This refuge was established to protect endangered and threatened waterbirds, including the koloa (Hawaiian duck), ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen), ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose). In addition, these wetlands host a number of vagrant and migratory waterbirds. To ensure the continued protection of the birds that live in Hanalei NWR, ...
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Formerly a sand and gravel mining site, Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary is a manmade wetland, created and preserved to provide a healthy habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. This site is home to native species ʻalae ʻula, ʻalae keʻokeʻo, aeʻo, and ʻaukuʻu and is regularly visited by nēnē.
Named in memory of McKinley High School teacher and environmental activist Betty Bliss, this special viewing point provides a look into the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge- an area dedicated to the protection and management of endangered waterbirds and endangered plants. Accessible year-round by walking or biking along the Leeward Bikeway (also known as the ...
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This protected lagoon provides habitat for a variety of native and endangered waterbirds. The adjacent Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park is a family-friendly viewing point for the lagoon. The calm waters of the lagoon offer a peaceful backdrop for birds and parkgoers alike.
Encompassing 830 acres of land, Kawainui Marsh is the largest remaining wetland in Hawaiʻi today. Once an important place for fishing, kalo farming, and cultural practice, Kawainui Marsh is now being restored to create suitable waterbird habitat for endangered aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt), ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian gallinule), and ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot).
A guided tour through the refuge is led by experienced birders who serve as volunteers with the Friends of Oʻahu Refuges group. During the two hour walking tour, participants learn about endangered water birds, migratory shorebirds, and waterfowl, as well as the history and conservation efforts of the Refuge.
Waimea Valley features botanical gardens, important cultural sites, a waterfall, and more. Managed by non-profit organization, Hiʻipaka LLC, Waimea Valley is accessible to the public with the purchase of admission. The valley is home to around 15 of the endangered ʻalae ʻula.
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is nestled between Kīhei and Ma‘alaea towns and features a coastal salt marsh habitat. Start your trip at the Visitors Center to learn all about the area and its feathery inhabitants. Nearby, the Kanuimanu Ponds offer an up-close view of waterbirds. A must-see is the Coastal Boardwalk that offers a ...
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The Kanahā Ponds were designated a State Wildlife Sanctuary in 1951 and provides a safe habitat for many native and vagrant waterbirds. Located near the Kahului Airport and the main towns of Kahului and Wailuku, this site is an easy escape to view nature.
Some of the best bird watching on the island can be found at ʻAimakapā Fishpond. This wetland area provides habitat for an amazing variety of birdlife, including some species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Other species can be found spending the winter months in the fishpond, having traveled to Hawaiʻi from ...
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Wailoa River State Park contains several ancient Hawaiian fishponds (none currently in use) that provide habitat for a variety endemic, migratory, and introduced waterfowl. Recently a flock of domestic helmeted guineafowl has also been frequenting the area. The park is open daily during daylight hours.
While it is on private property, Loko Waka fishpond is a great spot to see native waterfowl, particularly ‘alae ke‘oke‘o. Loko Waka is also a major roosting site for cattle egrets in the Hilo area. At 60 acres in size, Loko Waka is the largest of the fish ponds in Keaukaha.