers a total land area of about 45 square miles (116 square kilometers).
Kahoʻolawe is best known for its cultural and historical significance to Native Hawaiians and its ongoing environmental restoration. Access to the island is restricted, and it is managed to preserve its natural landscape, archaeological sites, and cultural heritage.
Kahoʻolawe Island Facts
| Island Name | Kahoʻolawe |
| Native Names | Kahoʻolawe (Hawaiian) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Continent | North America |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Maui County |
| Location | Pacific Ocean, southwest of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands |
| Coordinates | Approx. 20.56° N, 156.60° W |
| Area | Approximately 45 sq mi (117 Sq Km) |
| Length | About 11 miles (18 km) |
| Width | About 6 miles (10 km) |
| Highest Point | Puʻu Moaulanui - 1,483 ft (452 m) |
| Population | Uninhabited (no permanent residents) |
| Administrative Status | Hawaiian State Trust Land |
| Ownership | State of Hawaii (Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Calling / Area Code | 808 |
| ZIP Code | N/A (restricted access) |
| Time Zone | Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone - UTC -10 (no daylight saving) |
| Climate | Dry tropical climate |
| Geography | Volcanic island with arid terrain, coastal cliffs, and bays |
| Famous Landmark | Lua Pele (volcanic crater), Kanapou Bay |
| Flora & Fauna | Restoring native plants, seabirds, marine life |
| Tourist Activities | No tourism; access limited to cultural, educational, and restoration purposes |
| Access | Restricted; permitted access only via State of Hawaii programs |
| Famous For | Cultural significance, environmental restoration, former military training site |
Attractions in Kahoʻolawe, Hawaii
- Hakioawa (Smugglers Cove) - Sheltered bay used for cultural access, restoration efforts, and traditional ceremonies.
- Kanaloa Heiau - Sacred coastal temple dedicated to the Hawaiian god Kanaloa.
- Lua Makika Crater - Prominent volcanic crater offering sweeping views of the island’s rugged terrain.
- Cultural Restoration Sites - Areas dedicated to reviving native plants, soils, and traditional land stewardship.
- Traditional Navigation Practices - The island serves as a place for teaching wayfinding and celestial navigation.
- Ancient Hawaiian Archaeological Sites - Heiau, petroglyphs, and cultural features reflecting early Hawaiian life.
- Coastal Lava Fields - Stark volcanic landscapes shaped by wind, sea, and historic use.
- Native Plant Habitats - Protected zones supporting rare and reintroduced Hawaiian flora.
- Panoramic Ocean Viewpoints - Elevated areas with expansive views toward Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi.
- Spiritual and Cultural Education Programs - Guided experiences focused on Hawaiian history, culture, and healing.
Distance from Kahoʻolawe to Hawaii Cities
- Kahoʻolawe (Honokanaiʻa) - 0 km (0 miles)
- Kahului, Maui - 30 km (19 miles)
- Wailuku, Maui - 35 km (22 miles)
- Lahaina, Maui - 45 km (28 miles)
- Lanai City, Lanai - 60 km (37 miles)
- Kaunakakai, Molokai - 105 km (65 miles)
- Honolulu, Oahu - 145 km (90 miles)
- Kapolei, Oahu - 150 km (93 miles)
- Hilo, Hawaii Island - 190 km (118 miles)
- Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island - 165 km (103 miles)
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