Paiko Lagoon, Oahu, Hawaii

Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuli'ou'ou, Hawaii

The Paiko Lagoon and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area a few miles east of Honolulu.

Driving by on Kalanianole Highway, you wouldn't think much of the area. Built up with homes and condos, the area around Kuli'ou'ou looks like a lot of the development on Oahu. But if you turn off at Paiko Drive, there is street parking and beach access. Just make sure to obey the signs because there are some restricted parking areas.

Cactus along the walking path at Paiko Lagoon

The beach is fairly undiscovered. The day we went, a few folks were walking their dogs and a few others lying on the beach. The impression that I got was the multi-million dollar homes around the lagoon are vacation properties and not year-round residences.

What makes the lagoon so special is that it is fed by freshwater streams from nearby mountains. Freshwater streams and pools are becoming more and more rare in Hawaii due to overdevelopment. In fact, the Paiko Lagoon itself is endangered because of all the nearby housing.

A coconut and some sticks on the beach

The water is very, very shallow. I saw some people hundreds of yards from the shore and the water wasn't even waist deep. Of course, you should always be careful in the water, as there's no lifeguard on duty. Also, water shoes are recommended. I took off my sandals and promptly stepped on a sharp stick that punctured my heel.

Some of the development around the lagoon

The lagoon is a wildlife and plant protected area. That means there is no fishing or hunting of any kind and the introduction of plant species is not allowed. Clean up and bring your trash out with you, too.

There is a wonderful Hawaiian myth that takes place in Kuli'ou'ou. Hi'iaka, the goddess of the hula was traveling through the area when she came upon some locals catching fish and crabs in the shallow pools near the shore (See? I told you the water was shallow!). When Hi'iaka asked the women to share their bounty, they refused, and told the goddess to do her own fishing. Hi'iaka retaliated with a magic incantation that killed the women.
***

If you enjoyed this story, you might like my novel Truffle Hunt
Order the Truffle Hunt ebook at Amazon
Order a softcover copy of Truffle Hunt at Eckhartz Press