Paddle Kawainui Marsh & Restore

Disclaimer: This site follows COVID-19 protocols which are updated with the Hawai’i State Department of Health and may restrict certain activities. Please check with your local provider as protocols may change.

Kawainui, Hawaii’s largest wetland located on the windward side of O’ahu, is threatened by overgrowth of invasive plants such as bullrush, cattail, water hyacinth and water lettuce. These plants crowd out areas of open water, reducing habitat for endangered wetland birds such as ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian Gallinule), ‘alae ke’oke’o (Hawaiian Coot) and ae’o (Hawaiian Stilt). 

Volunteers assist with hand-pulling of invasive weeds and replanting areas with native wetland plants. The result will be a mosaic of mudflats, open water, restored native bird habitat, and native wetland plants on almost 20 wetland acres.

Highlights

• Visit the windward side of the island Oahu and immerse in the State’s largest wetland
• Work from shore, in waders, or from a kayak
• Learn about native plants and their importance to the ecosystem
• Help clear invasive plant species using small hand tools
• Make new friends in the community
• Free parking available

Know Before You Join

• Ability to perform gardening tasks while bending, kneeling, lifting, and stretching 
• Participants must be ages 16+ in order to participate. Ages 16 – 18 must have signed permission from a parent or legal guardian. Waiver for all participant signed onsite
• No drop-ins; must sign up in advance

COVID-19 Update

• Group sizes have been limited to adhere to State and CDC guidelines
• Masks and social distancing may be required