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Kahoʻolawe is the smallest of the 8 main volcanic islands in the Hawaiian Islands. It is located 7 miles (11.2 km) southwest of Maui and southeast of Lānaʻi and is 18 km (11 miles) long by 10 km (6 miles) across. Total area is 115.595 km² (44.63 mile²). The highest point is the crater of Lua Makika at the summit of Puʻu Moaulanui, which is 450 m (1,477 ft) above sea level. The island is relatively dry because the low elevation fails to generate much orographic precipitation from the northeastern trade winds and it is located in the rain shadow of Maui's 3055 m (10,023 ft) high East Maui Volcano (Haleakalā). More than one quarter of the island has been eroded down to saprolitic hardpan. For the full article, click here.