In Hawaii, which method is primarily used for delineating property boundaries?

The primary method used for delineating property boundaries in Hawaii is the system of metes and bounds. This method is particularly suited for the varied and often irregular terrain found in Hawaii. Metes and bounds involve defining property lines based on natural landmarks, angles, and distances, resulting in a description that reflects the unique characteristics of the land.

In this context, metes refer to the measured distances between points, often using physical features like trees or rocks as boundaries, while bounds describe the general location near landmarks. Hawaii's topographical diversity makes this method more practical for surveying than more standardized methods, such as the rectangular survey system, which is more commonly used in flat and more uniformly shaped regions.

The Hawaiian block grant system is specific to land grants given historically and isn’t primarily used for current property boundary delineation, and the system of principal meridians and baselines is a method typically used in the mainland United States rather than in Hawaii. Therefore, the metes and bounds system is not only historically relevant in Hawaii but also remains the most effective method for defining the unique and diverse property boundaries throughout the islands.