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Red Sand Pocket Beach - Hana LbNA #13154

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jan 18, 2005
Location:
City:Hana
County:Maui
State:Hawaii
Boxes:1
Planted by:Playmakers
Found by: Mike and Elaine
Last found:Apr 1, 2009
Status:FFFFFFFFFFa
Last edited:Jan 18, 2005
Description

The 'Red Sand Pocket Beach - Hana' Letterbox awaits adventurers near the end of a short, but pretty hike along the edge of Ka'uiki Hill just beyond the pier in Hana Bay.

There are two Playmakers Letterboxes in Hana. The sister Letterbox to this one is the 'Red Sand Beach' Letterbox with its own set of clues.

If you haven't visited (not just passed through, but visited) Hana you are missing one of the true gems of Hawaii. Hana exudes peace and tranquility and it is a spot where we visit and stay overnight every year during our 3+ months on Maui. There are wonderful hikes, incredible waterfalls and local Hawaiians living and preserving the intriguing Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Make your way to Hana by heading south on the 'Hana Highway' #360 from Kahului. This is a twisting, turning road that the observant and curious will thoroughly enjoy.

Most people make the trip from Kahului to Hana in about 3 hours and always seem to be in a rush. Hang loose friends and enjoy the trip. Stop often - there are many incredible and wonderful sights along this road that those in a hurry never see or experience.

But Letterboxers are much smarter than most tourists. We love new experiences and take the time to enjoy the wonders of nature and the fun of placing and finding Letterboxes in some of nature's most beautiful places.

Once you arrive in Hana, make your way to the Hana Pier where you can drive to the end of the road near the head of the pier. Find a parking space and head to the Ka'uiki Trail that skirts the 386' tall Ka'uiki Head. The trail is not well marked, but is easy to find. It simply heads east along the shoreline from the end of the road.

Other than to find the 'Red Sand Pocket Beach' Letterbox, there are several good reasons to take this short trail.

Near the end of the trail there is a plaque near a cave where Queen Ka'ahumanu, the favorite wife of King Kamehameha, Maui's most famous king, was born.

Also, there is a tiny beach about half way along the 200 yard trail and this has been named 'Red Sand Pocket Beach'. The deep red color of the sand, and of much of the surrounding area, is a result of iron in the lava that is continually rusting.

In addition, as you go toward the end of the trail, you will get up close and personal with the geology of this part of Maui. The Ka'uiki Hill was formed in geologically recent times when a volcanic vent spewed lava high into the air. The hill was formed as gas-frothed lava was caught in the trade winds and piled up here. Near the plaque area you will see where globs of lava fell and piled up.

The trail is generally in good shape except for a small stretch near the Red Sand Pocket Beach. Just take your time in this short section and you will be rewarded once you are back on the main trail.

The cove near the end of the trail offers excellent snorkeling.

There is an isthmus connecting the end of the trail to a small islet that houses a light beacon. In calm seas, this is a short trip for the more adventurous.

The 'Red Sand Pocket Beach - Hana' Letterbox is past the plaque and just around the east tip of Ka'uiki Hill.

Clues

Follow the Ka'uiki Trail along the south shore of Hana Bay.

En route you will pass the Red Sand Pocket Beach and as you get close to the point, you will see the Queen Ka'ahumanu plaque that was erected in 1928.

About 15 yards past the plaque you will be on the trail at the point where the trail turns around the end of the hill and heads south.

Immediately as you turn around the east tip of the hill, look slightly uphill.

About 10 yards away, you will see two medium size ironwood trees.

The 'Red Sand Pocket Beach - Hana' Letterbox is hidden at the base of the lower tree under some lava rocks right at the trunk of the tree.

The Letterbox is about 6 feet above the 'trail' and is most easily accessed from the east side of the tree.

Once you have found the 'Red Sand Pocket Beach - Hana' Letterbox and signed in, thank you for replacing the Letterbox to ensure the integrity of its hiding place.

Please ensure that there are sufficient stones protecting the Letterbox so that it is well protected from the view of passersby. Thank you.

We hope you enjoy the search and the beautiful scenery on the Ka'uiki Trail.

Please contact us by email at peter@brill.ca to let us know you found this box and the condition it is in, plus any other comments you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.

Happy Letterboxing!