Island of Lanai, Hawaii

Survey Area HI970• Hawaii

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Lanai, 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
Very stony land, eroded	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Very stony land	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Koele-Badland complex, 7 to 70 percent slopes, MLRA 158	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop	6K		C	Very limited	Very limited
Molokai silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, MLRA 158	4K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Blown-out land	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rough mountainous land	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mala silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, MLRA 163	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Waihuna clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, MLRA 158	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Molokai silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, MLRA 158	2K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Uwala silty clay loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, MLRA 158	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Stony blown-out land	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lahaina silty clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes, MLRA 158	1K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Molokai silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded, MLRA 158	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Waihuna clay, 3 to 7 percent slopes, MLRA 158	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Uwala silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, MLRA 158	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Uwala silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded, MLRA 158	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rough broken land	986	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Koele silty clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, MLRA 158	986	Well drained	A	Very 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Vertisols

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

Entisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 93% 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.