Garden of the Gods Earthcache EarthCache
Garden of the Gods Earthcache
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This earthcache discusses the formation of Keahiakawelo or Garden of the Gods rock formations on Lana'i, Hawai'i.
An ancient Hawaiian legend asserts that the rocks were dropped by the gods while tending their gardens. Another legend is that the gods enjoyed creating sculpture and Keahiakawelo was the result. Another legend describes the contest between kahuna (priests) on Lana'i and Moloka'i to keep a fire burning the longest, resulting in all of the vegetation being consumed in the effort.
None of these legends adequately describe the causes of the otherwordly landscape in the Garden of the Gods.
At the first waypoint you will be able to park safely and investigate the area. Please note that there are many large boulders that appear to have come from nowhere. If you will continue to the coordinates you will find a large (about six foot diameter) red-colored rock sitting on a pedestal of blue grey material.
When the island of Lana'i was created by volcanic activity, there were layers of different types of lava rock that deposited over a long period, one on top of the other.
Examining the large rock at the coordinates, the upper portion is basalt. and the lower part is laterite. Basalt is a very hard rock that is subject to erosion over a long period of time. The laterite is very red in most places due to the high abundance of iron oxides. Here, the color is blue and grey due to presence of other forms of iron compounds.
In time the blue-grey rock will be completely eroded and the upper basalt rock will be left on the surface. Evidence of this prior erosive activity is prevalent through the Garden of the Gods.
Please touch the basalt and the laterite, and notice the differences.
At the second waypoint, you will see a small basalt rock nearly eroded free from the underlying surface.
To claim this earthcache, please answer the following:
1. Describe the difference between the texture of the basalt and the laterite.
2. Given the above and your examination of the area, describe the mechanism that has resulted in stacks of rocks in the Garden of the Gods.
References:
Roadside Geology of Hawai'i, Hazlett, Richard and Hyndman, Donald (Mountain Press Publishing 1996)
Volcanoes in the Sea, Geology of Hawaii, Macdonald, Gordon, et al. (University of Hawaii Press 1983)
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