Our Backyard. Hamakua Marsh.

Designated one of three new Wetlands of International Importance.
Hamakua Marsh: Designated one of three new Wetlands of International Importance.

Hamakua Marsh is a wildlife sanctuary, a beautiful place to witness rare birds found only in Hawaii in their native habitat. The Marsh provides significant habitat for several of Hawaii’s endemic and endangered waterbirds.

Be on the look out for the birds fishing, bathing, or even protecting their territory. here.

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, including the ‘Auku’u- Black Crowned Night Heron, Migratory Mallards, ‘Alae Ke’oke’o- Hawaiian Coot (white bill) and ‘Alae ’Ula- Common Moorhen (red bill).  To see them, all you need to do is walk along the stream or sit and watch for a while.

Access Hamakua Marsh from the parking lot next to Kailua General Store on Hamakua Drive (across from Safeway).  Please be respectful of the area and please don’t  feed the birds!