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iao Tablelands LbNA #15407 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Mar 20, 2005
Location:
City:Wailuku
County:Maui
State:Hawaii
Boxes:1
Planted by:Playmakers
Found by: butterfly
Last found:May 21, 2005
Status:Faaaaa
Last edited:Dec 24, 2015
NOTE: This Letterbox has been reported missing and will be replaced in January, 2010.

DESCRIPTION

The Iao Valley is one of Maui’s most picturesque areas. The drive into the valley provides you with an easy access into the rugged SE area of the West Maui Mountains and provides the only practical access into the mysterious edge of this huge caldron.

The central area of the West Maui Mountains houses Pu’u Kukui which receives over 400 inches of annual rainfall, making it one of the wettest areas on the planet.

There are a couple of Letterboxes already placed near the visitor parking lot at the end of the paved highway, so you have the possibility of three ‘conquests’ on this trip.

The Iao Tablelands Letterbox will require a hike of about 45 to 60 minutes up some 550 feet of elevation gain and a 45 minute descent back to the observation area.

The hike starts at the observation shelter looking out at the Iao Needle.

To access the trail, you must take the steps up to the observation shelter. Once at the shelter, hop the steel rail fence at the entrance to the shelter and proceed up the trail.

The trail is not maintained but is easy to find and follow. It would be difficult to get lost on this trail since you are basically on a ridge all the way to the Tablelands.

The views on this hike are incredible.

You will know you have reached the Tablelands when the trail opens up and you are in an area of large Koa trees.

The Iao Tablelands Letterbox is hidden in this area.

Once you have found the Letterbox, wander around the Tablelands. There are edible thimble berries and numerous wild banana trees.

Access to the Iao Valley is shown on all maps of Maui. The Iao Valley road is simply an extension of Ka’ahumanu Road from Kahului through Wailuku. At the traffic lights at the end of Wailuku, simply go straight through the intersection and follow the signs.

CLUES

Once you reach the Tablelands and its many large Koa trees, continue on the trail, including the left turn, for about 41 paces.

Just past the turn, look ahead for a different large tree, this one being a Kukui tree. You will notice the Kukui tree, which is of similar stature to the Koa trees, because of its much different leaves.

The Iao Tablelands Letterbox is hidden at the base of the Kukui tree under some sticks and debris.

When you find the Iao Tablelands Letterbox, you will be greeted by a warm ‘Aloha’.

Once you have found the Iao Tablelands Letterbox and signed in, thank you for replacing the Letterbox to ensure the integrity of its hiding place.

Please ensure that there are sufficient sticks and stuff hiding the Letterbox so that it is well protected from the view of passersby. Thank you.

We hope you enjoy the Iao Tablelands, the hike and the fabulous views.

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!