Hamakua Marsh

Deep within Kailua, Honolulu, lies the tranquil Hamakua Marsh. It whispers tales of a vibrant past. Hamakua Marsh and the nearby Kawainui Marsh represent the largest remaining wetland habitat in Hawaii. This sanctuary, owned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), provides a haven for four endemic and endangered waterbirds. These feathered jewels are the ‘Alae ‘Ula, Ae‘o, ‘Alae Ke‘o Ke‘o, and Koloa Maoli. Hamakua Marsh once thrived as a vital resource. Native Hawaiians relied on it for inland fishing and wetland taro cultivation. The marsh sustained a large population, intertwining with their daily lives. Originally, a stream flowed from Kawainui Marsh to Kaʻelepulu Marsh (now Enchanted Lake). However, with the flow diverted, Hamakua Marsh relies on rainfall and runoff from Kailua town. Sadly, Hamakua Marsh faces challenges. A canal built in 1952, replacing Kawainui Stream, drastically altered the ecosystem. The canal contributed to the marsh drying out. The community is working to protect this precious wetland. Restoration efforts aim to revive the habitat for native Hawaiian waterbirds and migratory shorebirds. This project involves various organizations, schools, and government agencies. This collaborative effort aims to integrate Hamakua Marsh into the community’s fabric.