How you can help preserve this site

• Please leave all rocks untouched.
• Do not climb or lean on any of the geological formations.
• Refrain from taking any rocks or gravel from the area.

Littoral Cone & Hornitos

This littoral cone marks a former coastline where lava travelling to the sea in underground lava tubes entered the ocean and exploded, creating a deposit of fine cinder and jumbled rock. This small littoral cone contrasts sharply with the adjacent billowy smooth pāhoehoe surface. Weak spots in the ceiling of the lava tube broke allowing molten lava to spurt onto the surface. As the lava sputtered from the weak spots and cooled, it oozed and accumulated into these circular features known as a hornitos. 

Located near this littoral cone are several cultural sites including areas of broken pāhoehoe.

wahi nahā pāhoehoe |  
broken pāhoehoe areas 

To the north of the littoral cone and hornitos are several areas where pāhoehoe was broken by native residents. A number of these sites can be found within the Kalaemanō Cultural Reserve. While a traditional Hawaiian name is yet to be discovered, they have come to be known as wahi nahā pāhoehoe  (areas of broken pāhoehoe). At some of these sites are large 'alā, smooth, light-gray, dense waterworn stones, which were used to break open the pāhoehoe surface. While the reasons for its creation vary, some have suggested that the ancient people did this to create planters, nesting habitat, or used the stones as construction materials.