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Hakalau
Forest NWR was set aside in 1985 to protect and manage endangered forest
birds and their rain forest habitat. Located on the windward slope of
Mauna Kea, Island of Hawai‘i,
the 32,733-acre refuge supports a diversity of native birds and plants
equaled by only one or two other areas in Hawai‘i.
Eight of the 14 native bird species occurring at Hakalau are endangered.
Thirteen migratory bird species and 20 introduced species, including eight
game birds, as well as the endangered ‘ape‘ape‘a
(Hawaiian hoary bat) also frequent
the refuge. Twenty-nine rare plant species are known from the refuge and
adjacent lands. Twelve are currently listed or proposed for listing as
endangered. Two endangered lobelias have fewer than five plants known
to exist in the wild.
Hakalau Forest NWR contains some of the finest remaining stands of native
montane rain forest in Hawai‘i.
The slopes below 4,000 feet receive very high rainfall - 250 inches annually.
Bogs, fern patches, and scrubby forest dominate this area which is dissected
by numerous deep gulches. Rainfall decreases to about 150 inches at elevations
above 4,500 feet, where majestic koa and red-blossomed ‘ōhi‘a
trees form a closed-canopy forest. Further upslope, above 6,000 feet,
rainfall decreases to 100 inches or less. The native forest merges into
abandoned pastureland where alien grasses and weeds, introduced as forage
for cattle, are the dominant vegetation.
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Hakalau Forest NWR's goal is to promote the recovery of endangered forest birds and their habitat. Current efforts are focused on removing wild pigs and cattle, controlling weeds, and planting trees to restore native habitat. Plant and animal populations are monitored to determine their health and to measure their response to management actions. |
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Habitat loss is only one of the factors responsible for diminishing populations of native birds. Diseases carried by alien or non-native birds and spread by introduced mosquitoes; competition from alien birds and insects for food and space; and the introduction of predators such as rats, cats, and mongooses are also responsible for population declines. |
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The Maulua Tract
of Hakalau Forest NWR is open to the public for bird watching, hiking,
and photography on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Permission is required
prior to entry. Call 808-443-2300 in Hilo for reservations and current
information on visiting opportunities. The refuge can be reached from
Hilo via Saddle Road (Highway 200), Mauna Kea Summit Road, and Keanakolu
Road. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the 40-mile trip, which
takes almost two hours each way.
For more information:
Refuge Manager
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
60 Nowelo Street, Suite 100
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
(808)443-2300
(808)443-2304 fax
E-mail: james_glynn@fws.gov
Big Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex