[ Bathymetry | Backscatter | Optical Validation | Geomorphology ]

Nihoa Island, with its unique 300 meter basalt cliffs, is about 1 sq. km. and is the most southeastern island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at 23° 4’N, 161° 55’W. Approximately 575 sq. km. of coral reef habitat surrounds the island. As many as 175 Polynesians lived there between the 11th and 18th century. It was discovered by Europeans in 1789, and wasn’t officially annexed as part of the Hawaiian Kingdom until 1857. Nihoa’s fragile ecosystem is protected by permit requirements to regulate the number and purpose of visitors.

Reference: Hawaiian Atolls

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