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Malama 'Aina LbNA #23227 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jun 23, 2006
Location:
City:Naalehu
County:Hawaii
State:Hawaii
Boxes:1
Found by: Elliotts4
Last found:Jul 24, 2009
Status:FFFFFFaFF
Last edited:Jun 23, 2006
Malama 'Aina

"Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono" (the life of the land is preserved in righteousness) is the motto of Hawaii. This Letterbox is placed near Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. It is home to the Hawksbill Turtle (Honu). Preservation of this sacred area in Kau is very important to all. To find this interesting place, travel south from Kailua Kona past South Point Rd. on Rt. 11 through Na'alehu. Enjoy the views along the way. Whittington Beach Park is a nice place to explore. Turn right at 1st Punaluu Black Sand Beach sign. Drive to parking area at restrooms near beach park. Walk on the black sand, enjoy fresh water springs and honu. Visit the plaque near parking area to learn the story of Kauila and the mystical turtles at Punalu'u. Go back the way you came and stop at Sea Mountain Golf Course Proshop and Snack Shop on right. Park in their lot. Go inside small shop to see Herb Kawainui Kane's painting honoring Kauila, turtle mermaid of Punalu'u. (Kane is a respected well known artist and it unusual to see his work in such a remote place!) If shop is closed, you can see the painting through the glass. After leaving shop walk back to your vehicle, over grassy mound left of lot, down wide grassy path left of large tree on edge of golf course. There is a sprinkler head, go right of it. Find tall grass and other vegetation around the canopy of this tree. The tree has unusual large protruding roots and the box is nestled there on right side under some old branches. The stamp represents kahiko (old style) hula. Hula is telling story and helps preserve the beauty and culture of Hawaii. The terra cotta color ink represents traditional dye used on kapa. After discovery of this box please cover well. Mahalo. Please let me know if you felt Kauila's presence at the beach.