Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe is the smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, located west of Maui in the state of Hawaii. The island covers about 45 square miles (117 square kilometers) and is part of Maui County. It is arid and largely undeveloped, with limited freshwater and no permanent civilian population.

Historically, Kahoolawe was inhabited and held cultural and religious significance for Native Hawaiians, serving as a site for various ceremonies and activities. In the 20th century, it was used by the United States military as a weapons testing range from 1941 until the late 1990s, and extensive ordnance left the surface scarred and the ecosystem damaged. Public access was severely restricted for decades due to safety concerns and ongoing cleanup.

In 1994, ownership and control of the island were transferred to the State of Hawaii, and management was assigned to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC). Kahoolawe is now a protected nature reserve and cultural site. Restoration efforts focus on removing ordnance, rehabilitating native vegetation, protecting cultural resources, and facilitating controlled access under permit. The reserve also includes a surrounding marine area intended for conservation and sustainable use.

Today, Kahoolawe is uninhabited, with no permanent residents. Access is strictly regulated and generally limited to volunteers and licensed cultural practitioners participating in sanctioned programs. The island remains central to ecological restoration and to the preservation of Hawaiian cultural heritage, while its waters contribute to regional marine conservation efforts.