Ka‘ena Point Natural Reserve
19 December, 2004
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bigger version of this panorama here. (1.3 MB) |
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| Undistorted view of the point from the hill. The 'sanctuary' part of the reserve is the sandy into green area up to the road that bends around the point. This is where seabirds make ground nests. There are designated trails to walk and bike on. | |||
| The World Wide Panorama Project had a winter solstice theme of 'sanctuary' this round. In early December I started hiking again with a trek to Ka‘ena Point, a wildlife sanctuary, and met Bel, who I described the project to. I mentioned that I did a pano of the point before, but it wouldn't be very exciting, so he suggested we climb up the hill to the old military bunker for a better view. I came back a few weeks later and took this shot near sunset, two days before the solstice. From the sign at entrance gate: |
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| KA‘ENA POINT COSTAL RESERVE Ka‘ena Point, the westernmost point on O‘ahu, is the site of one of the last intact dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian Islands. Dunes such as these were once found on most of the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, these dunes and the natives species that live on them, have been almost entirely lost due to human impacts. Intact coasts are now only found at remote sites, and these last glimpses of the natural heritage of Hawai‘i are precious. It was in recognition of this unique area that Ka‘ena Point Natural Reserve was established in 1983. The plants and animals found here are protected by State and Federal Laws. |
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The image unwrapped, 360° across, 180° top to bottom.
Around Ka‘ena Point
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Sea birds, including the wedge-tailed shearwater and the Laysan albatross, as well as sea life like monk seals, are protected here. Native plants and insects thrive too, relatively removed from civilization. From either direction paved roads end about two or three miles away. I even saw the blow spout of a humpback whale while taking the panorama. Sorry, didn't bring a zoom. |
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The albatross in the picture kept circling the hill as I descended. |
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Leina-a-ka‘uhane, translates as "spirit leap" and designates this coral stone between the trail and the ocean. According to Hawaiian legend this rock is the place from where deceased souls depart into the spiritual world. |
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