Kawainui Marsh

Lonely Planet review

Kawainui Marsh is one of Hawaii's largest freshwater marshes and provides flood protection for the town of Kailua. The inland water catchment is also one of the largest remaining fishponds used by ancient Hawaiians. Legend says the edible mud of the ancient fishpond was home to a mo'o (lizard spirit).

Downstream from Kawainui is the smaller Hamakua Marsh, which provides habitat for rare Hawaiian birds in their natural habitat.

Resident rare-birds include the 'alae 'ula (Hawaii moorhen), ae'o (Hawaiian stilt) and 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot)Bird-watchers flock to this 22-acre sanctuary at the south side of the town center. Simply park behind the Down to Earth natural health-food store on Hamakua Dr.