The Hawaii Play Fairway project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, comprises three phases. In Phase 1 of project, existing geologic, groundwater, and geophysical datasets relevant to subsurface heat, fluid and permeability were identified, compiled, and ranked. A statistical methodology to integrate these data into a resource probability map was developed. Phase 2 of the project has involved the collection of new groundwater data in 10 locations across the state, and new geophysical data on Lanai, Maui, and central Hawaii Island, as well as modeling of topographically induced stress - the last to better characterize permeability. Phase 2 data were incorporated into an updated resource probability map. Here I will present results of the Phase 2 data collection and modeling activities, and comment on Phase 3 plans. Electricity prices in the State of Hawaii are the highest in the US and about double the national average, in part due to the fact that roughly 80% of Hawaii’s energy is from imported petroleum. The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic in origin, yet the extent of the State of Hawaii’s geothermal resource is largely uncharacterized. A statewide geothermal resource assessment published in 1985 found a potential resource on all islands. Since then, little additional exploration was conducted, until this Play Fairway project. Our results have provided a major step forward for the State of Hawaii through providing an updated resource assessment, a roadmap for additional exploration activities, and the identification of target sites for drilling.

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