IMPORTANT NOTE: Cache ratings are subjective and just a guideline. It is the responsibility of every cacher to know their abilities and limitations. This may mean having to decide to turn back when conditions become unfavorable. Better to log a "not found" then to get into trouble. Cache seekers assume all risks and responsibilities involved in seeking this cache.
This is a beautiful ridge trail with mountain views to one side and ocean views to the other. There is a lot of interesting plant life on the trail including Sleeping Grass, Root Beer Plants, Banana Poka, Lilikoi (Passion Fruit), and Strawberry Guava. If you tread lightly you may even see a wild pig. There are a number of confusing side trails in the system and more than one way to get to the cache. If you are not in the mood for an extended adventure, please see the Ridge‑Loop hike described below. It is 2.5 miles and should take about 1.5 hours start to finish depending on the cachers abilities. It is the most scenic and and interesting way to get to and from the general cache location. The cache is located in my favorite area of the trail, blanketed in layers of ironwood pine needles that flow down the hillside like a waterfall frozen in time. The “weeping pines” of Kalepa.
How to eat Strawberry Guava
Tear fruit in half. Stare at inside for a few seconds. If nothing is moving or squirming, enjoy!
Potential Dangers
The terrain on the trail can be uneven. When it has been raining the trail can get muddy and slippery in areas. Trail rating may be soft under these conditions. Appropriate hiking footwear is recommended. If possible, do this hike on a weekday to avoid the motor bikes that use the trails on the weekends. The additional hazard and noise from the motor bikes takes away from the reason this is such a special place. Either way, keep an eye and ear out for approaching motor bikes. Step to to side to get out of their way. Make sure all the motor bikes in the group have passed before stepping back on the trail. There are a number of confusing side trails. Take a waypoint at the trail head. Make sure you have access to this description with you on the trail. Ensure you have sufficient battery power for your devices before you head out. Do not assume you will have good cell signal.
Ridge-Loop Hike
From the Kuhio highway (56), head towards Hanamaulu town. Turn maoka (toward to mountains) on Hulei Road, just East of the Kalepa Village Apartments. This road is paved but not maintained and has many pot holes. Continue a short distance to the end of the road. From the parking area hike up the main road towards waypoint #1. The paved road makes a sharp left turn and there are two dirt trails on the right. Take the left-hand trail which is less steep. Stay on the trails most traveled. Continue to waypoint #2 where the trail is flanked by Ironwoods, and the main trail splits into Fireroad F1 and F2. Take the right-hand trail. Continue to waypoint #3 a 3-way intersection with a large rock marking the left-hand trail. From here continue through my favorite area of Kalepa to the location of the cache using the cache coordinates.
After finding the cache continue to waypoint #4, a 4-way intersection. Here, three trails on the left, head back to WP#2 and the direction of the paved road. F1, the trail that brought you to this point, F2, the maoka trail back, and the trail between them. The other trail on the right leads to the Wailua river overlook. Take the F2 trail trail and continue to back to waypoint #2. This trail passes through shaded areas that prevent the trail from drying out. As a result the pigs love this area and you will see areas where they dug up looking for grubs. Arriving at WP#2 completes the loop. Now continue to waypoint #1, back to the road. NOTE: If you get lost, you can always GOTO waypoint #1 to get out of the trail system and back to the road. Or find the ocean and keep it on your left to head back to the trail head at the top of the road.
Jokes, Quotes, & Inspiration logbook
This geocache has a Jokes, Quotes, & Inspiration logbook. Let’s share our favorite quotes, jokes, and words of inspiration with each other. Hopefully something in this book will keep you thinking, laughing, or inspired throughout the day!
The Legion of the Weeping Pines of Kalepa (Nā Koa Haole o Kalepa)
In the lush and ancient land of Kauai, upon the slopes of Kalepa Ridge, there thrived a mighty legion of Ironwood trees, known as "Koa Haole". The Koa Haole were the guardians of the uplands, their roots deeply entwined with the 'āina (land) they stood upon, standing tall and proud beneath the endless canopy of azure sky. From their lofty heights, the Koa Haole gazed towards the shoreline where the elegant hala (Palm) tree dwelled. Within their hearts brewed a deep envy as they yearned for the simple, carefree life of the hala that graced the shores of the island. Their slender trunks swaying gently in the tropical breeze, their fronds kissed by the salty spray of the moana (ocean waves). Their heartstrings ached for these simple joys that were denied to them. In their envy, the Koa Haole began to weep. They shed tears of 'ihi (pine needles) like a gentle rain upon the forest floor, covering it with a thick, fragrant carpet. The once barren ground was transformed into a golden tapestry which became a sanctuary of 'ōpio (life). In this, the Koa Haole found their own unique way to contribute to the beauty of Kalepa Ridge. They provided hale (home) to countless creatures, delicate ferns, and vibrant mosses that thrived beneath their canopy. And so, the Weeping Pines of Kalepa became a symbol of resilience and acceptance, teaching all who ventured into their ancient woods that every tree, like every soul, had its own story to tell and its own beauty to offer the world. They stood together, under the Hawaiian sun, embracing the harmony of the land, the sea, and the sky.
It is a beautiful legend, despite the fact that I made it up. :-)
Quotes, Jokes & Inspiration
This cache includes a “Quotes, Jokes & Inspiration” logbook. Let’s share our favorite quotes, jokes, and words of inspiration with each other. We are one tribe! Let’s share Aloha and hopefully something in this book will keep you thinking, laughing, or inspired throughout the day!
Seek all my caches:
For a nice walk: Lihue’s Secret Scrubland Trails
For a moderate adventure: Weeping Pines of Kalepa
For an extreme quest: Giant's Right Ear
For an insane water expedition: Nawiliwili Scuttlebutt