'Ahinahina letterbox LbNA #60184
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Add Location| Owner: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Nov 25, 2011 |
| Location: | Haleakala National Park, Hosmer Grove |
| City: | Haleakala |
| County: | Maui |
| State: | Hawaii |
| Boxes: | 2 |
| Planted by: | FlyCraft
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|---|---|
| Found by: | Not yet found! |
| Last found: | N/A |
| Status: | a |
| Last edited: | Dec 24, 2015 |
The distinctive cinder cones that dot the landscape of Haleakala National Park resulted from relatively recent eruptions. Material from these mildly explosive, fountain-ing eruptions settled back around the vent forming cones. Only a few plants, birds and insects have adapted to the harsh conditions created at the summit and on the upper slopes of the volcano. 'Ahinahina (silversword) have shallow root systems that allow them to catch moisture in the porous, loose cinders and long tap roots that anchor the plants in high wind. The dense covering of silver hairs on the leaves helps conserve moisture and protect the plants from the intense, high-elevation sun.
The letterbox has been hidden in the Hosmer Grove area due to the limited hiding spots and high-traffic at the crater where the plants are located.
Directions:
After entering the Haleakala National Park, Hosmer Grove is located only a 1/4-mile from the gate on the left. Turn left at the sign and drive down to the camping area/ranger station/hiking area. Go to the far end of the parking lot where you will see a sign describing the hike and the the hiking trail-head. This area is very small and only has room for a few automobiles, you may have to park nearby if it is full. Also, you may want to check in with the ranger as they frequently ask that you report to them the type and quantities of birds to see.
The hike is a loop ending back at the parking lot. About ¾ of the way around the loop you will encounter a sign that splits to a separate trail. Take the “Trail” to the left. You will first go up approximately eight-earth/stone steps, continue walking the path until you reach another set of about six-steps. To verify you are in the correct spot, at the top of these six-steps, turn around – you should be able to see the parking area/restrooms from that location. Next turn back around and continue to the last earth step in this set. Begin counting ten-more steps (elevations), after the tenth rise start counting 32-paces, this will bring you to a turn in the path to the left (approximately a 100 degree turn). At this turn you will see several rocks that cross the path and into the grass to the left. Visually follow the rocks to a bush at the end of the the rocks, the camo-box is at the base of the bush covered with brush.
Please replace this box as found to ensure the integrity of the letterbox. Mahalo.
There is a fee to enter Haleakala National Park of $10 per carload. This gives you entry for 3 days. Since this letterbox is at the entrance/exit to the park, we suggest stopping here on the way up to the crater, or as a picnic stop on the way down. Picnic tables and restrooms are available as well as a small campground.
Be sure to look for the other letterbox on this trail : I'iwi letterbox
Fly-Craft
The letterbox has been hidden in the Hosmer Grove area due to the limited hiding spots and high-traffic at the crater where the plants are located.
Directions:
After entering the Haleakala National Park, Hosmer Grove is located only a 1/4-mile from the gate on the left. Turn left at the sign and drive down to the camping area/ranger station/hiking area. Go to the far end of the parking lot where you will see a sign describing the hike and the the hiking trail-head. This area is very small and only has room for a few automobiles, you may have to park nearby if it is full. Also, you may want to check in with the ranger as they frequently ask that you report to them the type and quantities of birds to see.
The hike is a loop ending back at the parking lot. About ¾ of the way around the loop you will encounter a sign that splits to a separate trail. Take the “Trail” to the left. You will first go up approximately eight-earth/stone steps, continue walking the path until you reach another set of about six-steps. To verify you are in the correct spot, at the top of these six-steps, turn around – you should be able to see the parking area/restrooms from that location. Next turn back around and continue to the last earth step in this set. Begin counting ten-more steps (elevations), after the tenth rise start counting 32-paces, this will bring you to a turn in the path to the left (approximately a 100 degree turn). At this turn you will see several rocks that cross the path and into the grass to the left. Visually follow the rocks to a bush at the end of the the rocks, the camo-box is at the base of the bush covered with brush.
Please replace this box as found to ensure the integrity of the letterbox. Mahalo.
There is a fee to enter Haleakala National Park of $10 per carload. This gives you entry for 3 days. Since this letterbox is at the entrance/exit to the park, we suggest stopping here on the way up to the crater, or as a picnic stop on the way down. Picnic tables and restrooms are available as well as a small campground.
Be sure to look for the other letterbox on this trail : I'iwi letterbox
Fly-Craft