Mountains on O'ahu, Hawaii
The island of Oahu was formed by two volcanoes, the Waianae Volcano in the west and the Ko'olau Volcano in the east.
The Waianae Volcano formed first, eventually becoming western Oahu, then a few million years later, the Ko'olau Volcano formed the eastern two thirds of the island, and is about 37 miles long. Iits highest peak rises to 3150 feet.
The two volcanoes continued erupting until they gradually filled the ocean between them with land and became one island. Cinder cones, tuff rings and spatter cones from the Ko'olau Volcano formed some of Oahu's most well-known landmarks including Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, Koko Crater, Punchbowl Crater, and Mount Tantalus.
The formation of the Ko‘olau Mountains dramatically affected the climate and microenvironments of the Wai‘anae Mountains by casting them in a rain shadow. Because the prevailing wind conditions (the trade winds) cause clouds to rise and drop their precipitation on the Ko‘olau Mountains before reaching the Wai‘anae Mountains, the Wai‘anae Mountains receive much less rainfall.
Mount Ka‘ala (Wai'anae Mountain Range) is the highest peak (4,300 ft.) on O‘ahu and is often shrouded in clouds. Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve is at the northern end of the Wai‘anae Mountains.
Read MoreThe Waianae Volcano formed first, eventually becoming western Oahu, then a few million years later, the Ko'olau Volcano formed the eastern two thirds of the island, and is about 37 miles long. Iits highest peak rises to 3150 feet.
The two volcanoes continued erupting until they gradually filled the ocean between them with land and became one island. Cinder cones, tuff rings and spatter cones from the Ko'olau Volcano formed some of Oahu's most well-known landmarks including Diamond Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, Koko Crater, Punchbowl Crater, and Mount Tantalus.
The formation of the Ko‘olau Mountains dramatically affected the climate and microenvironments of the Wai‘anae Mountains by casting them in a rain shadow. Because the prevailing wind conditions (the trade winds) cause clouds to rise and drop their precipitation on the Ko‘olau Mountains before reaching the Wai‘anae Mountains, the Wai‘anae Mountains receive much less rainfall.
Mount Ka‘ala (Wai'anae Mountain Range) is the highest peak (4,300 ft.) on O‘ahu and is often shrouded in clouds. Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve is at the northern end of the Wai‘anae Mountains.
