| Measured Distances | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Note: Assumes trailhead is along dirt road portion of Waiomao Road. Distances were
measured using computerized vector-plotting superimposed on USGS topographic map. Trailhead to 1st waterfall: 4832 ft (0.9-mile) Trailhead to notch: 6490 ft (1.2-mile) Crater circumnavigation (from notch to summit to middle ridge jct): 7,470 ft (1.4-mile) Notch to middle ridge junction: 796 ft (0.2-mile) | ||||
| Creation of Kaau Crater | ||||
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There are two general explanations to the question about Kaau Crater's formation: the mythical, Hawaiian legend and
the more scientific analysis of area geology. Hawaiian Legend of Maui and Kaau Crater The cultural answer to the formation of Kaau Crater is in terms of Hawaiian folklore. It is said that the mythical demigod Maui wished to draw all Hawaiian islands together as one physical land mass. In the attempt to bring the islands of Kauai and Oahu together, Maui stood on the shores of Oahu's Kaena Point (northwest tip) on a day Kauai was clearly visible and cast his magical hook (called "Manaiakalani") across the ocean. When the hook became firmly planted into Kauai's foundations, Maui gave the line a mighty heave. However, the hook broke off its anchor sending both a piece of Kauai and the hook sailing back toward Oahu. The loosened piece of Kauai, called "Pohaku o Kauai" crashed at Maui's feet and remains there to this day. It is the large, rock formation just offshore of Kaena Point which can be seen peeking above the ocean. The hook broke away from Kauai with such force that it flew over Maui's head and landed deep within Palolo Valley. The large hook left its impression which remains there to this day as Kaau Crater. Another version of the story suggests that Maui had the help of several followers who were ordered not to look back as they reeled the line in. One of them disobeyed and gazed toward Kauai as it approached Oahu. In his astonishment he accidentally broke the line. As a result, Kauai fell away back to the ocean to rest where it is today. The Scientific Explanation of Kaau Crater Kaau Crater is a volcanic vent xenolithic in nature which suggests it erupted after the major Koolau shield volcano had formed and was already experiencing deterioration through erosion. Considering the area Kaau Crater resides, it was formed as part of the Honolulu volcano group activity during Oahu's vigorous rejuvenation stage (also known as the post-erosional volcanism stage). This started about 850,000 years ago. The Honolulu group extends south from the Mokapu Peninsula, across the Koolau crest, and includes features such as Punchbowl, Diamond Head, Tantalus, Puu Kahea, Puu Ohia, and Puu Ualakaa. References: Ducea, M., G. Sen, J. Eiler, and J. Fimbres, "Melt depletion and subsequent metasomatism in the shallow mantle beneath Koolau volcano, Oahu (Hawaii)" Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, doi 10.1029/2001GC000184, Washington, D.C., 2002. Emerson, N.B. Pele and Hiiaka, pg 104, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1925 Hazlett, Richard W., Hyndman, Donald W. Roadside Geology of Hawai'i, Mountain Press Publishing, 1996 McAllister, J. Gilbert Archaeology of Oahu, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Bulletin #104, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1933 Sutherland, R. "Lead in grain size fractions of road-deposited sediment". Elsevier: Environmental Pollution, Vol 121 (2003) 229-237, University of Wales, Aberystwyth | ||||
| More Cultural Notes / Hawaiiana | ||||
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Palolo translates to "clay" in Hawaiian. Waiomao Stream and Valley were once home to taro plants, both farmed on terraced stream banks and growing wild. References: Handy, E. S. C. The Hawaiian Planter, Vol. 1, pg 74, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Bulletin #161, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1940 Lyons, C. J. Meaning of Some Hawaiian Place Names, Hawaiian Annual, pg 182, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1901 | ||||
| Heidi Marie Page August 2, 1971 - November 26, 1997 | ||||
The Page memorial, the plaque affixed to a granite rock above the second waterfall, was erected
on February 8, 1998 in honor of Heidi M. Page. The plaque reads:
Heidi was a registered dietician in Hawaii but was native to Lansing, Kansas. She did her undergraduate work at University of Kansas and post-graduate work at Central Missouri State University. She relocated to Oahu to attend University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated in 1995 with a Masters in Public Health and Nutrition. Heidi remained in Hawaii to work at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and Tripler Army Medical Center until she died two years later. Heidi was returned and laid to rest in Lansing. For more information and pictures, visit Heidi's memorial webpage. | ||||
| Property/Access - More Details | ||||
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The following is a breakdown of land parcels this trail either crosses into, borders with,
or remains in extremely close vicinity. Remember that a) trails often meander in and out
of bordering land parcels - they are not perfect, and b) parcel boundaries, fee ownership,
land leases, and policies of both toward hikers are subject to change. In any case, act as
prudent, responsible hikers and heed the law of the land. End of paved Waiomao Road (left side), entrance to dirt road (Roadside parking is across from this house) 2752 Waiomao Road Fee Owner: Sharon A Stanbro Trust (100%) TMK (zone): 34035021 (improved residential) End of paved Waiomao Road (left side), entrance to dirt road No address listed (small, barely noticeable strip adjoining 2752 Waiomao Road) Fee Owner: City & County of Honolulu TMK (zone): 34035024 (improved residential) End of paved Waiomao Road (right side), entrance to dirt road (Roadside parking borders this unimproved section of private property) 2753 Waiomao Road Fee Owner: Diamond Sangha TMK (zone): 34017012 (conservation) Along the dirt road (left side, 530-ft length), beyond "no trespassing" signs 2800, 3000 Waiomao Road Fee Owner: Ken-Wai Doo Fee Owner: Kirsi A. Lukumies-Doo Fee Owner: Wayne-Wai Doo (66.66%) TMK (zone): 34018004 (improved residential) Along the dirt road (right side, 530-ft length), beyond "no trespassing" signs 3001, 3003 Waiomao Road Master Fee Owner: Doo/Higa Homes Unit Fee Owner: Leigh-Wai Doo Unit Fee Owner: Linda L. Doo Unit Fee Owner: David Horvick Unit Fee Owner: Lei-Lynne Doo-Horvick TMK (zone): 34018001 (improved residential) Up to trailhead & immediate surroundings (900-ft length along dirt road) Fee Owner: City & County of Honolulu Lessee: none TMK (zone): 34018002, 34018003 (conservation) Trail and surrounds (upper Palolo Valley / Waiomao Stream) Owner: State of Hawaii Lessee: None TMK (zone): 34022001 (agriculture) Kaau Crater to Koolau crest, upper middle ridge/s (1,400-ft elev. and higher) Fee Owner: City & County of Honolulu Lessee: None TMK (zone): 34022006 (conservation) Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records September 28, 2003. It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners. |
