29G 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



LANAI. 



Lanai is of an oblong form, rising to the height of 3000 feet. 

 It lies 10 miles on the southwest of West Maui, and shields its road- 

 stead from the Southern Ocean. It is but a mass of volcanic rocks, 

 20 miles in length, northwest and southeast, and with an average 

 breadth of 8 miles. Its shores rise abruptly from the ocean. The strait 

 between it and Maui is known by the name of the Avau Passage. 

 It affords little ground for cultivation, and is only inhabited by a few 

 fishermen, who have some temporary huts at its eastern end. It is 

 alike destitute of cattle, water, and wood, and is generally capped 

 with clouds, which give it at times a picturesque appearance. Its 

 southwestern side is the most abrupt, rising in perpendicular escarp- 

 ments, of a red ochre color. In passing to leeward of it, a vessel will 

 feel the effects of its influence in the calms, a distance of 20 miles. 



MOLOKAI. 



Molokai lies nearly east and west, in length 30 miles, with a mean 

 width of G miles. It is separated from Maui by the Pailolo Passage, 

 10 miles wide. The eastern half of the island is 2700 feet high, rising 

 abruptly from a narrow strip of land between it and the sea, where 

 cultivation is carried on. The western half is composed of low sand- 

 hills, and defies all efforts at cultivation. Molokai has some 600 

 inhabitants, and is the residence of a missionary. Its inhabitants 

 have had but little intercourse with foreigners. The surplus produce 

 is carried to Lahaina, to be disposed of to the shipping ; it amounts to 

 but a small quantity. Vessels bound to Oahu, coming from north- 

 ward or eastward, generally run through the Pailolo Passage, which 

 is advisable, particularly if the day is far spent. The western end of 

 Molokai offers a good lee to lay by under during the night. It is 

 almost needless to say that this island has no harbors, or any cer- 

 tainty of obtaining supplies beyond a few fowls and some vegetables. 

 When the trade-wind blows, it rushes through the Pailolo Passage 

 with great strength, and violent flaws of wind are experienced, which 

 renders caution necessary, in order to save the lighter spars and sails. 



