page_title: Kauhakō Crater
section_title: Geography and geology
hierarchical_section_title: Kauhakō Crater / Geography and geology
caption_attribution_description: English: Location: Molokai, Kalaupapa This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. Modifications: Color adjustment. The original can be viewed here: Starr 050516-1188 Phoenix sp..jpg. Modifications made by Batholith.
context_page_description: Kauhakō Crater is a volcanic crater located in Kalawao County, Hawaii, United States. The crater was formed between 230,000 and 300,000 years ago, as the result of the eruption of volcano Pu'u' 'Uao. It is located in the center of the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokaʻi, and has a diameter of 500 metres by 650 metres. Lake Kauhakō, located at the bottom of the crater, has the world's greatest depth-to-surface area ratio of a lake and is the fourth deepest lake in the United States. In 2011, the lake underwent an overturning event, causing hydrogen sulfide to float to the surface of the lake and lifeforms, including shrimp and plankton, to disappear.
context_section_description: Kauhakō Crater is found in the center of the Kalaupapa Peninsula. It is located inside a volcanic rim, which is roughly 500 feet (150 m) above sea level, making it the highest point on the peninsula. The crater's diameter is 500 metres (1,600 ft) by 650 metres (2,130 ft), and is funnel-like in shape. A single terrace roughly 150 meters wide is located in the crater, above the lake. Much of the crater is forested, containing many  types of shrubs and trees, such as the wiliwili, a plant native to the area, but mostly non-native plants, including invasive  Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian peppertree) and Lantana camara (big-sage). A survey observed that black rats in the area were destroying certain native plants in the crater, particularly the endemic tree species Reynoldsia sandwicensis. 
  The crater contains many lava channels and tubes, which vary significantly in size. In particular, a kilometer-long lava channel, which is up to 150 meters wide and 30 meters deep, begins at the crater's northeastern side and continues north. This channel contains many smaller channels and tubes that branch out of it.
caption: Kauhakō Crater's location on the Kalaupapa Peninsula.
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