The young leaves of ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), known as liko lehua in Hawaiian, form little rosettes that come in a variety of colors and textures. Leaves grow in pairs opposite each another with successive pairs at right angles to each other along the stem. Liko come in a spectrum of color from purple, maroon, red, orange, and yellow and can have fine hairs that coat the leaves with a soft velvety texture.
These leaves are only found on lehua growing at high elevations like the Waianae Mountains, Hawaii .Volcanos National Park, and the Saddle Road. The soft leaves are used by Hawaiian lei makers and can command a high price because of the locations of which they grow.
This cache is located off the Saddle Road . You must turn on the Mauna Loa access road. If coming from Hilo, the road is just before Pu'u Huluhulu("Hairy Hill"),If coming from Kona, it's the first right after Pu'u Huluhulu.. The road is newly paved and 4 wheel drive is not needed.
The sign "not a through road" means according to DLNR, means that the road is NOT a short cutt, and will only take you to the summit. You can drive in to bird watch,(geocache)or hike.near the rest stops. The weather can be unpredictable up here so, come prepared for the worse. It can get pretty cold and windy at times.
Explore the area filled with native birds and plants, look at the beautiful liko lehua and feel the softness of the leaves. Have fun and CITO if needed, and PLEASE NO SPOILERS, so others can discover this adventure for themselves.
Congratulations to Team ADmuk....FTF!