In the past year and a half since placing a cache on the top of
Pu`u O`Kila, (GCJ3MW) only 2 cachers found it, and one was on
today's hike to clear the trail. So last night I decided to add two
1/2 way caches. One would be on the Mauka Ridge and the other on
the Makai Ridge. There is already one in the "bunker" (GCPAYJ) area
so now if you do the whole loop you have a chance to score 4
finds.
This geocache is on the Mauka Ridge elevation approx 890 feet.
We took a break there this morning while clearing the trail. It
took 2:15 minutes to reach this point, but remember were were
clearing VERY heavy brush. The cache is a small peanut butter jar
containing a log sheet and 4 KEY CHAINS. Please only place KEY
CHAINS in this cache. If you do it in the next few months you
should be able to get to this one in about 1 1/2 hours. Up to this
point the climbing is not really that bad. If you choose to go all
the way to Pu'u O`Kila it will take at least another 1 1/2 hours
and it gets very steep and could be muddy after rain. There are
ropes and or tree's to hang on to as you get closer to the top.
Here is the secret. Park your car at the enterance to the
housing area. Walk thru it, go around the gate and continue up the
paved road until you reach the Hunter/Hiker check in station. Check
in. The follow the pave road on your right till you get to the
water tank. At the tank follow the trail on the left along the
fence. After a few minutes the trail forks. Stay along the fence. A
few minutes later the trail forks again. This time go to your left
and down. Follow the trail until you get to the bunker area. It
should take about 1/2 hour from the check in station.
At the bunkers take the trail to the right, it goes back into
the valley. You should hear the stream below on your left. After a
few hundred yards there is a trail going down to the stream on your
left. It goes thru a bamboo patch. When you reach the bottom cross
the main stream three (3) (III) times only. After the 3rd crossing
you should be on the left bank. Stay there for about 5 minutes and
you will notice a ridge on your left coming down to meet the
stream. Between two HALA trees turn left going up the ridge. Under
no circumstances are you to cross the main stream more than 3
times. This trail will take you to the cache and if you choose all
the way to the top of Pu`u O`Kila. If you reach the top you'll feel
proud and tired, but proud that you DID IT!!!!!!!!!!
If you choose to now go for the 4th cache of the day, my Pu'u
O`Kila 1/2 Way cache, head down the Makai ridge. If you face the
Mauka ridge trail, the one you just climbed the Makai ridge trail
will be on your right. Marked w/yellow and pink ribbons. BE
CAREFUL, the trail is very steep for about 10 minutes.
Whatever you do remember to check out when you return to the
check in station.