County of Hawaii 1997 Data Book Section 5:  Geography and Environment
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Table 5.1-- GENERAL COASTLINE AND TIDAL SHORELINE OF HAWAII, BY COUNTY AND ISLAND

 

General coastline 1/

Tidal shoreline 2/

         
County and island

State miles

Kilometers 3/

Statute miles

Kilometers 3/

         
State total

750

1,207

1,052

1,693

         
Counties:        
Hawaii

266

428

313

504

Maui, including Kalawao

210

338

343

552

Honolulu

137

220

234

377

Kauai

137

220

162

261

         
Islands: 4/        
Hawaii

266

428

313

504

Maui

120

193

149

240

Kahoolawe

29

47

36

58

Lanai

47

76

52

84

Molokai

88

142

106

171

Oahu

112

180

209

336

Kauai

90

145

110

177

Niihau

45

72

50

80

Kaula

2

3

2

3

NW Hawaiian Islands 5/

25

40

25

40

Nihoa

3

5

3

5

Necker Island

2

3

2

3

French Frigate Shoals

6

10

6

10

Laysan Island

6

10

6

10

Lisianski Island

3

5

3

5

Kure Atoll

5

8

5

8

1/ Figures are lengths of general outline of seacoast. Data for the four islands of Maui County are not consistent with the reported county total.
2/ Shoreline of outer coast, offshore islands, bays, rivers, and creeks is included to the head of tidewater or to a point where tidal waters narrow to a width of 100 feet.
3/ Derived from data expressed in statute miles; independently rounded and accordingly may not add exactly to indicated totals and subtotals. 1 mi. = 1.609 km.
4/ Data are not available for five minor islands: Molokini, Lehua, Gardner Pinnacles, Maro Reef and Pearl and Hermes Atoll.
5/ Excludes the Midway Islands, which are part of the Hawaiian Archipelago but not legally part of the State of Hawaii. Midway has a general coastline of 20 miles and a tidal shoreline of 33 miles.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Ocean Survey, The Coastline of the United States (1975), and records; and Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.05.

 

 

Table 5.2-- LAND AND WATER AREA OF COUNTIES

Measurement unit and type of area

State total

Hawaii

Maui

Kalawao

Honolulu

Kauai

             
Square miles:            
Land

6,423.4

4,028.2

1,159.3

13.2

600.2

622.5

Inland water 1/

35.9

4.4

3.6

-

19.0

8.9

Territorial water 2/

4,472.4

1,054.3

1,236.0

39.1

1,507.8

635.1

             
Square Kilometers            
Land

16,636.5

10,433.1

3,002.5

34.2

1,554.5

1,612.2

Inland water 1/

92.9

11.5

9.3

-

49.2

22.9

Territorial water 2/

11,583.4

2,730.7

3,201.2

101.3

3,905.2

1,644.9

             
Acres            
Land

4,110,966

2,578,073

741,933

8,451

384,125

398,383

Inland water 1/

22,976

2,816

2,304

-

12,160

5,696

Territorial water 2/

2,862,336

674,752

791,040

25,024

964,992

406,464

1/ Lakes, streams, reservoirs, etc. Includes Pearl Harbor.
2/ Within three miles of coast.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.07.

 

 

Table 5.3-- LAND AREAS OF ISLANDS

Island

Square miles 1/

Square kilometers

Acres 1/

       
State total

6,423.4

16,636.5

4,110,966

       
Hawaii

4,028.2

10,433.1

2,578,073

Maui

727.3

1,883.7

465,472

Molokini

0.036

0.093

23

Kahoolawe

44.6

115.5

28,543

Lanai

140.5

364.0

89,946

Molokai

260.0

673.5

166,425

Oahu

597.1

1,546.5

382,148

Kauai

552.3

1,430.5

353,484

Niihau

69.5

179.9

44,455

Lehua

0.444

1.149

284

Kaula

0.247

0.640

158

       
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 2/

6,423.4

16,636.5

4,110,966

Nihoa      
Necker Island

4,028.2

10,433.1

2,578,073

French Frigate Shoals

727.3

1,883.7

465,472

Gardner Pinnacles

0.036

0.093

23

Maro Reef

44.6

115.5

28,543

Laysan Island

140.5

364.0

89,946

Lisianski Island

260.0

673.5

166,425

Pearl and Hermes Atoll

597.1

1,546.5

382,148

Kure Atoll

552.3

1,430.5

353,484

       
Other Islands 3/

0.444

1.149

284

Baker, Howland and Jarvis Islands

0.247

0.640

158

Johnston Atoll

0.444

1.149

284

Kingman Reef

0.247

0.640

158

Midway Islands

0.444

1.149

284

Palmyra Atoll

0.247

0.640

158

1/ Areas in square miles and acres were calculated directly from measurements in 001 square kilometer and independently rounded. 1 square mile = 640 acres = 2.58999 square kilometers.
2/ Exclusive of the Midway Islands, which are part of the Hawaiian Archipelago but not legally part of the State of Hawaii.
3/ In central Pacific, not legally part of the State of Hawaii. Source: Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.08.

 

Map 4.  Relative Geographic Size:  Major Islands of the State.

 

Table 5.4-- AREA OF DISTRICTS, HAWAII COUNTY

District

Square miles

Acres

     
Hawaii County

4,028.2

2,578,048

     
Puna

499.5

319,680

South Hilo

394.4

252,416

North Hilo

322.5

206,400

Hamakua

580.5

371,520

North Kohala

132.9

85,056

South Kohala

351.7

225,088

North Kona

489.0

312,960

South Kona

335.4

214,656

Kau

922.3

590,272

Source: Square miles from U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Summary Population and Housing Characteristics, Hawaii, 1990 CPH-1-13 (August 1991), table 15; tabulations by R&D.

 

 

Table 5.5-- ELEVATIONS OF MAJOR SUMMITS IN HAWAII, BY ISLAND

(Elevation of the highest point on each island and other important peaks)

Island and summit

Feet

Meters

     
Hawaii:    
Mauna Kea 1/

13,796

4,205

Mauna Loa 2/

13,679

4,169

Hualalai

8,271

2,521

Kaumu o Kaleihoohie

5,480

1,670

Kilauea (Uwekahuna)

4,093

1,248

Kilauea (Halemaumau Rim)

3,660

1,116

     
Kahoolawe:    
Puu Moaulanui

1,483

452

Puu Moaulaiki

1,434

437

     
Molokini

160

49

     
Maui:    
Haleakala (Red Hill)

10,023

3,055

Haleakala (Kaupo Gap)

8,201

2,500

Puu Kukui

5,788

1,764

Iao Needle

2,250

686

     
Lanai:    
Lanaihale

3,366

1,026

     
Molokai:    
Kamakou

4,961

1,512

Olokui

4,606

1,404

Kaunuohua

4,535

1,382

Kalaupapa Lookout

1,600

488

Mauna Loa (Kukui)

1,430

436

     
Oahu:    
Kaala

4,003

1,220

Puu Kalena

3,504

1,068

Konahuanui

3,150

960

Tantalus

2,013

614

Olomana

1,643

501

Koko Crater (Kohelepelepe)

1,208

368

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

1,186

361

Diamond Head

760

232

Koko Head

642

196

Punchbowl

500

152

     
Kauai:    
Kawaikini

5,243

1,598

Waialeale

5,148

1,569

Namolokama Mountain

4,421

1,348

Kalalau Lookout

4,120

1,256

Haupu

2,297

700

Sleeping Giant (Nonou)

1,241

378

     
Niihau:    
Paniau

1,250

381

     
Lehua

699

213

Kaula

548

167

Nihoa:    
Millers Peak

903

275

Necker Island:

276

84

Summit Hill

120

37

French Frigate Shoals:    
La Perouse Pinnacles    
Gardner Pinnacles

190

58

Maro Reef

Awash

Awash

Laysan Island

40

12

Lisianski Island

40

12

Pearl and Hermes Atoll

10

3

Midway Islands

12

4

Kure Atoll

20

6

1/ According to the 1995 Guinness Book of World Records (p.147), "The world's tallest mountain measured from its submarine base (3,280 fathoms) in the Hawaiian Trough to peak is Mauna Kea with a combined height of 33,480 feet, of which 13,796 feet are above sea level."
Source: Hawaii State Department of Accounting and General Services, Survey Division, data provided April 21, 1992; U.S. National Cartographic Information Center, data provided October 11, 1978; U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, 1981-1984; Hawaiian Government Survey, 1923 (for Necker Island, French Frigate Shoals, Laysan, Lisianski, Pearl and Hermes Atoll and Kure Atoll); and Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.11.

 

 

Table 5.6-- MAJOR STREAMS IN HAWAII, BY ISLAND

Island

Feature or stream

Length or average discharge

     
Longest water feature (miles):    
Hawaii Wailuku River

32.0

Maui Kalialinui-Waiale Gulch

18.0

Kahoolawe Ahupu Gulch

4.0

Lanai Maunalei-Waialala Gulch

12.9

Molokai Wailau-Pulena Stream

6.5

Oahu Kaukonahua Stream (So. Fork)

33.0

Kauai Waimea River-Poomau Stream

19.5

Niihau Keanaulii-Puniopo Valley

5.9

     
Largest perennial stream    
(miles): 1/    
Hawaii Wailuku River

22.7

Maui Palikea Stream

7.8

Molokai Wailau-Pulena Stream

6.5

Oahu Kaukonahua Stream

30.0

Kauai Waimea River

19.7

     
Streams with greatest average discharge 2/(million gal/day):    
Hawaii Wailuku River

250

Maui Iao Stream

45

Molokai Wailau Stream

30

Oahu Waikele Stream

3/ 27

Kauai Hanalei River

140

1/ Estimated on basis of drainage area rather than stream runoff. Other major streams include Wailoa River, Hawaii (1/2-mile long); Honokohau Stream (9.4 miles long) and Iao Stream (5), both on Maui; Halawa Stream (6.4), Waikolu Stream (4.7), and Pelekunu (2.3), all on Molokai; Waikele Stream (15.3), Kipapa Stream (12.8), Waiakakalaua Stream (11.8), Nuuanu Stream (4), and Ala Wai Canal (1.9), all on Oahu; and the Makaweli River (15.1), Wainiha River (13.8), Hanapepe River (13.3), and Wailua River (11.8), all on Kauai.
2/ Most recent available year.
3/ Most of discharge is from nearby groundwater outflow.
Source: Longest water feature from U.S. Geological Survey, records; other data from Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Water Resource Management; records; and Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.13.

 

 

Table 5.7-- LAKES AND LAKE-LIKE WATERS IN HAWAII, BY ISLAND

Island and lake

Type

Elevation (feet)

Area 1/ (acres)

Maximum depth (feet)

         
Hawaii:        
Green Lake Lake

3

2

20

Lake Waiau 2/ Lake

13,020

2

10

Waiakea Pond Tidal pond

SL

27

7

         
Maui:        
Kanaha Pond Marsh

SL

41

3

Kealia Pond Marsh

SL

500

NA

Waieleele Pond

6,690

0.5

21

         
Molokai:        
Kauhako Pool

SL

0.9

814

Kualapuu Reservoir Reservoir

821

100

50

Meyer Lake Impoundment

2,021

6-10

5

         
Oahu:        
Ho'omaluhia Reservoir

202

90

90

Kaelepulu Pond Lake

SL

198

NA

Kawainui Marsh Marsh

SL

1,000

NA

Wahiawa Reservoir Reservoir

842

302

85

         
Kauai:        
Nomilu Fishpond Pond

SL

20

66

Waita Reservoir Reservoir

241

424

23

         
Niihau:        
Halalii Lake Playa

SL

841-865

NA

Halulu Lake Playa

SL

182-371

NA

         
Laysan:        
Laysan Lagoon Closed Lagoon

SL

161

16

SL = Sea level.
1/ Ranges shown for Meyer Lake, Halalii Lake, and Halulu Lake reflect differences in estimates between sources.
2/ Highest lake in the State and third highest in the United States.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.14.

 

 

Table 5.8-- MAJOR NAMED WATERFALLS IN HAWAII, BY ISLAND

Island Waterfall 1/

Height (feet)

Horizontal distance (feet)

Average discharge (million gal./day)

Sheer drop

Cascade

           
Hawaii Kaluahine  

620

400

...

  Akaka

442

...

...

...

  Waiilikahi

320

...

...

6.6

  Hiilawe (3 falls)

...

300

200

...

  Rainbow

...

80

150

303.5

           
Maui Honokohau

...

1,120

500

26.6

  Waihiumalu

...

400

150

...

  Waimoku

...

40

50

37.1

           
Molokai Kahiwa

...

1,750

1,000

...

  Papalaua

...

1,200

500

...

  Wailele

...

500

150

...

  Haloku

...

500

200

...

  Hipuapua

...

500

300

...

  Olupena

...

300

150

...

  Moaula

...

250

200

19.7

           
Oahu Kaliuwaa (Sacred) 2/

80

1,520

3,000

...

  Waihee (Waimea)

80

...

...

5.6

  Manoa

...

200

250

2.4

           
Kauai Waipoo (2 falls)

...

800

600

...

  Awini

...

480

500

...

  Hinalele

280

...

...

...

  Kapakanui

280

...

...

...

  Manawaiopuna

280

...

...

...

  Wailua

80

...

...

...

  Opaekaa

40

...

...

...

  Puwainui

20

...

...

90.9

1/ Includes the largest named waterfall in each major island, either in height or average discharge; all other named falls 250 feet high or over; and well-known small falls. Many unnamed falls have sheer drops of 200 feet or more.
2/ Sheer drop refers to northernmost fall of a cascade of six falls.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Planning and Economic Development, Hawai'i, the Natural Environment (1974), p.18.

 

 

Table 5.9-- MISCELLANEOUS GEOGRAPHIC STATISTICS FOR HAWAII, BY ISLAND

Island

Extreme length (miles)

Extreme width (miles)

Miles of sea cliffs with heights 1,000 ft. or more 1/

Miles from coast of most remote point

Percent of area within 5 miles of Coast

           
State

...

...

33

28.5

48.6

           
Hawaii

93

76

4

28.5

30.0

Maui

48

26

-

10.6

76.1

Kahoolawe

11

6

-

2.4

100.0

Lanai

18

13

-

5.2

100.0

Molokai

38

10

14

3.9

100.0

Oahu

44

30

-

10.6

79.0

Kauai

33

25

11

10.8

65.0

Niihau

8

6

3

2.4

100.0

 

Percent of area with elevation

 

Percent of area with slope

Island

Less than 500 ft.

2,000 ft or more

Approx. mean altitude (feet)

Less than 10 percent

20 percent or more

           
State

20.8

50.9

3,030

6.35

17.0

           
Hawaii

12.0

68.4

3,950

76.0

4.0

Maui

24.9

41.4

2,390

38.5

36.0

Kahoolawe

38.9

0

600

60.0

9.0

Lanai

24.8

6.3

1,140

61.0

16.0

Molokai

37.3

17.8

1,150

53.0

26.0

Oahu

45.3

4.6

860

42.5

45.5

Kauai

35.6

24.0

1,380

33.5

50.5

Niihau

78.2

0

530

68.0

12.5

1/ According to Lee S. Motteler, Geography and Map Division, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, the sea cliffs along the northeastern coast of Molokai between Umilehi Point and Puukaoku Point drop 3,250 feet at an average slope of 58 degrees. These cliffs have been described by The Guinness Book of Records (1995 edition, p.154) as "the highest sea cliffs in the world."
Source: Hawaii State Department of Planning and Economic Development, Hawai'i, the Natural Environment (1974), p.19; U.S. Geological Survey, Elevations and Distances in the United States (1978), pp.4-5; and Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.16.

 

 

Table 5.10-- VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS ON HAWAII ISLAND: 1750 TO 1998

(Complete through April 30, 1998)

Volcano and date of outbreak

Duration (days)

Area (sq. miles)

Volume
(cubic yards)

       
Kilauea:      
1750 (?) ...........

NA

1.57

19,500,000

1790 (?) ...........

NA

3.04

37,670,000

1790: Nov. (?) .....

NA

no lava flow

no lava flow

1823: Feb.-July ....

short

3.86

15,000,000

1832: Jan. 14 ......

short

NA

NA

1840: May 30 .......

26

6.60

281,000,000

1868: April 2 ......

short

0.07

NA

April 2 (?) ..

short

0.04

250,000

1877: May 4 ........

1 (?)

NA

NA

May 21 (?) ...

NA

0.04

NA

1884: Jan. 22 ......

1

NA

NA

1885: March ........

80 (?)

NA

NA

1894: March 21 .....

6+

NA

NA

July 7 .......

4 (?)

NA

NA

1918: Feb. 23 ......

14

0.04

250,000

1919: Feb. 7 .......

294

1.60

34,500,000

Dec. 21 ......

221

5.00

62,000,000

1921: Mar. 18 ......

7

0.77

8,800,000

1922: May 28 .......

2

0.04

NA

1923: Aug. 25 (?) ..

1

0.20

100,000

1924: May 10 .......

17

no lava flow

no lava flow

July 19 ......

11

0.02

320,000

1927: July 7 .......

13

0.04

3,160,000

1929: Feb. 20 ......

2

0.06

1,920,000

July 25 ......

4

0.08

3,600,000

1930: Nov. 19 ......

19

0.09

8,480,000

1931: Dec. 23 ......

14

0.12

9,640,000

1934: Sept. 6 ......

33

0.16

9,500,000

1952: June 27 ......

136

0.23

64,000,000

1954: May 31 .......

3

0.44

8,500,000

1955: Feb. 28 ......

88

6.10

120,000,000

1959: Nov. 14 ......

36

0.24

51,000,000

1960: Jan. 13 ......

36

4.10

155,000,000

1961: Feb. 24 ......

1

0.02

30,000

Mar. 3 .......

22

0.10

350,000

July 10 ......

7

0.40

17,300,000

Sept. 22 .....

3

0.30

3,000,000

1962: Dec. 7 .......

2

0.02

430,000

1963: Aug. 21 ......

2

0.06

1,100,000

Oct. 5 .......

1

1.30

9,000,000

1965: Mar. 5 .......

10

3.00

23,000,000

Dec. 24 ......

<1

0.23

1,160,000

1967: Nov. 5 .......

251

0.25

110,000,000

1968: Aug. 22 ......

5

0.01

50,000

Oct. 7 .......

15

0.80

9,000,000

1969: Feb. 22 ......

6

2.30

22,000,000

May 24 .......

867

19.30

242,000,000

1971: Aug. 14 ......

<1

0.80

12,000,000

Sept. 24 .....

5

1.50

10,500,000

1972: Feb. 4 .......

455

13.50

163,800,000

1973: May 5 ........

<1

0.10

1,600,000

Nov. 10 ......

30

0.40

3,700,000

Dec. 12 ......

203

3.10

39,300,000

1974: July 19 ......

3

1.20

9,000,000

Sept. 19 .....

<1

0.40

14,000,000

Dec. 31 ......

<1

2.90

19,600,000

1975: Nov. 29 ......

<1

0.10

300,000

1977: Sept. 13 .....

18

3.00

45,000,000

1979: Nov. 16 ......

1

0.10

800,000

1982: April 30 .....

<1

0.10

260,000

Sept. 25 .....

<1

0.30

3,900,000

1983: Jan. 3 1/ ....

5,592

38.40

2,183,000,000

       
Mauna Loa:      
1832: June 20 ......

21

NA

NA

1843: Jan. 9 .......

90

20.20

250,000,000

1849: May ..........

15

NA

NA

1851: Aug. 8 .......

21

6.90

90,000,000

1852: Feb. 17 ......

20

11.00

140,000,000

1855: Aug. 11 ......

450

12.20

150,000,000

1859: Jan. 23 ......

300

32.70

600,000,000

1865: Dec. 30 ......

120

NA

NA

1868: Mar. 27 ......

15

9.10

190,000,000

1870: Jan. 1 (?) ...

14

NA

NA

1871: Aug. 1 (?) ...

30

NA

NA

1872: Aug. 10 ......

60

NA

NA

1873: Jan. 6 .......

2 (?)

NA

NA

April 20 .....

547

NA

NA

1875: Jan. 10 ......

30

NA

NA

Aug. 11 ......

7

NA

NA

1876: Feb. 13 ......

short

NA

NA

1877: Feb. 14 ......

10

NA

NA

1880: May 1 ........

6

NA

NA

Nov. 1 .......

280

24.0

300,000,000

1887: Jan. 16 ......

10

11.3

300,000,000

1892: Nov. 30 ......

3

NA

NA

1896: April 21 .....

16

NA

NA

1899: July 4 .......

19

16.2

200,000,000

1903: Oct. 6 .......

60

NA

NA

1907: Jan. 9 .......

15

8.1

100,000,000

1914: Nov. 25 ......

48

NA

NA

1916: May 19 .......

14

6.6

80,000,000

1919: Sept. 29 .....

short

9.2

350,000,000

1926: Apr. 10 ......

short

13.4

150,000,000

1933: Dec. 2 .......

17

2.0

100,000,000

1935: Nov. 21 ......

42

13.8

160,000,000

1940: Apr. 7 .......

133

3.9

100,000,000

1942: Apr. 26 ......

13

10.6

100,000,000

1943: Nov. 21 ......

3

NA

NA

1949: Jan. 6 .......

145

5.6

77,000,000

1950: June 1 .......

23

35.0

600,000,000

1975: July 5 .......

<1

5.2

35,000,000

1984: March 25 .....

22

11.0+

230,000,000

1/ Still in progress, May 1998. As of that time, there have been 55 separate episodes. These had destroyed 181 housing units and added over 550 acres to the area of the island.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Planning and Economic Development, Hawai'i, the Natural Environment (1974), p.22; Hawaii State Department of Business and Economic Development, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1988 (November 1988), table 151; and U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, records.

 

 

Table 5.11-- EARTHQUAKES OF MAGNITUDE 5 OR GREATER: 1973 TO 1998

(Complete through April 30, 1998)

Date and time Location

Magnitude (Richter scale)

     
1973: Apr. 26 Honomu, Hawaii

6.2

Oct. 9 Hawaii

4.8-5

1974: Nov. 30 Hawaii

5.5-6

1975: Jan. 2, 3:27 AM Near Pahala, Hawaii

5.0

Nov. 29, 3:35 AM Puna, Hawaii

5.7

Nov. 29, 4:47 AM Puna, Hawaii

7.2

1976: Feb. 20, 7:51 AM Between Maui and Hawaii

5.1

1977: Jan. 22, 12:36 PM 100 miles S. of Kauai

5.1

Apr. 20, 6:49 PM ... Hamakua, Hawaii

5.0

Jun. 5, 11:42 PM ... Puna, Hawaii

5.1

1979: Mar. 29, 11:06 PM 40 miles S.W. of Oahu

5.5

Sept. 21, 9:59 PM Puna, Hawaii

5.5

1981: Mar. 5, 4:09 AM Molokai area

5.3

Nov. 10, 3:02 AM ... Kilauea, Hawaii

5.3

1982: Jan. 21, 11:52 AM Mauna Loa, Hawaii

5.5

Jan. 21, 12:29 PM Mauna Loa, Hawaii

5.5

May 14, 6:26 AM Off Kawaihae, Hawaii

5.0

1983: Mar. 20, 5:18 PM Off Kalapana, Hawaii

5.0

Sept. 9, 6:30 AM Off Kalapana, Hawaii

5.4

Nov. 16, 6:13 AM S.E. flank of Mauna Loa

6.7

1984: Jun. 8, 5:34 PM 80 miles S. of Honolulu

5.3

1986: Apr. 26, 7:19 AM 28 miles N.E. of Maui

5.1

1987: Feb. 3, 4:22 PM 26 miles S. of Kahoolawe

5.0

1988: Mar. 24, 2:30 PM 30 miles S. of Kahoolawe

5.0

Mar. 27, 5:33 PM 30 miles S. of Kahoolawe

5.5

June 7, 12:49 PM S. Flank of Kilauea

5.0

July 3, 7:38 PM Near Pahala

5.3

1989: June 25, 5:27 PM S. Flank of Kilauea

6.1

Dec. 27, 11:13 PM S. Flank of Kilauea

5.1

1990: Aug. 8, 4:06 PM Kilauea East Rift Zone

5.0

1991: May 8, 8:21 AM Off Kealakekua

5.5

Dec. 9, 1:14 PM Off South Point

5.2

1993: Jan. 3, 5:24 AM Pahala

5.0

1994: Feb. 1, 1:00 AM S. Flank of Kilauea

5.2

1997: June 30, 5:47 AM S. Flank of Kilauea

5.2

Source: Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1990 (November 1990), table 141; and U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, records.

 

 

Table 5.12-- TSUNAMIS WITH RUN-UP OF 2 METERS (6.6 FEET) OR MORE 1946 TO 1995

(Complete to July 23, 1995)

 

Maximum height in Hawaii

   
Date

Meters

Feet

Deaths in Hawaii

Damage in Hawaii (dollars)

         
1946: April 1

17.0

55.8

159

26,000,000

1952: Nov. 4

6.1

20.0

-

1,000,000

1957: March 9

16.0

52.5

-

5,000,000

1960: May 22

10.5

34.5

61

23,000,000

1964: March 27

4.8

15.7

-

67,590

1975: Nov. 29

14.6

48.0

2

1,500,000

Source: Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii Data Book, 1995 (October 1996), table 5.20.

 

Map 5.  Lawa Flow Hazard Zones.

 

Table 5.13-- WATER QUALITY AT SPECIFIED NEARSHORE AREAS, HAWAII COUNTY: 1996

Sampling stations

Number of samples 1/

Enterococcus density 2/

Clostridium perfringens density 3/

         
Hilo:        
Coconut Island

12

6

2.25491

1.94416

Exit of Ice Pond

12

12

6.86812

1.23007

Hilo Bay (Canoe Beach)

12

12

5.86089

2.30962

Hilo Bay (Lighthouse)

12

12

4.27791

2.26409

Hilo Bay (Off Shore)

5

5

2.50176

2.23685

Honolii Cove (Ocean)

12

11

4.73979

1.66850

Kapoho Beach Lots #1

12

12

3.24809

1.00000

Keaukaha Beach - 4 Miles

12

6

2.89190

1.34801

Keokea Bay Beach Park

6

6

1.97860

1.12246

Kolekole Gulch (Stream)

12

12

66.28840

3.80202

Laupahoehoe Point (Boat Ramp)

6

6

4.14885

1.25992

Leleiwi Beach Park

12

12

9.00484

2.72959

Onekahakaha Beach (Swimming Area)

11

5

1.73172

1.74110

Pohoiki

12

6

5.02932

1.34801

Pualaa Beach Park

12

12

4.30357

1.42816

Puhi Bay #2

11

6

2.69483

1.12246

Puhi Bay #3

12

6

2.25836

1.90637

Richardson Ocean Center

12

6

4.92412

1.20094

Richardson Center (Hilo Side Beach)

12

6

3.30022

1.00000

Vacationland

12

6

1.87366

1.00000

Wailoa River (Boat Ramp)

12

12

16.30920

5.94291

         
Kona:        
Anaehoomalu Bay

10

6

1.50597

1.00000

Banyan's Surfing Area

12

12

7.40811

2.22090

Hapuna Beach

14

9

1.29171

1.42350

Honaunau Bay (City of Refuge)

5

5

6.54388

6.03417

Honaunau Bay (Embayment)

1

-

1.00000

-

Honuapo Landing

12

12

2.05494

2.66717

Kahaluu Beach

12

12

4.93242

1.86121

Kailua Pier Station A

12

12

6.13469

4.98311

Kailua Pier Station A-1

12

6

1.46281

1.00000

Kailua Pier Station D

12

12

2.53540

2.30442

Kauhako Bay - Hookena

6

6

3.43753

1.93197

Kawaihae Harbor

11

6

2.58581

1.87892

Kawaihae Harbor Pier

11

5

1.36233

1.00000

Kealakekua Bay (Off Canoe Landing)

6

6

1.25992

1.00000

Kealakekua Bay (Off Curio Stand)

11

6

1.78879

1.20094

Keauhou Bay

12

6

5.13285

2.44949

Kona Hilton (Shoreline)

12

5

1.16104

1.00000

Magic Sands Beach

12

6

1.09587

1.00000

Mahukona Landing

6

6

2.00000

1.00000

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Beach)

11

6

1.13431

1.00000

Milolii

6

6

1.44225

2.12470

Puako Beach Lots (Boat Ramp)

11

11

3.35744

1.22109

Puako Beach Lots (Far End of Lot)

11

11

2.86453

1.91851

Puako Beach Lots (Middle of Lot)

11

11

2.46216

1.64582

Punaluu

10

4

1.78910

1.41421

Spencer Beach Park

11

11

7.32860

3.23185

1/ First number Enterococcus samples, second number Clostridium perfringens samples.
2/ Geometric mean, number per 100 ml. The geometric mean standard for enterococci density is 7 per 100 ml.
3 Clostridium perfringens is being proposed as an additional indicator organism. The proposed standard is dependent upon the salinity of the water sampled. A salinity of greater than 32 parts per thousand would correspond to a median standard of 5 per 100 ml; and a salinity of 0 to 32 parts per thousand would correspond to a median standard of 50 per 100 ml.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Health, Clean Water Branch, records.

 

 

Table 5.14-- WATER QUALITY AT SPECIFIED NEARSHORE AREAS,HAWAII COUNTY: 1997

Sampling stations

Number of samples 1/

Enterococcus density 2/

Clostridium perfringens density 3/

         
Hilo:        
Coconut Island

11

11

1.64582

1.51428

Exit of Ice Pond

12

12

6.41447

1.40663

Hilo Bay (Canoe Beach)

12

12

5.16420

2.16093

Hilo Bay (Lighthouse)

12

12

6.87218

2.50892

Hilo Bay (Off Shore)

5

5

2.09128

1.24573

Honolii Cove (Ocean)

12

12

15.48770

2.74661

Kapoho Beach Lots #1

12

11

4.49026

1.00000

Keaukaha Beach - 4 Miles

12

11

6.20752

1.25345

Keokea Bay Beach Park

12

11

2.36947

1.54531

Kolekole Gulch (Stream)

12

12

124.03700

4.21603

Laupahoehoe Point (Boat Ramp)

12

11

1.20094

1.30051

Leleiwi Beach Park

12

11

10.33730

2.15301

Onekahakaha Beach (Swimming Area)

12

11

1.46281

1.77174

Pohoiki

12

11

3.93488

2.69684

Pualaa Beach Park

12

11

10.58140

2.19879

Puhi Bay #2

12

11

2.25490

1.13431

Puhi Bay #3

12

11

2.13055

1.06504

Richardson Ocean Center

12

11

2.87428

1.41349

Richardson Center (Hilo Side Beach)

12

11

6.10418

1.13431

Vacationland

12

11

1.32768

1.06504

Wailoa River (Boat Ramp)

12

12

10.08620

4.03565

         
Kona:        
Anaehoomalu Bay

12

11

1.42816

1.00000

Banyan's Surfing Area

13

12

7.76014

4.59785

Hapuna Beach

13

12

1.54591

1.22119

Honaunau Bay (City of Refuge)

12

11

4.49076

2.58418

Honuapo Landing

9

8

1.87614

1.66828

Kahaluu Beach

12

11

3.32553

1.45948

Kailua Pier Station A

12

11

4.32839

3.88800

Kailua Pier Station A-1

12

11

2.06602

1.00000

Kailua Pier Station D

11

10

1.99055

2.41400

Kauhako Bay - Hookena

11

10

2.28848

1.87182

Kawaihae Harbor

11

10

2.04098

1.28209

Kawaihae Harbor Pier

13

12

1.99055

1.23007

Kealakekua Bay (Off Canoe Landing)

11

10

1.88309

1.00000

Kealakekua Bay (Off Curio Stand)

11

10

1.28666

1.31951

Keauhou Bay

12

11

2.12001

1.33498

Kona Hilton (Shoreline)

12

11

2.12336

1.00000

Magic Sands Beach

12

11

1.00000

1.00000

Mahukona Landing

12

11

1.74732

1.17690

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Beach)

12

11

1.38071

1.10503

Milolii

10

9

1.37411

2.22638

Puako Beach Lots (Boat Ramp)

12

11

2.03243

1.48939

Puako Beach Lots (Far End of Lot)

12

11

1.77407

1.20809

Puako Beach Lots (Middle of Lot)

12

11

2.13702

1.26260

Punaluu

8

7

1.09051

1.10409

Spencer Beach Park

12

11

5.68415

2.45201

         

1/ First number Enterococcus samples, second number Clostridium perfringens samples.
2/ Geometric mean, number per 100 ml. The geometric mean standard for enterococci density is 7 per 100 ml.
3 Clostridium perfringens is being proposed as an additional indicator organism. The proposed standard is dependent upon the salinity of the water sampled. A salinity of greater than 32 parts per thousand would correspond to a median standard of 5 per 100 ml; and a salinity of 0 to 32 parts per thousand would correspond to a median standard of 50 per 100 ml.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Health, Clean Water Branch, records.

 

 

Table 5.15-- TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION FOR SELECTED PLACES, HAWAII COUNTY

   

Average temperature 1/ ( F.)

Extreme temperature of record ( F.)

 
Station

Ground elevation (feet)

Coolest month

Warmest month

Lowest

Highest

Average annual precipitation (inches)

             
Hilo Airport

30

71.2

75.9

53

94

128

Hawaii Volcanoes            
Natl. Park Hdq.

3,970

57.6

63.2

31

93

101

Naalehu

800

70.2

75.1

50

93

47

Kailua-Kona

30

72.1

77.3

54

93

25

Puako 2/

5

73.1

79.8

52

98

10

Waimea (Kamuela)

2,670

61.3

66.8

34

90

31

Honokaa

1,070

67.6

75.5

NA

NA

86

Mauna Kea summit 3/

13,796

31.3

42.5

11

66

20

NA = Not available.
1/ For some stations, data represent 30-year normals.
2/ Temperature data are for Mahukona.
3/ Based on incomplete and non-continuous data for 1966-1972. Precipitation estimated.
Source: Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management, data supplied February 14, 1995; and Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Web Site: http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/db96/

 

 

Table 5.16-- RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE AT SPECIFIED LOCATIONS, HAWAII COUNTY: 1992 TO 1996

(In inches and degrees Fahrenheit)

Location

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

           
RAINFALL          
           
Haina

80.76

M

M

NA

NA

Hakalau

123.01

M

M

NA

NA

Hawaiian Beaches

M

116.97

155.39

96.21

137.67

Hawi

56.13

56.02

82.32

46.46

51.86

Hilo

108.83 M

114.49

182.81

85.92

120.21

Holualoa

32.49

39.88

23.76

33.81

38.48

Honaunau

52.82

35.40

35.00

37.10

62.48

Honokaa

NA

NA

M

79.61

77.54

Honokohau

16.68

10.49

8.25

7.37

33.98

Honomu

NA

NA

M

83.76

97.50

Hualalai

19.16

26.90

15.56

10.53

28.07

Kainaliu

60.98

43.99

37.07

44.01

64.68

Kapoho

NA

86.71

85.43

52.11

87.83

Kaumana

NA

M

307.38

139.83

153.37

Kawaihae 2/

12.55 M

9.86

4.05

7.29

19.21

Keaau

109.64

101.16

184.17

90.63

134.34

Keahole Pt.

11.48

8.13

6.69

7.65

19.09

Kohala Mission

66.39

70.25

83.96

52.81

65.63

Kukuihaele

76.15

M

M

66.32

59.72

Mahaiula

10.96

14.48

9.73

12.30

33.38

Mauna Loa

16.84

16.37

20.99

5.65

24.63

Milolii

25.55

24.93

M

16.31

34.39

Mountain View

172.56

159.85

294.37

147.96

175.67

Naalehu

40.57

40.56

63.34

26.55

59.07

Ookala

123.38

M

M

NA

NA

Orchid Land

119.91

112.50

190.36

89.48

133.79

Paauhau

75.52

M

M

76.67

76.78

Paauilo

100.75

99.77

121.65

78.03

83.31

Pahala 3/

48.65

41.96

67.44

26.95

82.15

Pahoa

109.66

122.06

138.04

NA

NA

Papaikou

119.85

119.48

174.13

91.35

131.59

South Kona

22.67

22.11

23.27

10.14

30.30

Volcano 4/

87.11

82.72

149.33

66.48

127.49

Waiakea

166.81

158.46

307.27

133.52

153.95

Waikoloa

11.51

9.34

7.38

4.40

28.51

Waimea 5/

12.72

20.67

11.87 M

6.04

25.35

Hawi

NA

M

M

M

M

Hilo

74.7

73.8

74.8

75.6

75.2

Kawaihae 2/

74.9 M

74.4 M

74.6 M

74.4 M

75.0 M

Keahole Pt.

77.7 M

77.0 M

77.5 M

77.6 M

78.0 M

Mauna Loa

M

M

M

M

M

Mountain View

66.6 M

65.3 M

65.4 M

65.7 M

66.5 M

Naalehu

73.5 M

65.3 M

72.0 M

M

M

Ookala

73.5 M

71.8 M

NA

NA

NA

South Kona

68.0 M

66.8 M

67.5

M

68.9 M

Upolu Point

76.0 M

NA

NA

NA

NA

Volcano 4/

62.3 M

61.4 M

61.6 M

61.8 M

62.3 M

Waimea 5/

M

M

M

M

M

NA = Not available.
Rainfall = annual total; temperature = annual average.
M = Insufficient or partial data. M appended to average and/or total values computed with 1-9 daily values missing; M appears alone if 10 or more daily values are missing.
1/ Revised.
2/ Puukohola Heiau.
3/ Pahala mauka.
4/ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
5/ Lalamilo Field Office.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Climatic Data Center, Climatological Data, Annual Summary, Hawaii and Pacific (annual).

 

 

Table 5.17-- RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE, CITY OF HILO, BY MONTH: 1984 TO 1997

(In inches and degrees Fahrenheit)

Year

Annual

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

June

               
RAINFALL 1/              
               
1984 .......

100.08

10.76

10.06

3.37

12.08

6.59

4.28

1985 .......

112.96

2.25

16.14

21.28

10.61

17.04

1.80

1986 .......

171.03

4.95

0.58

15.37

43.24

8.61

9.11

1987 .......

142.41

9.02

5.06

4.79

9.24

15.65

12.91

1988 .......

140.19

10.31

9.95

13.09

12.90

7.77

5.11

1989 .......

166.71

27.46

6.54

7.33

37.19

19.80

7.03

               
1990 .......

211.22

29.13

15.24

10.80

4.02

8.13

10.04

1991 .......

153.04

3.81

9.32

37.88

11.02

8.08

9.85

1992 .......

119.89

1.33

1.29

3.90

6.62

2.99

9.36

1993 .......

114.49

2.17

2.67

11.96

9.04

7.54

6.63

1994 .......

182.81

10.39

25.52

18.48

8.59

7.18

13.29

1995 .......

85.92

4.52

1.56

4.17

8.14

8.68

5.35

1996 .......

120.21

14.29

11.81

16.66

6.27

3.65

10.33

1997 .......

131.61

2.33

7.84

19.25

6.03

10.75

22.70

Record              
Mean .......

130.65

9.53

11.41

13.73

13.10

9.09

6.51

               
TEMPERATURE 2/              
               
1984 .......

73.9

72.4

71.5

73.8

73.0

74.0

74.7

1985 .......

72.6

69.8

70.5

69.4

69.8

71.4

74.4

1986 .......

75.3

71.1

73.6

74.7

73.6

75.4

76.6

1987 .......

74.3

71.8

70.7

71.6

72.2

72.5

75.4

1988 .......

74.6

71.9

72.3

72.2

72.6

74.2

74.7

1989 .......

73.3

72.2

71.4

72.4

71.1

72.7

74.7

1990 .......

74.2

72.1

70.4

71.2

73.5

74.1

75.0

1991 .......

74.3

72.0

72.8

70.8

72.6

74.2

74.8

1992 .......

74.7

71.2

71.4

72.3

72.4

74.8

76.2

1993 .......

73.8

71.1

70.1

71.6

73.5

73.3

75.4

1994 .......

74.8

70.0

71.3

71.7

73.4

74.9

76.0

1995 .......

75.6

72.6

72.9

74.8

74.1

75.5

76.9

1996 .......

75.2

73.4

70.9

71.5

74.4

76.1

76.9

1997 .......

75.1

73.1

72.7

73.3

74.0

75.0

76.7

Record              
Mean .......

73.6

71.3

71.2

71.5

72.3

73.4

74.9

Max. .......

81.0

79.3

79.2

79.0

79.4

80.7

82.3

Min. .......

66.2

63.3

63.2

64.0

65.2

66.2

67.4

 

Table 5.17-- RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE, CITY OF HILO, BY MONTH: 1984 TO 1997 (contd.)

(In inches and degrees Fahrenheit)

Year

Annual

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

               
RAINFALL 1/              
               
1984 ....

100.08

6.63

9.36

4.05

2.52

18.38

12.00

1985 ....

112.96

9.86

6.71

11.78

8.19

4.71

2.59

1986 ....

171.03

11.17

10.64

14.36

11.53

35.72

5.75

1987 ....

142.41

18.26

3.69

11.56

14.21

15.83

22.19

1988 ....

140.19

5.50

16.56

11.30

8.50

25.74

13.46

1989 ....

166.71

22.93

8.82

9.73

13.16

1.01

5.71

               
1990 ....

211.22

10.78

7.80

18.47

20.96

45.75

30.10

1991 ....

153.04

9.82

26.92

9.41

5.15

6.74

15.04

1992 ....

119.89

17.63

13.62

17.59

3.38

25.16

17.02

1993 ....

114.49

18.43

11.38

4.99

12.83

10.74

16.11

1994 ....

182.81

11.71

14.58

21.82

8.73

35.91

6.61

1995 ....

85.92

15.13

13.93

4.20

7.62

8.52

4.10

1996 ....

120.21

13.22

4.77

7.03

11.07

14.22

6.89

1997 ....

131.61

19.38

4.75

8.98

12.64

8.86

8.10

Record              
Mean ....

130.65

10.16

10.48

8.10

9.80

15.07

13.67

               
TEMPERATURE 2/              
               
1984 ....

73.9

75.2

75.3

75.4

76.5

73.6

71.1

1985 ....

72.6

75.4

75.7

75.7

74.3

73.0

71.6

1986 ....

75.3

77.8

78.5

77.9

76.4

75.1

72.8

1987 ....

74.3

76.7

77.9

77.8

76.6

74.7

73.1

1988 ....

74.6

75.7

76.0

76.6

77.9

76.3

74.9

1989 ....

73.3

75.2

75.0

74.6

75.6

73.6

71.3

               
1990 ....

74.2

76.0

77.0

77.2

76.2

75.4

72.5

1991 ....

74.3

76.0

76.9

76.9

76.2

75.8

72.9

1992 ....

74.7

76.2

77.2

77.8

77.7

75.2

73.6

1993 ....

73.8

75.8

77.0

77.1

76.0

73.4

71.7

1994 ....

74.8

78.1

78.6

78.1

77.4

74.9

73.0

1995 ....

75.6

77.9

77.7

78.2

76.2

75.6

74.6

1996 ....

75.2

75.5

76.1

75.9

75.4

73.8

72.0

1997 ....

75.1

77.4

78.0

77.7

76.8

74.3

72.4

Record              
Mean ....

73.6

75.6

76.1

76.0

75.4

73.8

72.0

Max. ....

81.0

82.6

83.2

83.5

82.9

80.9

79.4

Min. ....

66.2

68.5

68.9

68.4

67.8

66.6

64.6

1/ Total rainfall.
2/ Average temperature.
Source: U.S. National Climatic Data Center, Local Climatological Data, Annual Summary with Comparative Data, Hilo, Hawaii, 1997 (1998), p.4.

 

 

Table 5.18-- CLIMATIC NORMALS, MEANS, AND EXTREMES FOR HILO AIRPORT: 1997

Subject

Number

   
Normal temperatures (?F):  
Daily maximum

81.5

Daily minimum

66.4

Monthly: Coolest month(s) (January & February)

71.7

Warmest month (August)

76.3

Annual

74.0

   
Extreme temperatures (?F.):  
Record highest (May 1966)

94

Record lowest (February 1962)

53

   
Normal degree days, base 65 ?F.:  
Heating

0

Cooling

3,284

   
Precipitation (inches):  
Normal

129.19

Maximum monthly (December 1954)

50.82

Minimum monthly (December 1980)

0.28

Maximum in 24 hours (February 1979)

22.30

   
Relative humidity (percent):  
Normal relative humidity

79

(Hr 02)

86

(Hr 08)

79

(Hr 14)

68

(Hr 20)

83

   
Wind speed (m.p.h.):  
Mean

7.4

Fastest observation, 2 min. (February 1997)

39

   
Percent of possible sunshine

40

   
Mean number of days:  
Clear

35.5

Partly cloudy

131.3

Cloudy

195.3

Precipitation .01 in. or more

273.3

Thunderstorms

9.7

Temperature maximum 90 and above

1.0

Source: U.S. National Climatic Data Center, Local Climatological Data, Annual Summary with Comparative Data, Hilo, Hawaii, 1997 (1998), p.3.

 

 

Table 5.19-- CLIMATIC NORMALS, MEANS, AND EXTREMES FOR HILO AIRPORT: 1997

Subject

Number

   
Normal temperatures (?F):  
Daily maximum

81.5

Daily minimum

66.4

Monthly: Coolest month(s) (January & February)

71.7

Warmest month (August)

76.3

Annual

74.0

   
Extreme temperatures (?F.):  
Record highest (May 1966)

94

Record lowest (February 1962)

53

   
Normal degree days, base 65 ?F.:  
Heating

0

Cooling

3,284

   
Precipitation (inches):  
Normal

129.19

Maximum monthly (December 1954)

50.82

Minimum monthly (December 1980)

0.28

Maximum in 24 hours (February 1979

22.30

   
Relative humidity (percent):  
Normal relative humidity

79

2 A.M. (Hr 02)

86

2 P.M. (Hr 14)

79

6 P.M. (Hr 18)

68

8 P.M. (Hr 20)

83

   
Wind speed (m.p.h.):  
Mean

7.4

Fastest observation, 2 min. (February 1997)

39

   
Percent of possible sunshine

40

   
Mean number of days:  
Clear

35.5

Partly cloudy

130.3

Cloudy

196.2

Precipitation .01 in. or more

273.3

Thunderstorms

9.7

Temperature maximum 90 and above

1.0

Source: U.S. National Climatic Data Center, Local Climatological Data, Annual Summary with Comparative Data, Hilo, Hawaii, 1996 (1997), p.3.

 

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