The plentiful fish in this isolated
eco-system behave like the fish we have seen in much more remote
island environments. If you swim out and then stay perfectly still,
they will come right up to you. They do not have enough contact
with humans to understand the perils of doing this.
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So, what is the catch you say? How can a place this beautiful stay
this unspoiled? Well the first reason is simple geography, it's not
a slipper stroll in the park. Secondly, there's a very good
diverson near. This 100 foot pool is located next to a popular and
visible destination hike down to some tide pools and spectacular
blowhole. These pools can be seen from the whale-watching lookout
located about ¾ of the way up the paved Makapuu trail. This is a
fairly steep decent that most folks climbing Makapuu are not
prepared to make. If they do make it, generally this is as far most
will go. Not Team GeoBlast! Since you are fortunate enough to be
armed with inside information, you'll be prepared with adequate
food, sunscreen, footwear, and water for the longer hike. You may
want to consider long pants for the rock climb portion.
Follow the trail (see photo for trailhead) towards the visible tide
pools. Once you get to the bottom, follow your GPS to the ledge
that overlooks Pele's Lap Pool. Your GPS will show that you are now
about 1/4 mile from the cache. From here you will understand why we
rated the terrain difficulty a four. This is where we ask you to
take careful stock of your own experience and athletic ability.
There are two ways to access the pool area and both of them require
some very calculated climbing. The leap of faith in front of you
will be tempting but you’ll be dangling in the salt spray and the
rocks can be slippery below. Unless you have suction cups on your
feet or a death wish, we recommend using this way to return home
where you can get a secure footing from below. For the second and
recommended first time route, look above you now and follow the
natural shelves in the cliff with your eyes, note how you can drop
down from each one to the pool below. This is why we brought you
here first; to study your route and make sure this portion is for
you. Backtracking to the blowhole, you will see a pathway leading
up onto the largest and most prominent shelf and that is where the
access is. From here on in, you will be doing some rock climbing
(ropes not needed) in an area where there are a lot of loose rocks.
Although your careful study from the ledge showed you that there's
is a fairly defined way to get down, we urge you to go slowly and
use extreme caution. Do not try this alone and be patient in
finding the best way to descend down onto the shelves below..
Once you get down and find the cache, enjoy the natural waterfalls
created by the waves crashing on the natural sea wall, abundant
wildlife, and take a little swim. Bring a mask, gloves (there's a
few sea urchins but not too many) and some reef walkers.