Kamakou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kamakou |
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Eastern Molokai with a portion of Kamakou and Molokai Forest Reserve
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,961 ft (1,512 m) |
| Prominence | 4,961 ft (1,512 m) |
| Listing | US most prominent peaks 127th |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Hawaiian |
| Geography | |
 Kamakou
Location in Molokai and Lanai
Kamakou
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Molokai, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Parent range | Hawaiian Islands |
| Topo map | USGS |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Shield volcano (extinct) |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain |
Kamakou is the tallest mountain on the beautiful island of Molokai in Hawaii. It stands at an impressive 4,961 feet (about 1,512 meters) high!
This mountain is actually the highest point of an ancient, inactive shield volcano called the East Molokai Volcano. It makes up the eastern part of Molokai island.
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Discovering Kamakou
Kamakou is part of a shield volcano. Imagine a giant shield lying on its side – that's what a shield volcano looks like! This volcano has not erupted in a very long time, so it is considered extinct.
It is located on Molokai, one of the smaller islands in the Hawaiian chain. The mountain offers amazing views of the island's unique landscape.
What is a Shield Volcano?
A shield volcano gets its name because it looks like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. These volcanoes are built up over time by many flows of very runny lava.
The lava spreads out far and wide, creating gentle slopes. This is different from cone-shaped volcanoes that have steeper sides.
A Special Forest Home
Kamakou is located inside the Molokai Forest Reserve. This huge area covers about 2,774 acres (11 square kilometers). It is a very important place for nature.
The reserve is home to more than 250 kinds of rare native Hawaiian plants. Many of these plants grow nowhere else in the world! This makes the forest a unique natural treasure.
Rare Birds of Kamakou
You can also find unique birds living in this special forest. Two examples are the olomaʻo and the kākāwahie.
- The olomaʻo is also known as the Molokai thrush.
- The kākāwahie is also known as the Molokai creeper.
These birds are very rare and depend on the forest for their survival. Protecting places like Kamakou helps these special creatures continue to live.
Exploring Kamakou
If you are interested in visiting this amazing place, The Nature Conservancy offers monthly tours. These tours allow people to explore the Molokai Forest Reserve.
It's a great way to learn about the unique plants and animals. You can also see the beautiful landscapes of Molokai. These tours help people understand why it's important to protect these natural areas.
