Visit Us
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.
Other Facilities in the Complex
James Campbell NWR is managed as part of the O‘ahu NWR Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.
Other refuges in the complex include Pearl Harbor NWR and O‘ahu Forest NWR.
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. Please check with the Refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself.
Recreational and subsistence fishing is an important activity to many residents of Hawai‘i, and fishing tourism is also an important part of the economy. Recreational fishing is administered by the Division of Aquatic Resources within DLNR. No license is required for recreational saltwater fishing, which takes place all along the coastal areas near Kahuku. Typically, rod and reel poles are used; however, spearfishing and throw-nets are also popular. The most coveted reef fishes are uhu, ulua, and redfish. 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.