The Great Sandball Fight Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size:  (small)
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Cache is named for an annual tradition we used to have at this
beach. Over the years, the sand has significantly decreased, making
the sandball fight not possible any more, but the memories of those
times still are strong.
Mokuauia (also known as Goat Island), located in Laie Bay,
one-eighth of a mile off Waiapuka is the northernmost Oahu offshore
islet with nesting pelagic birds. The island is the upper part of a
large stranded coral reef in the Waimanalo Sea which has
counterparts on adjacent Oahu shores. Unlike islands formed by
volcano, Mokuauia is a low, flat island inside the main coral reef
with a maximum elevation of 10-15 feet. A barren strip of eroded
coral forms the northwest side; a concave sandy beach parallels the
west side; and smooth coral, covered by a thin layer of sand,
fringes the southeastern side. The interior of the island is flat
with sandy soil. The island is 1,700 feet long and 1,000 feet wide
(13 acres).
This island is a designated state seabird sanctuary, but is open to
the public during daylight hours. It is important to remain on the
beaches and paths around Mokuauia's perimeter to avoid crushing
shearwater burrows that fill the island's interior. Access is
possible by kayak or on foot at low tide during clear, calm
weather. The crossing may be dangerous during other conditions, so
check local weather and tide tables before making the trip.
Footwear is required for the crossing, as you will be venturing
over a reef to reach the island. It's best to make the crossing
from Cooke's Point, the closest point between the shore and the
island. Head for the welcome sign that is visible from shore.
The cache is not within the protected bird
sanctuary. Do not enter that area, there are birds and nests
everywhere. The cache is not hidden in any vegetation. It is in one
of the many possible rock holes.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
5-6 srrg nobir frn yriry