SOU 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



work of no great difficulty, as the bottom consists of irregular coral 

 formations. It might be deepened to admit vessels of any draft of 

 water. 



From Laeloa Point, the coast trends northwest 18 miles to Point 

 Kaena, on which no harbors are found, the shore being bold, and 

 the spurs from the western range rising abruptly in many places from 

 the sea, forming small coves, where landing is quite easy and safe. 

 Kaena Point lies in longitude 158° 15' west, and 21° 35' north latitude. 



From Kaena Point the coast trends northeast 16 miles to Kahuku 

 Point. This portion of the coast is also protected from the prevailing 

 winds. At Waimea, there is a good anchorage on a bank, in 12 fathoms 

 water, but it is not used, except by small vessels, or those which may 

 be in distress, and unable to reach the harbors to windward. The 

 village of Waimea lies at the western end of the valley : it enjoys a good 

 climate, and the neighborhood is productive. Its produce is similar to 

 the rest of the island, and goes to the town of Honolulu for a market. 

 The eastern coast trends northwest and southeast for 30 miles ; it is 

 the windward side of the island, is for the most part an iron-bound 

 shore, and particularly towards its northern end, where the spurs 

 join the coast. Farther to the southward, the principal range 

 retires from the coast line, leaving an extended flat, of several miles 

 wide, which is susceptible of cultivation. The line of this part of the 

 coast has some coral reefs, which, though affording no safe protection 

 for vessels, give some shelter for anchorage. One of these is Ka- 

 neoho : this is partly formed by the jutting out of the peninsula of 

 Mokapu on its southeast side. South of Waimanalo, the mountainous 

 range again approaches the coast, and forms an iron-bound shore. The 

 highest points of Oahu attain the altitude of 4200 feet. The average 

 height of the eastern range is 3000 feet, those of the western being less. 

 The Island of Oahu may be seen at a considerable distance in the early 

 part of the day, but when the trade wind sets in, it is usually enveloped 

 in clouds. Vessels falling to the leeward would do well to beat up dur- 

 ing the day, under the lee of the island ; according to our experience, 

 there is less current than beyond the range of the island, but after 

 nightfall it is advisable to stretch well to the southward, and be in a 

 situation to take advantage of the breeze, which after midnight varies 

 to the southward and eastward a few points, and enables a vessel to 

 make a good board to the northward and eastward. • The latitude of 

 Honolulu is 21° 18' 40" north, longitude 157° 52' 15" west. 



