Preliminary report on the water resources of the Hilo-Puna area, Hawaii

Author:

Davis, D. A., Yamanaga, G.

Title:

Preliminary report on the water resources of the Hilo-Puna area, Hawaii

Periodical:

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 45

Year:

1968

Pages:

38 p.

Subject:

Rain and rainfall Hawaii Island Hydrology Water quality

Summary:

The Hilo-Puna area in the eastern part of the island of Hawaii includes about 950 square miles on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The slopes are composed of young, highly permeable lava flows and are virtually untouched by erosion except for shallow channels of the Wailuku River and its tributaries on the northern boundary and the Waiakea Stream and a few other small drainageways southwest of Hilo. Average rainfall is about 120 inches per year. The least rainfall, less than 20 inches annually, is at the summit of Mauna Loa; the rainiest zone, about 10 miles west of Hilo, receives roughly 250 inches per year. The rainfall amounts of about 5,500 mgd (million gallons per day). The purpose of this report is to outline the hydrology of the Hilo-Puna area and to summarize what is known of the quantity and quality of water available for development. The rocks are briefly described and amount and distribution of rainfall, flow characteristics of streams, and occurrence and development of ground water are discussed.

Date:

April, 1968

Collection:

Monographs