Kawai Nui Marsh

Kawai Nui Marsh, near Kailua on the Windward (eastern) side of the island, is the largest wetlands in the Hawaiian Islands, a beautiful 830-acre wilderness that came close to evaporating due to proposed urban development. Today the marsh and its archeological sites are being cleaned and their grandeur revealed to the public.

There was a time when the marsh supported a 400-acre fishpond and an agricultural field system that sustained the Hawaiian royalty that resided there. Several heiau (ancient Hawaiian temples) were constructed and used first for agricultural ceremonies and later for war rituals.

The remains of Ulupo Heiau are on the east side of the marsh. When it was constructed, the heiau measured 140 by 180 feet with walls up to 30 feet high. It is listed on the National and Hawaii Registers of Historic Places and can be accessed by foot from the YMCA parking lot, near Castle Hospital.

Heiau were central to early Hawaiian life and are still considered sacred to Hawaiians. When you visit a heiau, approach slowly and notice its placement in the scheme of things, and take careful note of where you step. Nothing should be altered or removed, don't climb or walk on the rock walls or platforms, and don't leave flowers or stone offerings behind.

Kawai Nui is home to scenic views from marsh to mountain, abundant wildlife and ancient Hawaiian archeological sites. Birds, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian duck, the Hawaiian coot, the common moorhen and the black-necked stilt, nest in the marsh.