Aloha and welcome to James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge! Part of the National Wildlife Refuge systems, James Campbell is a sanctuary for many species that are native and endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Latest News

A large white bird soaring in blue sky with its long white-and-black wings spread the width of the photo
Wildlife Wonders
Refuge Animals From A to Z
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves land and water on national wildlife refuges for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Here’s a sampling of them, from A to Z.
A small pond surrounded by leafy green vegetation, a few standing dead trees and verdant forest
Wildlife Management
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
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Visit Us

James Campbell NWR is typically open to the public on a limited basis during the nonbreeding season of the endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. However, there are currently no tours, volunteer activities, or environmental education activities being offered. Please check the website periodically for updates.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      James Campbell NWR is located in Kahuku, Ko‘olauloa on the island of O‘ahu. The Refuge was established in 1976 for the purpose of providing habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. 

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. 

      Our Species

      James Campbell NWR provides habitat for four endangered Hawaiian waterbirds: ae‘o, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o, ‘alae ‘ula, and koloa maoli, as well as a variety of seabirds, migratory shorebirds, and migratory waterfowl. You may also observe the native ‘auku‘u, state-protected pueo, and endangered ʻōpeʻapeʻa. At the beach, you may be able to observe the threatened honu, endangered honu ʻea, and endangered ʻīlioholoikauaua. 

      Hawaiian Goose
      Nene
      Somewhat similar in appearance to a Canada Goose except only the face, cap, and hindneck are black; and Hawaiian geese have buff-colored cheeks. The front and sides of the neck appear to have black and white stripes. This is caused by diagonal rows of white feathers with black skin showing through...
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      Species
      Kingdom
      Animalia
      Taxonomic Rank
      Species

      Get Involved

      James Campbell NWR is part of the O‘ahu NWR Complex. Activities such as environmental education and volunteer projects are typically permitted during the nonbreeding season of the ae‘o; however, currently, the Refuge is closed to the general public. Please check the website periodically for updates.