Welcome to Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
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Encircled by waterfall-draped mountains, the picturesque Hanalei Valley on the north shore of Kaua‘i harbors the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established under the Endangered Species Act to conserve five endangered water birds that rely on the Hanalei Valley for nesting and feeding habitat: the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), the ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), the ‘alae‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen), the ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt), and the nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Forty-five other species of birds (18 of which are introduced species) also use the refuge. |
| Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge - Photo credit Shannon Smith/USFWS |
The refuge is a relatively flat river valley ranging from 20 to 40 feet above sea level and surrounded by steep, wooded hillsides, up to 1,000 feet high. The water from the Hanalei River is diverted into an east and west supply ditch. It then flows northwest and irrigates approximately 75 acres of wildlife and impoundments, 180 acres of taro patches, and 90 acres of wet pasture before returning to the river. Hanalei NWR is closed to the public to minimize disturbance and protect endangered waterbirds.
For more information:
Shannon Smith, Refuge Manager
Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex
P.O. Box 1128
Kīlauea, Hawai‘i 96754
(808) 828-1413
(808) 828-6381 fax
E-mail: shannon_smith@fws.gov
