James Campbell
Kahuku, HI 96731
Plan Your Visit
James Campbell NWR is typically a closed refuge however, we do offer bird tours during the nonbreeding season of the endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. Click here for more information..
Activities
The Refuge is vital breeding habitat for four endangered waterbirds as well as various native and migratory birds. The Ki‘i Unit of the James Campbell NWR is partially open to the public during the non-breeding season solely for tours and volunteer/educational activities, and is closed during the remainder of the year to provide undisturbed habitat during the ae‘o nesting season.
Rules and Policies
There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the Refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity.
Recreational and subsistence fishing is an important activity to many residents of Hawai‘i. No license is required for recreational saltwater fishing, which takes place all along the coastal areas near Kahuku. The closest public shore access locations are 1 mile south at Malaekahana SRA and 4 miles north at the Turtle Bay Resort.
Based on the potential for direct harm to endangered waterbirds, the Refuge is closed to the public for hunting.
Featured Species
Get Involved
Due to sensitive wildlife, the nesting of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, James Campbell NWR is mainly closed to the public. However, there are still ways to get involved!
Starting in October and running through February the refuge hosts free weekly bird tours on Saturday mornings for the public. If capacity allows, we are hoping to add a second weekly tour on Thursdays. Currently, volunteers from our ‘Friends of O‘ahu Refuges’ group, guide visitors through the refuge pointing out interesting and unique birds and wildlife, discussing refuge management techniques and current refuge happenings, and relaying land history. If you are interested in becoming a tour guide for our upcoming 2023/2024 bird tour season please reach out to the O‘ahu Friends group @Info@friendsofoahunwr.org
Because of limited staff capacity, volunteer opportunities at the refuge are minimal at this current time. However, we do offer occasional work days for groups such as school groups, clubs, etc. Please refer to the 'Volunteering' tab on this page for more information
Services
The Oʻahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex offers a variety of outdoor and conservation education opportunities, both directly through the refuge and our partners.
About
James Campbell NWR is located in Kahuku, Ko‘olauloa on the island of O‘ahu. One of the few scattered remnants of natural wetlands that still exist on O‘ahu, the Refuge was established in 1976 for the purpose of providing habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. Further expansion was authorized in 2005 for the purposes of providing additional habitat for endangered waterbirds, migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, seabirds, endangered and native plant species, endangered ‘īlioholo-i-ka-uaua (Hawaiian monk seal), and threatened honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle); providing increased wildlife-dependent public uses; and assisting with flood damage reduction in the local area.
Our Mission
As the largest protected wetland in Hawai‘i, James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge has a vision of providing a haven for native Hawaiian waterbirds and migratory birds from around the world. The coastal dunes offer sanctuary for nesting seabirds, green sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals. Native water birds share the natural spring-fed ponds of the Ki'i and Punamano units nesting on the mudflats and in sedges below. Visitors and volunteers discover, understand, and appreciate the rare fragile environments, cultural resources, and open spaces. The wetland absorbs floodwaters as natural flood prevention for the community of Kahuku which promotes a healthy ecosystem. Partners, neighbors, and community work together to protect and enhance these unique resources.