Deep Basal Fossil Aquifer — Big Island Hawaii
Deep basal aquifer beneath Hawaii's Big Island in older Mauna Kea volcanic rocks. While the shallow basalt aquifer is recharged by tropical rainfall, deep confined zones between ancient lava flows contain fossil water isolated for thousands of years. The Kohala coast area relies on deep wells that may tap older water.
Overview
Deep basal aquifer beneath Hawaii's Big Island in older Mauna Kea volcanic rocks. While the shallow basalt aquifer is recharged by tropical rainfall, deep confined zones between ancient lava flows contain fossil water isolated for thousands of years. The Kohala coast area relies on deep wells that may tap older water.
Additional Notes
Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management deep well data. Limited deep recharge.
Water Source Data
Water Intelligence Score Breakdown
Total: 77/100Risk Assessment
Source depletion probability
Rights & regulatory exposure
Contamination & ecosystem risk
Geological Intelligence
Formation & aquifer contextDense, low primary porosity — yields via fractures
Ancient water, no modern recharge — non-renewable on human timescales
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Data Sources & Attribution
Updated Apr 4, 2026Data is sourced from public and authoritative providers. Hi3 Water aggregates, normalizes, and scores records but does not assert ownership of underlying source data. Always verify critical details with the primary source before any decision.