Explore Former Bombing Site

A new online database of photos and documents about Kahoolawe is available, and a mobile app is on its way.

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The Hawaii government agency in charge of Kahoolawe, a former Navy bombing practice island off of Maui, has released a new online database of photos and documents illustrating the island and its archaeological artifacts.

The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission said in a press release that the “virtual museum” has been made possible through a two-year grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Sailor's Hat on Kahoolawe where the Navy dropped a 500lb TNT bomb to simulate the effects of an atomic blast.9.30.14
Sailor’s Hat on Kahoolawe, where the Navy exploded a 500-ton TNT bomb to simulate the effects of an atomic blast. PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Given how hard it is to get to Kahoolawe — access is limited, and even visitors who go there can’t walk everywhere due to unexploded ordnance — the online photos may be the closest you can get to see the island, its resources and the damage done.

The commission plans to release a mobile application next year as well featuring an interactive map and videos.

Click here to check out the Kahoolawe Living Library. To learn more about the island, read Civil Beat’s series, Promised Land.

Correction: A previous version of this post incorrectly said the Navy set off a 500-pound bomb to simulate an atomic bomb explosion. The bomb was 500 tons not 500 pounds.

Lanai, Molokai and Maui are seen from Navigator's Seat on Kahoolawe. 9.28.14
Lanai, Molokai and Maui are seen from the “Navigator’s Seat” on Kahoolawe in September 2014. PF Bentley/Civil Beat

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