Kahoʻolawe is the smallest of the eight main volcanic islands of Hawaii. It is west of Maui and south of Lanaʻi. It is roughly 11 miles long by 6 mi (9.7 km) across (45 sq mi or 120 km2). The highest point, Lua Makika, is 1,477 feet (450 m) above sea level. The island is dry because its low elevation does not cause much rain (orographic precipitation) to fall from the northeastern trade winds.