This is the first geocache hidden by the young boys of Team-H. We are lucky enough to live nearby and are excited to share this pristine nature experience in the middle of a bustling resort. There is a nearby informational sign explaining the unique geological and biological properties of this fragile habitat.
Anchialine ponds are one of Hawaii’s most threatened ecosystems. There are about 700 known anchialine ponds in Hawai’i. Most Hawaiian anchialine ponds are in the youngest lava areas of the Big Island of Hawai’i and Maui. They exist in inland lava depressions near the shore and contain brackish (a mixture of freshwater and saltwater) water. Freshwater id fed to the ponds from ground water that moves downslope and from rainwater. Ocean water seeps into the ponds through underground crevices in the surrounding lava rock. Fresh ground water forms a cold freshwater lens floating on top of the warmer ocean water because freshwater is less dense than salt water. As ocean water level rises and falls with the tide, the salinity of the pond varies, exemplifying an ecosystem always in flux.
Common plants that grow within anchialine ponds include seaweeds, blue-green algae, and native grasses. Native plants such as pickleweed, sedges (makaloa), and herbs (`akulikuli) also grow around the edges of anchialine ponds. Damselflies, eels, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish such as mullet and gobies can be found in ponds that are closer to the ocean. Inland ponds are typically dominated by tiny, endemic shrimp called ‘`opae ‘ula. (Source: Univeristy of Hawaii, Hilo - http://hilo.hawaii.edu/affiliates/prism/Anchialineponds.php)
The cache is a large ammo can that the boys filled with toys and goodies. You will not need to disturb any of the plants, animals, or the ground in order to find this cache. Only a minimal amount of walking across uneven ground is required.