The Hamakua Marsh is beautiful and tranquil

September 1st, 2009

A beautiful but unassuming waterway runs right next to a busy street in central Kailua town.  These two birds look as though they are waiting for an opening in traffic to cross the street.  But both the birds and their home are much more important than they first appear.  The Ae‘o, or Stilt, is a native of Hawaii and, standing 16 inches on bright pink legs, it is the tallest shorebird.  The Stilt is one of four endangered native Hawaiian waterfowl that live in the Hamakua Marsh.  To see them, all you need to do is walk along the stream or sit and watch for a while.

Hamakua Marsh is beautiful and tranquil.  It is also a State of Hawaii wildlife sanctuary and is designated a "wetland of international importance" by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (a preservation organization based in Switzerland).  Last month, its future became much more secure.  A coalition of public and private groups purchased 87 acres on the ridge behind the marsh so that it can be preserved.  At one time the ridge was slated for development as a retirement community.

The only clue to the significance of the space is a sign that shows drawings of the four endangered birds and gives their descriptions.  That may soon change.  Hamakua Marsh and nearby Kawai Nui Marsh (also a Ramsar designated wetland) are part of a big restoration project.  The goal is to preserve native plants and animals while removing non-native invasive species.  The two marshes have a rich history that includes native Hawaiian religious, cultural and ecological practices.  In the future, they may have trails and programs for tourists and students.  But don’t wait.  It is just too easy to stop for a spell and admire the many waterfowl at home in their environment rather than a zoo or museum.

The proximity and openness of the marsh means it is not unusual to see the birds wandering around Kailua.  I’ve seen ducks in the parking lots of most businesses across the street.  Frequently, I wait for my bus along with a white crane who seems to be looking for a ride to Honolulu.  I walk by the marsh often and am always struck by its beauty.  The calmness of the water reflecting trees and the nearby ridge is beautiful even when not accented by the ripple of a passing duck.

The hardest thing about experiencing the marsh may be realizing that you are there.  It runs along the mauka (toward the mountain) side of Hamakua Drive at the entrance to Kailua town.  Several buses stop nearby and there is parking on the street or in nearby parking lots.  Although the pending restoration is welcome and long overdue, it is a lovely treat to have the marsh free and openly accessible.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner
 

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Entry Filed under: In General, Kauai, Oahu