Island of Kahoolawe, Hawaii

Survey Area HI995• Hawaii

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Oxisols — highly weathered tropical soils, deep but nutrient-poor. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Island of Kahoolawe, Hawaii. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Typic Torriorthents, badlands-Typic Haplotorrox-Rock outcrop complex,10 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplocambids, moderately deep-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplotorrox, wind polished, 3 to12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rock outcrop-Lithic Torriorthents complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	2K		C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Lithic Torriorthents complex, 50 to 150 percent slopes	1K		C	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplocambids, deep, 3 to 12 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplotorrox, wind polished, 12 to 20 percent slopes	973	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Torriorthents, saprolite-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	707	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplotorrox, windblown, 3 to 12 percent slopes	697	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplocambids, moderately deep, 3 to 12 percent slopes	621	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplotorrox, wind polished-Typic Torriorthents, badlands, complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes	479	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplotorrox, windblown, 8 to 20 percent slopes	446	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Torriorthents, badlands-Typic Torriorthents, eolian, complex,5 to 25 percent slopes	436	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplotorrox, 5 to 15 percent slopes	357	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplotorrox, windblown, 3 to 8 percent slopes, hummocky	336	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Typic Haplocambid, moderately deep, complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes	259		C	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplocambids, deep-Typic Haplocambids, moderately deep complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	234	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Typic Haplotorrox, black subsoil, 8 to 20 percent slopes, gullied	224	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Oxisols

Deeply weathered tropical soils. Nutrient-poor despite appearing lush. Rare in the continental US.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.