Invite you to kōkua and mālama Kawai Nui Marsh.

NĀ PŌHAKU 0 HAUWAHINE (The rock formation of the Hawaiian mo'o goddess and guardian of Kawai Nui Marsh) is located on the makai side of Kapa'a Quarry road about 50 yds mauka of the old entrance to Kapa'a Landfill (about 2 miles in from Kalanianaole on Kapa`a Quarry Road, look for our new gravel parking areas on both sides of the road). This massive basalt formation offers a panoramic view into the piko of Kawai Nui Marsh where one can observe in tranquility the wetland birds and marsh vegetation. Brush removal and trail construction have revealed an ancient Hawaiian terrace that aligns with the massive rock outcrops. We will be clearing alien vegetation, planting and caring for native plants, and maintaining the trail system—all to recreate a native dryland forest and marsh ecosystems. (For all ages)

HOLOMAKANI HEIAU was presumed to be destroyed according to McAllister's 1933 account, but was rediscovered in 1987. Archaeological surveys suggest that this site may be a "possible prehistoric heiau or large terrace structure of some significance". It may have been associated with other heiau sites and important events in the Kailua ahupua'a. This site is located on the mauka side of Kapa'a Quarry road about 0.7 miles from the intersection of Kalanianaole Hwy. A short hike of 15 minutes from the Quarry Road along trails created by off-road vehicles will lead to the site. We have cleared the heiau terraces and posted a sign to inform others about the significance of this Hawaiian cuitural site and to respect its Hawaiian religious values. We are in the process of creating a view plane into Kawai Nui Marsh and maintaining the site. (Adults)

LO‘I KALO ~ ULUPŌ HEIAU (Night of Inspiration) one of the first sacred temples to have been built as a mapele (agriculture) heiau by the first people or menehune and dedicated to Kaneulupo. Later in the reign of high chief Ku‘alii, the temple may have been reconstructed as a luakini or human sacrificial heiau. The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Ka Pa Ku‘i A Holo are the co-curators for this heiau and conduct service projects every second Saturday of the month. Ahahui Mālama i Ka Lōkahi has taken the lead to restore the ancient spring fed lo‘i kalo (taro terraces) located behind the heiau, and develop an ethnobotanical garden reflecting the agricultural practices of the ancient Hawaiians. (All ages)

KAWAI NUI ESTUARY WETLAND BIRD ISLET RESTORATION ~ As part of the Ahahui Mālama i ka Lōkahi marsh restoration program for Kawai Nui Marsh, an islet located at the Kaha Park side of the Oneawa Channel estuary has been cleared of alien vegetation and will be landscaped as a wetland bird habitat. Service project dates to this site will be announced at certain times. (Teenagers and adults)

Halau Mele with Kumu Keola Lake performing the Oli Kahea beside Ulupō Heiau during the May 4, 2002 program: "The Chants and Mo`olelo of Kailua Ahupua‘a and Kawai Nui Marsh."

AML/KNHF
PHOTO ALBUM