Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; sunrise-sunset)
Construction of this imposing
platform temple was traditionally attributed to
menehune,
the 'little people' who legends
say created much of Hawaii's stonework, finishing each project in one night. Fittingly,
Ulupo means 'night inspiration.' In front of the temple
,
thought to have been a
luakini
(temple dedicated to war god Ku) used for human sacrifice, is an artist's rendition of how
it probably looked in the 1700s.
The temple is a mile southwest of downtown Kailua, hidden behind the YMCA at
1200 Kailua Rd. Coming over the Pali Hwy from Honolulu, take Uluoa St, the first left
after passing the Hwy 72 junction, then turn right on Manu Aloha St and right again on
Manu Oʻo St.
Kawai Nui Marsh
PARK
MAP
(
www.kawainuimarsh.com
;
off Kaha St; 7am-7pm)
One of Hawaii's largest freshwa-
ter marshes, Kawai Nui provides flood protection for Kailua town and habitat for en-
dangered Hawaiian waterbirds. The inland water catchment has one of the largest re-
maining fishponds used by ancient Hawaiians. Legend says the edible mud of the fish-
pond was once home to a
moʻo
(lizard spirit). A wheelchair-accessible recreational path
leads around the marsh.
Park at the end of Kaha St, off Oneawa St, just over a mile northwest of Kailua Rd.
Hamakua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr
/
; off Hamakua Dr; sunrise- sunset)
Downstream from Kawai
Nui Marsh, this tiny nature preserve provides more habitat for rare waterbirds, including
the
koloa maoli
(Hawaiian duck),
aeʻo
(Hawaiian black-necked stilt),
ʻalae keʻokeʻo
(Hawaiian coot) and
ʻalae ʻula
(Hawaiian moorhen). Bird-watching is best after heavy
rains. To keep these endangered birds wild, please do not feed them. Park off Hamakua
Dr, behind Down to Earth natural-foods store.
WORTH A TRIP
PADDLING TO KAILUA'S OFFSHORE ISLANDS
Three of Kailua's pretty little offshore islands are seabird sanctuaries, accessible
only by kayak. Landings are allowed on
Popoiʻa (Flat) Island
, off the south end of
Kailua Beach Park. The magical twin Mokulua Islands,
Moku Nui
and
Moku Iki
, sit
