PO‘IPU — There are obvious good reasons for taking a hike with experienced and knowledgeable guides, and that is especially true for Sunday morning’s South Shore trek with a guided tour of Maha‘ulepu sinkhole and cave preserve. The Kaua‘i Sierra
PO‘IPU — There are obvious good reasons for taking a hike with experienced and knowledgeable guides, and that is especially true for Sunday morning’s South Shore trek with a guided tour of Maha‘ulepu sinkhole and cave preserve.
The Kaua‘i Sierra Club offers this moderate four-mile hike with spectacular southern coastline views and guided access to historic areas and archeological sites. The hike is listed as “conservation, interpretive, educational and family fun” by the Sierra Club.
“This is a combination coast walk and cave hiking tour that I have been doing once a month for around 10 years,” said Allan Rachap, Sierra Club volunteer guide. “I mostly lead hikes in the South Shore area where I live and have been doing this Maha‘ulepu hike for quite a while.”
Rachap is one of several volunteers hike leaders. It is their way to promote organization membership while showing the island through fun, educational and environmentally-friendly outings.
There is no cost to join the hike and donations go to Sierra Club. Participants are given Sierra Club membership materials and information on websites of area attractions. Sierra Club lists three months of tours on its website and updates them each quarter.
The hike begins at 9 a.m., but the club would prefer that interested attendees call ahead to find out details about what to where and bring. It is also a chance to learn about the terrain and if it is a suitable hike for anyone depending on experience and health.
The south coast walk includes a trek along Shipwreck Beach and Maha‘ulepu sinkhole and cave preserve. There is also a swimming stop at Kawailoa Bay as a welcomed cool down before continuing along the nature trail.
It is not rare to see sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals or even whales depending on the time of year.
“It’s a beautiful look along the coast and you see can look back at the rock formations and the dunes,” Rachap said. There will be time to stop for lunch at a spot with picnic tables on trail — so bring something along.”
“Most people in the Sierra Club enjoy that aspect of exploring the cave and learn about it form knowledgeable people while they are right there,” he said.
It is a moderate walk as far as hiking goes, with some inclines and sand that can take some energy. It does not pose the difficulty of a canyon hike but it is more difficult than a managed path or to those who are limited to walking on smooth terrain.
“This is not for people who are unsure of their footing and would need to walk on paved or level ground,” he said. “But we have had hikers ages six to 80,” he added.
The hike will point out locations where the first sightings of Captain Cook and the O‘ahu invaders occurred. The area is steeped in history and geological, anthropological and historical sites, he said.
“The cave preserve is unique and worthwhile in and of itself,” he said.
Sierra Club Kaua‘i coordinator Judy Dalton leads a similar moonlight hike of the area with another coming on Dec. 27. It doesn’t include the cave archeological site on the tour.
Beryl Blaich, coordinator for the conservation group Malama Maha‘ulepu, said Sierra Club is a primary partner and the hike is a first hand look at the natural and human history of a special place.
“The hike led by Allan and sometimes by other trained guides of the Sierra Club, is a chance to get an overview of the work and findings at the 17-acre cave reserve,” he said.
To join the hike contact Rachap at 212-3108. Visit www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai/outings/index.html for more information.
