Kaho'olawe,
Lanai, Maui, and Molokai
as seen from space
Photo courtesy of NASA
While the physiographic details for each island are not discernible in this synoptic view of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, the impact of higher volcanic mountains on rainfall patterns and amounts is apparent.
Darker, more heavily vegetated
landscapes appear on the windward-facing slopes. The predominate cloud cover
pattern is on the northeast-facing, windward slopes for three of the islands.
Kahoolawe appears to be in the rain shadow of Maui, and the mountainous relief
of Kahoolawe is not sufficient to produce a dramatic orographic effect.
This photo was taken on the STS-56
(Space Shuttle) mission in April of 1993.
return to Hawaii from Space Photo Gallery
