Figure 24. Relation of the Hawaiian Islands to continental shorelines of the North Pacific 

 Ocean. The dotted circles around the easternmost (Hawaii) and westernmost (Kauai) 

 islands of the main group show the approximate distance at which in clear weather the 

 tops of the highest peaks appear above the horizon with the observer's eye at sea level. 

 This point of landfall is extended seaward as the eye is raised above 

 sea level and as cloud caps rise above the mountains. 



Not only is the archipelago broad; the major islands are mountainous. 

 On Hawaii, at the eastern edge of the group, are Mauna Loa, rising 13,675 

 feet, and Mauna Kea, 13,825 feet above the sea. In good weather the top 

 of Mauna Kea is to be seen more than 100 miles to sea, extending the width 

 of the landfall by so much. On the west the mountains of Kauai rise to 

 above 5,000 feet, extending the fair-weather landfall at least 60 miles in that 

 direction. The peaks of islands between lessen the possibility of travelers 

 passing through without sighting land. To be sure, the sight of the peaks is 

 not a constant aid to navigation, and, indeed, especially in the northwest, 

 heavy cloud and rain obscure the islands for long periods of time. The rain, 

 however, comes from the moist air striking the mountains; hence the clouds 



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