Whispers of Hauwahine greet you at Kawainui Marsh. This isn’t just any marsh. Kawainui Marsh is the largest remaining wetland in Hawai’i. It’s also the largest ancient freshwater fishpond. Imagine a time long before European contact. Kawainui thrived. Native Hawaiians built a 400-acre fishpond here. Mullet awa and o’opu filled its waters. Nearby kalo fields banana groves sugarcane and sweet potatoes provided sustenance. At least three significant heiau stood guard sacred sites reflecting the deep spiritual connection to this place. Ulupō heiau is one example.
The arrival of Europeans brought tragedy. Diseases decimated the Hawaiian population. Maintenance of the fishpond ceased. It became overgrown. The Great Māhele in 1848 further impacted Kawainui. The concept of private land ownership was foreign to many Hawaiians. They didn’t file land claims. Much of the land including Kawainui fell into the hands of ali’i. Later it was owned by Charles Coffin Harris and his daughter.
Kawainui’s story continues. In the 1900s Chinese farmers cultivated rice. Harold Castle later used it for ranching introducing invasive plants. During World War II the US Armed Forces used Kawainui as a training area. A rock crusher operated here later. Trash burning followed. In the 1950s Kaneohe Ranch even pumped water out. This lowered the water table. The land reclamation process was eventually discontinued.
Despite these challenges Kawainui persists. It’s a vital habitat for endangered birds including the ae’o ‘alalā ‘alā’e kea and koloa. Migratory birds also visit. The marsh itself is a testament to resilience. A thick peat layer covers much of it. Trees and even papyrus are growing. Restoration efforts are underway. Nonprofit organizations use traditional practices to revitalize this precious ecosystem.
The legend of Hauwahine adds another layer to Kawainui’s story. This mo’o or guardian spirit ensured plentiful food. However Hauwahine’s favor depended on the well-being of the people. Pollution or oppression would cause her to remove the fish. Hauwahine’s legacy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature. Kawainui Marsh near Levee Station 15+00 stands as a symbol of both resilience and the enduring power of Hawaiian culture.