The sweet potato or ‘uala is a staple crop raised by Polynesians. A popular way to grow ‘uala is in low mounds or pu‘e and across the trail from this bench is an ‘uala pu‘e patch first planted out in late 2021.

Other early Polynesian introductions seen here are ki (ti) plants and niu (coconut), and possibly ‘ōlena. The backrest is the trunk of a milo tree that provides malu (shade).

This bench is a favorite for the usually cool breeze of the ‘ae loa or Northeast Trade Wind moving up the gulch and presently serves as the field office (Ke‘ena ‘akolu) of the NPEG group (look for them here on Saturday afternoons).

Taking in the view across Kawai Nui Marsh (left to right) is seen the Oneawa Hills with Kalaheo High School complex at its base. Behind is Mokapu Peninsula with Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay and the prominant downwind side of Ulupa‘u crater. Just to the right is the much lower upwind side of the crater. The Coconut Grove neighborhood of Kailua extends off to the right.

From here the trail descends eastward across the north face of the ridge towards two rest areas: Hale Ipu and Ke‘ena ‘Akahi. Hale Ipu is reached turning left some 30 m distant; Ke‘ena ‘Akahi by continuing straight on this North Side Middle Trail.

Walking upslope from here, the trail gently ascends westward and bends hard left (North Cross Trail) towards the Piko, where the park Entrance/Exit trail is reached.