Papaaea Reservoir Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Papaaea Reservoir, located in Kailua, Maui, Hawaii, was completed in 1902 and serves as a vital source of irrigation for the surrounding area.
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Summary
This privately-owned reservoir has a height of 37 feet and a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet, providing water for agricultural purposes in the region. Despite its importance for irrigation, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high hazard potential, indicating the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a surface area of 9 acres and a drainage area of 0.49 square miles, Papaaea Reservoir plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 55 feet, and it has a maximum discharge rate of 31 cubic feet per second. The reservoir's risk assessment is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued availability of water for irrigation purposes.
Despite its historical significance and importance for agricultural activities, Papaaea Reservoir faces challenges related to its poor condition assessment and high hazard potential. As a key water resource in Maui, Hawaii, efforts must be made to address these issues through regular inspections, maintenance, and risk management measures to safeguard the reservoir's structural integrity and ensure a reliable water supply for irrigation in the region.
Year Completed |
1902 |
Dam Length |
820 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
NAILIILIHAELE & PUEHU OFFSTRM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
0.49 |
Nid Storage |
154 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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