The 2000 census showed that the uninhabited island had a land area of 158.2 acres (0.640 km2; 0.2472 sq mi).
Kaʻula, which he spelled as "Tahoora", was one of the first five islands sighted by Captain James Cook in 1778.
[4] A final determination of ownership has not yet been made, and the Navy still uses the southeast point of the island as an aerial bombing and strafing target.
[5] Kaʻula is uninhabited, but fishermen and scuba divers frequently visit the island.
Five Fathom Pinnacle, 3 mi (2.6 nmi; 4.8 km) west-northwest of Kaʻula, is also a noted dive spot.