Kaneohe Dam
Key Takeaway
Kaneohe Dam is classified as high hazard in Hawaii. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 83 ft (taller than 96.1% in HI) |
| Dam Length | 2,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| NID ID | HI00124 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City & County of Hon, Dept of Facility Maint
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kaneohe Dam?
Kaneohe Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Kaneohe Dam?
Kaneohe Dam is owned by City & County of Hon, Dept of Facility Maint (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kaneohe Dam built?
Kaneohe Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Kaneohe Dam?
Kaneohe Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kaneohe Dam?
Kaneohe Dam has a dam height of 83 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Kaneohe Dam last inspected?
Kaneohe Dam was last inspected on May 10, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.