While hiking a couple months ago on Koko Head, I came across a sign that reads:
Not knowing what this was a reference to, I did some research and found that the ‘Ili ‘Ihilauakea is a rare and endangered fern that is native to Hawaii, and only grows in a few places on Oahu and Molokai with only 6 populations of the fern growing naturally. The crater at Koko Head is also known as ‘Ihi‘ihilauakea Crater and is named after the rare fern that grows here. The ‘Ili ‘Ihilauakea or villous water clover (Marsilea vilosa) resembles a 4 leaf clover and in order to germinate needs to be in a pool of water or shallow ponds which occurs during heavy rains and the crater floods. As this does not occur often, the ‘Ili ‘Ihilauakea has adapted to be able to lie dormant for years, where in periods of droughts the vegetation can die off and the roots can spring to life after a rain fall. As well the spores have a hard coating that can go decades to then be able to germinate when submerged in water.
You will overlook the ‘Ili ‘Ihilauakea Crater on the way to this cache, but not hike down to it. Follow the paved path until it ends at a fenced off cell tower, then at the guard rail take a left and head down. Enjoy the views of the cliffs and ocean and with any luck will see whales, generally best chance to see whales between early January through the end of March. As you work your way down, you will come to an inlet where will see the waves crashing in. You do not need to climb down to the water, and I would recommend not going to the water as it would be unsafe. The cache is in a safe spot and no cliff climbing is required.
View from near the GZ 