Kaho'olawe Island Reserve & Restoration
Kahoolawe
Kaho'olawe is Hawaii's smallest main island, a sacred and uninhabited place now focused on cultural healing, native restoration and careful stewardship.
Kaho'olawe seen from the sky
The island of Kahoolawe is the smallest Hawaiian island (from the eight main Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Big Island, Lanai and Niihau). It is only 12 miles long, 45 square miles in size and completely deserted.
Similar to Alcatraz Island near San Francisco, the island of Kahoolawe was once used for prisoners. Later, the U.S. military took control over Kahoolawe and used it for training purposes. In 1994, the federal government returned Kahoolawe to the state of Hawaii, but access to it was limited until 2003 because the U.S. Navy had to clean up the island first. There were still a lot of remains of unexploded
ammunition.
Today, the island is controlled and managed by the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. It is believed that not all dangerous explosives have been completely removed yet. According to some people, the U.S. Navy removed only 25 percent of all explosives, so if that's true 75 percent of the dangerous material that was dumped here is still there.
In the far past, Kahoolawe was a beautiful green island with plants and flowers. But then goats were brought to the island and they ate and damaged the vegetation. Also, the strong ocean winds contributed to the erosion of the island and it became dry and rocky. This happened long before the military took control over Kahoolawe.
The state of Hawaii has already begun the restoration of Kahoolawe by removing the grazing animals and planting vegetation. It will be a long process and it will take many years until Kahoolawe is completely restored. Until then, visits to the island will be highly limited. If you want to go to Kahoolawe, you will need a special permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kaho'olawe located?
Kaho'olawe is located southwest of Maui and east of Lana'i. On clear days, it can be seen from parts of South Maui, including areas near Wailea, Makena and Kihei.
Can visitors go to Kaho'olawe?
Access is highly restricted. Visitors need authorization from the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission or must participate in approved cultural, educational, restoration or stewardship activities.
Is Kaho'olawe still dangerous?
Yes. Unexploded ordnance remains a safety concern, which is one reason access to the island and surrounding reserve waters remains restricted.
Who manages Kaho'olawe today?
The Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission manages the island and the surrounding reserve waters. Its work focuses on restoration, cultural access, education, historic preservation and stewardship.
Why was Kaho'olawe used as a bombing range?
The U.S. military used Kaho'olawe as a training and bombing range during the 20th century. Bombing stopped in 1990, and the island was later returned to the State of Hawaii.
Is Kaho'olawe being restored?
Yes. Restoration efforts focus on native plants, erosion control, cultural sites, watershed health and marine protection. The work continues because the island suffered decades of severe damage.