Pu'u Ahumoa is a cinder cone on the southwestern flank of Mauna Kea that last erupted 200,000 years ago. It's name translates to "chicken hill." Why did the chicken climb the hill? To get to the beautiful view, of course! The summit is at an elevation of 7,000 ft. On a clear day there are amazing vistas of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Kohala, Pu'u Wa'awa'a, and a large part of the western coast of Big Island. You can even see Maui! We also saw a Dung Beetle rolling a poop ball down hill using it's iconic back kick. Crazy!
This find will require a high clearance vehicle and a 2.6 mile round trip hike. Pick up the R-1 Road at the Kilohana Hunter Station and then turn right onto the R-15 road. Park in the lot next to the quarry. The trail is well defined and surprisingly, not that steep.
My husband and I placed this cache to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Marriage is a lot like hiking this hill. It's a tough climb sometimes, but it's totally worth it when you have someone with whom to enjoy the spectacular view!