Ahu o Laka
(Kane'ohe Bay Sandbar)
Kane'ohe Bay comprises a stretch of ocean on O'ahu's windward northeast coast running approximately thirteen kilometers across the bay and about four kilometers at the farthest point inland from its boundary with the open ocean. This makes it the largest sheltered body of water in the state of Hawai'i.
Kane'ohe Bay is not at all characterized by long white sand stretches and crystal clear water that make so many of the Hawai'i beaches so popular. Instead, it possesses a combination of unique factors that cause it to be one of the most studied coral reef systems in the world!
As all along O'ahu's windward coast, Kane'ohe Bay's waters are sheltered by a barrier reef from the swells generated by the islands' predominant tradewinds offering perfect conditions for the growth and formation of numerous (over forty) patch reefs and fringe reefs throughout the bay. Viewing the bay from higher vantage points... like the Pali Lookout, or coming out of the windward-bound H-3 tunnels, will show a spectrum of color caused by the varying depths and bottom formations of different areas within the bay. You'll notice hues of ivory, teal, light and dark blue, and even brown depicting the different bottom conditions and water depths of each of the bay's different areas.
In the middle of Kane'ohe Bay is a sandbar called Ahu o Laka (Altar of Laka), the only one of its kind in the state. It is about three acres in size and has beautiful views of Kane'ohe Bay and the Ko'olau Mountains. No birds nest on Ahu o Laka and it has no vegetation. It sits about a mile off the coast on the lagoon side of a barrier reef and is a part of a larger sand wedge that is approximately a mile long. Ahu o Laka is only accessible by boat (unless you are a very strong swimmer) and many weekends there are dozens of boats anchored by the sandbar. Many people access it by kayaking about two miles northwest from the He'eia Pier. It is open to boaters and others for recreational purposes such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, diving, and picnics. It is also a popular resting place or destination for sailboats, kayakers, jet skiers, and other boaters.
Note: Ahu o Laka only appears above the water line at low-low tide (at high tide it is usually about knee to waist deep) so when you are planning a trip there, please check a tide table first (like this one - TIDES or here - TIDES).
To get credit for this earthcache you have to perform the following tasks.
- On your way to or from the posted coordinates stop by one of the many Patch Reefs: Estimate the size of the reef and make a note of the coordinates. Email, DO NOT POST the information you gather and coordinates.
- In the area around the posted coordinates (the sandbar) estimate how deep the water is and make a note of the time. Email, DO NOT POST the information you gather.
- While at the sandbar, reach down grab a handful of sand and describe what you see (i.e. color, content, size...). Email, DO NOT POST the information you gather.
- Optional: If you so desire take a photo of either you or your GPSr at the sandbar with the Ko'olau mountains as a backdrop.
|
Cache with Al
ha
FTF Prizes: 
GeoGerms Geocoin & 
EarthCache Geocoin ----> Congrats kalohepirate!!!!
Disclaimer: You are under no obligation to hunt my cache. You do so at your own risk. Like any outdoor sport, it carries the risk of unforeseen hazards. Use your best judgment with the environment and conditions. As conditions and cache locations may vary, it is the responsibility of the searcher to be familiar with the conditions in the area to be searched, to adequately prepare for those conditions, and to conduct oneself safely and responsibly and remain within his or her personal abilities and limitations. Children should be well supervised. When and if you find a cache, you are under no obligation to touch it, reach it, climb to it, dig for it, pick it up, or even open it. Open it at your own risk. If food or drink is present, do not consume it, throw it out. Individual Geostash and GPS cache sponsors assume no liability for events, which may occur, related directly or indirectly to your searching for a stash.