I'd call this more like a easy nature walk rather than label it as a hiking trail. It's hidden away in the neighborhood of Kailua locals. Seems popular to come to walk their doggos, runners, bike ride, bring their kids. It's flat and paved the whole way with the exception of going to side gravel when you need to pass others. Pretty casual and very relaxing walk. I always come here whenever I'm in Kailua and need a peaceful walking spot after eating. It's easy to stop here and only takes about 35-40 minutes each way (for a very casual pace walk). Probably faster if you run or speed walk. About 3 miles long. You can turn back anytime though! Parking lot easily accessible. P.S. wear sunscreen! It's not shaded and can get quite hot during the daytime. We love coming for sunsets so it's much cooler around that time. read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - Beautiful view of the mountains - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Fine if you live nearby or are driving past, but not ideal for biking and definitely nothing to go out of your way for. It's about two-thirds gravel not suitable for biking, and a bit of paved road (after a stretch towards the beginning that's all gravel). There are signs saying pedestrians have the right of way, and they will. not. move. for cyclists, so passing is tricky, stressful, and generally annoying. There's plenty of parking. There are two fairly nasty portable toilets by the parking lot. read more

Great running place on an elevated paved path that goes right through the marsh! I used to run here a lot but recently visited so my daughter could feed the ducks and geese. We brought wild bird seed and the friendly ducks and slightly too-friendly geese came by to eat. I really have to commend the geese here, although they were pretty feisty in their pecking of food and they were very eager, they weren't total jerks like some other geese I've met. We have more likely all seen those hilarious videos of someone running away screaming while a goose mercilessly attacks and hisses. It's all fun and games until you are the one being chased. But the geese here were nice for geese and when my daughter figured out she could feed them directly from the cup she had a blast! There were quite a few people on the trail, everyone seemed friendly! read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - Pretty friendly geese as far as geese are concerned - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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I've come here twice now for a beautiful bike ride. The left side is a cement path and then the right is a rock path with some grass. Most stick to the cement path and then you just pass them on the rocks. I love looking at the green mountains here. Love the birds. 3 miles. Great to do a couple times cuz it's rather short. It's flat, so you hardly gain elevation. read more

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It was overcast (drizzling) and a bit muddy at the start of the trail, but then the sky cleared and we had a nice (short) bike ride along the Kawainui Swamp. The path is well maintained (there's a concrete paved path and a gravel path) and well used. There are families walking together, young parents with baby strollers, people biking and people jogging. If you go on this hike/walk, don't forget to stop once in awhile and take in the view of the marsh with the Koolau Mountains in the background. There is a small parking lot off of Kaha Street in Kailua and the entrance to the trail begins from the parking lot. It was a nice way to start the morning before heading to Windward Mall to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Oh, one thing ------ c'mon people, please bring poop bags if you're going to walk your dog(s) on this trail & pick up their poop and toss it in a trash can. read more

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Paved along gravel path. Pretty scenery. I wouldn't call this a hike - more like a longish straightaway. Good for runners and bikers, or people just looking for an easy path to elevate your heart rate on. There's no shade so make sure you have some form of SPF. You'll see lots of dogs here because of the dog park and dog-friendly trail. read more

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I like to walk it early in the morning and watch the sunrise. Get plenty pokestops if you play go.

This has become one of my favorite places to walk and jog in the Kaneohe/Kailua area. Even though some other areas might have better paving, this path stretches for about 3 miles with no interruptions from cars or other motor vehicles. Parking here is easy. The Kawainui Neighborhood Park has a large lot and I've never seen it full, even when there are activities on the field. There are also two portable toilets on the sidewalk right next to the parking lot, just in case you need to make a stop during your visit. After you've parked, just follow the sidewalk around the corner to the path. Usually you can find families feeding ducks all sorts of things that ducks should not eat. (Just because the ducks will eat everything from popcorn to pizza doesn't mean they should!) The path has three little "roads" you can take. The paved section is perfect for strollers and wagons. There are also two footpaths on the gravel. The weeds can get overgrown for each of these gravel lines, but luckily they don't have any burrs or thorns, so they are safe for your feet or dogs. Bicycles sometimes take these paths, so be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are switching "lanes" from the pavement to the gravel. The scenery is really lovely here. I love looking at all the birds and the fog on the mountains. However, there's not much shade, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen if you are going out during prime sun times. If you are going down the path as it's getting dark, I recommend a flashlight (or your phone light) so you don't find yourself stumbling on the small rocks. Otherwise, enjoy the view and the trail! read more

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Sidewalk and gravel trail with amazing scenery. Can be biked. Easy hike for any level hiker. Sunscreen and snacks would be useful! read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - The trail - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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One of my favorite weekend activities is to get outdoors for a hike and then reward myself with a yummy meal. This time the reward was popular brunch spot Over Easy. Now we just had to choose a hike. After some research, my friend suggested Kawainui Marsh Trail, an easy out and back path that is great for all skill levels. The path is about 2.5-3 miles round trip and remains pretty flat. It was more like a walk than a hike. You'll see kids, dogs, walkers, joggers, and bikers on this trail. It was the perfect trail to catch up on some conversation and work up our appetites while enjoying beautiful windward views. Parking and restrooms are available at the park and the park is open from 7am to 7pm. The trail is unshaded so bring your sunscreen. read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - Paved path - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Nice place for a walk, jog or bike ride! Breathtaking scenery and nicely maintained. Plenty of parking is always a plus. Seems like it's not too sketchy to park there, but I could be mistaken. Nice big field for dogs to run around in. Community garden at the entrance. The walk is along a flat sidewalk with gravel tracks alongside it. It's pretty wide and comfortable to walk along. There's a canal on 1 side and a marsh on the other. Good birdwatching! We saw ducks, mynah birds, Red cardinals, bobuls, and white herons. Pigeons don't count, but they were there! There's nowhere to sit and cruise on the walk, so it's more of a "keep it moving" kind of place. There's also no shade, so go early morning or late afternoon or else wear sunscreen / sun protective clothing. Vegetation is pretty and the Mountain View's are awe-inspiring. Great place for a workout or romantic stroll! read more

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Had a great walk along the Kawainui Marsh Trail this Happy Thanksgiving morning! Not crowded at all, and it was overcast for most of my walk. There was even a nice breeze. read more

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For those of us who have "klutz "as a middle name, Kawainui Marsh offers a low-risk way to enjoy nature and the outdoors while keeping feet firmly planted on terra firma. The trail is more of a paved path with a gravel-strewn sidebar, perfect for a four-year-old to try out his new tricycle. Or, run after his parents after chasing a few ducks down into the marsh. If you're lucky, a turtle pops his head up from the brownish water to give you "the eye," but mostly there are the sounds of the marsh -- chirping birds teetering precariously on the waving reeds, the light breeze whispering secrets, and the crunching of gravel as a jogger or biker passes by on the path. In the distance, you can hear the faint sounds of the highway, getting louder as you walk along the path. It's surreal to see how close civilization is to this nature preserve while the ridge cut mountains stand like silent sentinals. Even in the mid-day heat, there's a sense of calmness and peace that makes you feel like you should be talking in hushed tones. Only that's not quite possible with a four-year-old who's happy laughter chases away any shadows cast by the occasional cloud cover. We saw a few folks planted in lawn chairs at the entrance to the marsh, enjoying a picnic and the sight of baby ducks swimming frantically after mama and papa, but mostly there were fellow strollers out to enjoy the fresh air and picturesque scenery. To get there, drive along Kihapai Street and then turn into the neighborhood park which offers ample parking spaces. Dog walkers, remember to bring your plastic bags. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses and load on the sunscreen. Pack some water, and you're good to go. Enjoy! read more

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There is a parking lot. From the parking lot, there's a walkway that leads to a graveled trail along the water way. Scenic but not much shade so something to consider when deciding on time of day to visit. Also, bicycle friendly! read more

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So! I asked my husband to go running with me about a week ago. Keep in mind my husband HATES running but can run circles around people but he will be hurting the next day. He located this place and we were off, he said it's a fairly easy "trail" I said great! I love this place and will most likely be a regular now that's it's cooling off in Hawaii. I took my daughter this afternoon, and she loved it! Another one who can run circles around people but hates running. I may have bribed her a little and took her to McDonald afterward ‍ Please don't judge me. She did awesome! I was about a quarter of a mile behind her she was running her butt off making me proud! This place is a gem, with no traffic it's about 14 minutes from my home in Kaneohe it's super easy to get to and...plenty of parking. Living on this Island has made me come to appreciate lots of parking and be very grateful for any that I find! It's a great run! you can make it an even three miles if you head to the top and run a little along the highway. This will be my go to place while I am here in Hawaii on the Windward side of the Island. read more

Be aware of when the gate for parking closed. Don't want to get locked in. Beautiful trail.

Very nice walk for the family. The path is paved, which makes it great for strollers, bikes and trikes. Only about a mile and half long. The best part of this walk is the scenery. There are beautiful views of the surrounding Ko'olau mountains. There's no shade along the path, so go early in the morning or late afternoon. Otherwise, be prepared with a hat and sunscreen - the midday sun can be brutal. read more

I've known about this place for a while but just decided to visit it for the first time today. I wish I would've gone much sooner. It's just a nice little path that takes you through the marsh with some beautiful views of the mountains, Olomana particularly. The path is 1.3 miles from end to end, so 2.6 miles round trip. There is a parking lot at the beginning with port-a-potties and trash cans for your convenience. I saw quite a few people on my walk and many of them had dogs. Just make sure if you bring your dog, they are on a leash. I loved this place and I will be back! read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Kawainui Marsh Trail is one of those unknown places you would never thought of visiting, unless you know you were looking for it. As it turned out, here I was in Kailua on a nice Saturday morning out for a 8 mile run starting from the Kawainui Marsh Trail. The plan was to weave through here, in and out of Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens, and end up at 24 Hour Fitness in Windward City shopping Center. The Kawainui marsh trail was interesting, since I haven't been to this side of Kailua ever. Pretty wild to see such a variety of life here versus the residential areas of Kailua, and the city life of Oahu. Located in Kailua next to the Kawainui Park, the trail itself extends around the lake and wetlands. It was interesting to see people walking in the trail so early in the morning. I am glad that there was plenty of trail to run in. However, this trail is reality short, so a good swift 1.5 miles is a good course to get warm in before venturing out into wilds of Kailua and Kaneohe. It's an interesting environment to be in, no doubt. Away from the residential areas and the busy streets of Kailua town and Kaneohe, this place definitely provides a subtle peace that can probably be described as punctual and creative. I like running though here and its nice to be able to just be here away from it all. Good for kids, families, and individuals who love the outdoors. Excellent for workouts or just walking. There are ducks and geese that inhabit the trail and the outlying areas, but be careful though. They can be very aggressive and angry when they want food and don't hesitate to take it from you when it thinks you have what it wants! There is plenty of parking spaces for y'all who drive, so that's comforting. It will behoove you to try this place just for kicks, for workouts, or just something for a change of pace. You'll be glad you did. Enjoy nature and it will be rewarding! Support local! A read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail is spread over 800 acres and is the largest wetlands in the state! It's super easy to find, plenty of free parking, and FREE admission! The unshaded trail itself is only 2 miles (1mile in and 1 mile out), flat, and paved the whole way making this an easy stroll for families and those with wheelchairs, walkers, and/or strollers! My 3.5yo who loathes walking actually ran the mile in and walked the mile out but she sped right past the lone turtle and the lone Heron. Oh but don't worry...she ran right back to me when a mob of ducks and pigeons waddled right up to her feet! These birds are obviously used to being fed but their "friendliness" looks like it can quickly turn aggressive so feeders beware! At the end of the trail we found a pot of gold!!! Okay, it wasn't really a pot of gold but better...a rock with a honeybee hive complete with exposed honeycomb! We oohed and awed from a safe distance and the honeybees happily allowed us to. We had fun on this walk, but I don't think it's something that we need to revisit unless our friends or out of town guests want to. However, this is an amazing trail for those who live in the area or are looking for a fun, easy, and educational trail for kids! read more

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Nice for morning strolls. Good for walks, runs, stollers. Paved and gravel path going from Kaha st to Kailua rd a little above the town. Can park at both ends. Lots of parking in the park at the end of Kaha st. Small area to fish/feed fish and ducks at beginning of path. Gets hot out there. Very relaxing, nice views, not much foot traffic. read more

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If you're just looking to get out, take a brisk stroll in a beautiful surrounding, this is the trail for you. I went with a friend and her newborn, and we took the stroller along which is perfectly fine. It's beautiful, serene, and just what you need to clear your head and get a bit of exercise in the process. There were plenty of people riding their bikes along the trail, which is just fine because their is a paved area for walking. Did I mention that it's beautiful? It's so lush, and if you really slow down to take it all in, you'll be amazed by the beauty of it all. I do plan to go back with my son and our bikes. I think he'd enjoy it quite a bit. read more

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This trail is awesome! We just came here by chance on a weekday afternoon. Parking is at the park and you just walk through till it wraps around the back which is a paved path that leads you to the long stretch in the beginning of Kailua. We brought our pup here and was lucky to find it was pet friendly too. The only downfall was there wasn't any trash bins along the way because if your pup poops in the beginning, you'll be packing some unwanted, stinky poop weights the entire walk until you're back at the park. read more

Beautiful views! Plenty parking in the park (park gate closes at 7). Trail great for a stroll or a jog or bike ride. It's about 2 1/2 miles and it can get pretty hot so stay hydrated. Never too crowded with people and everyone is always so friendly. read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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I really wanted to check out this path after driving past it all the time. I decided that it's probably a fantastic place if you want to run, but I'm not a runner... Parking was a little difficult in the afternoon on that little unpaved area. To get to it you have to be on the side of the road heading away from Kailua town. The landscape was wonderfully different from the rest of Oahu. The marsh extends far away and leads your eyes to the tall Koolau mountains~ It was a really peaceful walk until the end when we were almost attacked by the pigeons and geese! We went down to the stream to watch the ducks when a flock of pigeons flew down from a nearby tree with two large geese leading the crowd. It was kind of scary how they all began to step toward us, forcing us to go back up the hill. Then they began to follow us until we ran away. Ahhhh! Scary birds. read more

I'm always looking for interesting nature scenes that's family friendly. This was an easy find right off Oneawa St. Plenty of parking and the trail was mostly stroller friendly, paved and gravel. The mountains are gorgeous with the clouds hugging the tops. No shade as this walk is in the open. I enjoyed watching the ducks and birds as we strolled along. There was people jogging and walking their dog's but overall quiet atmosphere. I found out this marsh area has a dam that a couple days of the month is opened and allowed to drain into the ocean. One of the openings goes to my favorite beach, Kailua Beach Park. read more

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I've always enjoyed a good hike but a bum ankle makes usual rooted or rocky Hawaii trails an exercise in playing through pain if not properly taped or braced up. The K-Marsh provides a nice paved route that is just under a mile long. While Ralph Waldo Emerson wouldn't consider this a return to nature it provides some predictable terrain that allows us slightly maimed a carefree jaunt. The view of the marsh and ko'olaus is nice and a vantage point you don't usually get to see. I'm told by Mango Man that the marsh looks a lot like the Mekong Delta--not sure if that's a good thing or not but it's quite green and teeming with wild life. Feeling emboldened by the paved path I did two round trips at a decent clip and got to enjoy the early evening twilight hours with plenty birds, frogs and the like. Parking looked tight on Kaha but I walked from a friend's on Oneawa. There were lots of others on the path and there's a gravel shoulder that can be utilized for passing. Its a good trail for folks trying to get some exercise, a touch of nature, while enjoying the modern convenience of stoic and supportive asphalt. I'm a little bummed discovered this after moving out of Kailua. read more

Pros: it's free, it is easy to find, parking is free, it's safe during the day, it's doable for anyone who is mobile, don't need to be an experienced hiker because this is flat terrain all the way, you can take your well behaved dog provided you pick up after it. You can run, walk or bike the trail. There is a paved area for walkers. You can go at your own pace. It's relaxing. You feel removed from the bustle of daily life. You get to see all sorts of fauna and flora. There are signs along the start of the trail that provide some information on what you'll see. There is a picnic table and open lawn at the start of the trail if you want to have a picnic lunch. Come down Oneawa Street and turn to Kaha Street. Park at the parking lot at Kaha Street. There are about 20 parking spots. Cons: Well, it is a marsh so it has the smell of a marsh. It's not some woodland hike in Oregon. This doesn't have pretty pine trees or tall trees since it's a marshy area. The trail is open to the elements including the sun so bring sunscreen/sunglasses or a raincoat depending on the weather. I would not do this trail in the midday because it's so hot and there's no shade. Go in the morning or late afternoon. The side of the trail that faces the residences has litter and some minor dumping. read more

It's flat. Easy to push a jogging stroller on. Not much to look at and kind of boring. Parking lot available.

This is a good place to do some walking or jogging if you are looking for a good place in the Windward Side that offers beautiful scenery of the mountains and valley. The entire 2 mile stretch is half concrete and half gravel. Marshes are nice and well-preserved. You might even see some ducks and geese roaming in the area. Overall, a good place to take the family or go by yourself. read more

Nice trail. Friendly people. No shade once on the walk. Take water. Pretty views of wetlands, mountains and canal. Worth the trip. Flat walk. read more

Very nice path with lots of opportunities to see birds. Free admission. The path is very flat and it's mostly paved. Lots of families were there with kids and dogs. I went by myself and didn't feel unsafe. It's worth noting that there's a four foot stone fence along the path that can block your view of some waterbirds. I still got great pictures. read more

Kawainui Marsh Trail - Hiking Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Paved, flat, easy, 1 mile each way. Good for going on a leisurely walk or run. No shade, so I would avoid it high noon. read more

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It is a good place for hiking. It is quiet and has beautiful nature. Though it takes time to go, it is worth to visit. read more

Flat, gravel path goes for about 1.5 miles. Great for bird viewing although the ducks and geese are pretty aggressive (apparently they've been fed before). Seems like a spot for evening strolls/jogs/rides. No shade so prepare if a sunny day. Good for kids, strollers, scooters, bikes. read more

Great semi paved/gravel walking/running path along the marsh. Always a nice breeze to give you a break from the sun since it's an open, unshaded trail. So glad this gift has been given to us as a recreational space. Love viewing the marsh while running - makes the time pass faster! Plenty of parking at the park entrance in Aikahi, or small non-designated parking near the town side of the trail. read more

It's a small trail with little to no shade. It's perfect for walking/running and biking. There are ducks and other birds on the pond so that's always a great view. The parking lot is medium sized and normally isn't crowded read more

This flat, semi paved path is a great run location, enough foot traffic to feel safe without being overcrowded. Lots of birds, so bring a camera! read more

I love going for walks here. It's so serene, and I enjoy looking at the birds, the marsh and the mountains. You can see turtles popping their heads out of the water, and families of ducks waddling around. It's a great place to take the kids on a walk because you don't have to worry about traffic or cars. All the people walking and exercising there are super friendly and say hello, good morning, nice day, etc. It's just a nice place to go. read more

Ran this with the first time with our puppies tonight! Love love love! It has a paved side walk but also a lot of grass and gravel road. Nice and wide for people to pass and everyone was so friend out there. I was trying to get my pups better around other dogs and running on a leash and this was the perfect place not to mention the amazing scenery! Highly recommend! read more