Kawai Nui Marsh and Grinders

After the rain comes rainbows and...

brown water.  Yep.  Paradise is not perfect.  Our rainy season has impacted me more than usual this year since my hiking schedule has become dependent on the weather.  Due to recent rains, we have also experienced a lull in beach outings.  The sun may be shining, but the water is brown and brewing with bacteria from sewage leaks, spills and runoff from the mountains during recent heavy rains.
 

Since swimming, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding weren't really an option, I lucked out on taking another hiking adventure with my boys over the long President's Day Weekend.  We compromised on getting outside to walk/hike/jog by also making sure it was not a strenuous, challenging, adrenaline rush, cliff hanging, rock climbing trail (you know, the best kinds).

So we found ourselves at Kawai Nui Marsh.  The trail along this Kailua marsh land is flat.  There is a sidewalk and gravel path parallel to the sidewalk.  It's the perfect spot for joggers, kids, parents with strollers or wagons, and people like me who might have to twist arms to get their family to join them for some outdoor exploration.  All fitness levels can enjoy some aspect of this trail.  And after the harrowing experience I had the day before climbing along Koko Crater Rim, I must admit it was nice to get out and just have a totally uneventful trail to walk (and jump) along.

The walking path follows the edge of the marsh where you will encounter turtles, fish, and ducks in the swampy marsh land.  There are dragonflies, birds, and probably mongoose roaming the area too.  There is free parking at the Kalaheo end of the trail.  We started our walk/hike at the parking lot and traveled all the way to the other end of the marsh by Kailua Road.  Once we reached the end, we headed back the way we came, making our total mileage 3.0 miles in the warm Kailua sunshine.
 

When we walked the trail on Saturday, we were afforded beautiful blue, partial cloudy skies, views of the Ko'olau Mountains, acres of green wetlands, and several other trail goers looking to soak up sunshine before more rain inevitably came in from the impending winter storm.

I would recommend this trail to anyone looking to get outside for a bit and take in mountain views.  As mentioned earlier, this trail is not for thrill seekers.  This trail can become rather monotonous, but I'll take it over no trail going at all.  It is a worry free trail, you can put your earbuds in, listen to your favorite tunes, and walk or jog along free from having to watch each step or worry about strange characters that might be lurking...it is a safe place to spend an hour or two soaking in the great Hawai'i outdoors.

This trail is also convenient to...

yes, you guessed it...yummy food!  After my oldest and I jogged the last portion of the trail and waited for my husband and youngest son to meet us back at the car, we all agreed a delicious sandwich from Timmy T's Gourmet Grinders would hit the spot.  Located not five minutes from the trail, we were in and out with our sandwich order (they are the fastest sandwich makers on the island) and ready to sit at the beach (not swim) and enjoy some more sunshine and sandwiches.

Saturday Sandwich Sanctuary.