Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. Located along the south-central coast of the island of Maui, between the towns of Kihei and Ma‘alaea, this 691-acre wetland is home to the endangered Hawaiian stilt (ae‘o) and Hawaiian coot (‘alae keoke‘o).   Kealia Pond functions as a settling basin for a 56-square mile watershed that results in seasonal, intermittent flooding during winter months and dryer conditions during late summer months. This creates open water (200 acres) and shallow mudflat areas interspersed with vegetation, which provides suitable nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for endangered waterbirds. During certain times of the year, the refuge supports half, if not more, of the Hawaiian stilt population. The pond hosts a diverse assemblage of migratory birds from late summer (August) to early spring (April). It is one of the most important areas in the state for wintering migratory waterfowl. Click on the bird species list below for more information. Migratory shorebirds also congregate here to take advantage of the food resources along the water’s edge. As water recedes, fish are crowded into the remaining water, making them easy prey for ‘auku‘u (black-crowned night herons).   Approximately 2,700 people visit the refuge each year to engage in various wildlife-oriented activities, including birdwatching, photography, environmental education and interpretation, habitat restoration projects to remove invasive species, and outplanting with Hawaii’s native vegetation. The entrance road to the refuge, located at milepost 6 of Mokulele Highway (Highway 311), is approximately a mile north of the town of Kihei. The office, a modular trailer, is less than 0.3 mile from the entrance road's intersection with Mokulele Highway. Parking is limited. Please call in advance if there are more than 20 people. The Refuge is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.  Refuge Update Construction of the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, along North Kihei Road is complete. This 2,200-foot boardwalk will provide visitors an opportunity to learn about wetlands and its wildlife inhabitants. At this time, we are waiting for completion of the parking area. Kealia Pond NWR Bird Species List (pdf) For more information: Glynnis Nakai, Refuge Manager Maui National Wildlife Refuge Complex Milepost 6 Mokulele Highway (Hwy. 311) P.O. Box 1042 Kihei, Hawai`i 96753 (808) 875-1582 (808) 875-2945 fax E-Mail: glynnis_nakai@fws.gov Maui National Wildlife Refuge Complex Kakahaia Main Hawaiian Islands NWRs Top of Page