Standing Warriors Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Standing Warriors is a well known area on the coast of the south
side of Kauai where the rock formations and rocky cliffs form
interesting and humanoid rock formations as well as other
interesting caves and rock formations.
Makawehi and Makahuena points: Driving instructions: On the south
side of Kauai, follow the roads and directions to the easternmost
side of the Grand Hyatt Kauai by the Poipu Bay Golf Course entrance
and you will find a public parking area for Shipwrecks Beach at
Keoniloa Bay. Park here to begin your hike. Rock Formations of
Makawehi: Facing west from the parking lot, the formations at the
far end of Keoneloa Bay are known as Makahuena, the southernmost
tip of Kauai. Known for great hiking and whale watching, the
sidewalks leading this way lead to interesting rock formations near
the
coastline. There are also several caches in this area. Standing
Warriors cache will be to the eastern side of the parking lot. The
lithified sand dunes that form Makawehi to the right of the parking
lot(also known as the Paa Ridge) accumulated as sand dunes during
the last high stand of the sea, about 125,000 years ago. As sea
levels lowered at the peak of the Ice Age (about 18,000 years ago),
reaching its lowest point of around 360-400 feet below the present
sea level, the dunes occupied a more inland position. From there,
volcanic ash deposited onto the dunes and a coastal forest began to
flourish. Rain percolated through the sand which partially
dissolved some of the skeletal and coral grain sands. Calcite
crystals grew around the sand grains and within the pore space
between the grains, locking together to produce the cement that
changed the carbonate sand into carbonate sandstone, also known as
limestone. As the Ice Age ended,huge glaciers that had covered much
of the earth melted, resulting in a rise in sea level. Waves eroded
much of the dune and formed what is now Keoneloa Bay. Prior to that
erosion, the sand dunes would have extended almost continuously
between the two points. Today Makawehi point is being undercut by
continual wave erosion. The huge blocks of limestone that lie at
the base of these cliffs are examples of that erosion. Caution:
Stay well back from the edges of cliffs. Not only are the eroding
cliffs unstable, but Jumping (or falling) into the water has caused
serious injury and loss of life. Hiking Instructions: From the
parking lot, head east or right to
a trail headed by a blue sheerwater protection sign. Walk along a
dirt path (lightly overgrown) fronting the beach. You will see
several paths to the right and left, but stay on the easterly
straight direction to avoid scrambling up the hills. You will come
to a natural limestone rock staircase which will splinter into
three or four trail heads at the top of the cliff. You may enjoy
exploring the cliff edges and camera views in all directions.
Continue along the dirt trails, the sand dune trails or walk along
the rocky cliffside (whichever your comfort level dictates) because
all easterly trails eventually lead to Standing Warriors Bay.
Depending on which way you travel,you should enter into a wide
clearing on the ocean which narrows from sand to a grassy trail by
the Standing Warriors Bay in about 10-15 minutes. Looking behind,
you will notice a cave house made of sand. Proceed with all due
caution at your own risk. My cache is not hidden near or by any
cliff, or standing warrior rock. You do not have to be near the
ocean to find it. It is in a perfectly safe placement, away from
any cliff edge. This cache is not recommended for small children
under five who do not like hiking in hot sand dunes or people with
kneee or hip injuries who would find elevation changes-difficult
climbing. The hike is approximately 1/2-1 mile long (roundtrip)
depending on the route you take and requires about 15-20 minutes of
walking each way. The cache is an official geocaching.com small
cache clamp plastic box with log, pencil and treasures. I've
included some pics on the site of the scenic hike.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
N cynpr bs erfg.