Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Kanuimanu Ponds

    Kanuimanu Ponds

    Kanuimanu is translated as “a group of birds” in Hawaiian – you will understand this interpretation when you walk around the ponds.

  • Newly hatched Hawaiian coot chick

    ‘Alae ke‘oke‘o nest with chick and eggs

    The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot) nests amongst the vegetation in winter months when water is high.

  • Newly hatched Hawaiian stilt chick

    Newly hatched ae‘o

    Ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) eggs and chicks are well camouflaged – a tactic for survival against predators.

What's Going On ...

Current Conditions - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice

As a public health precaution, Visitor Services are temporarily suspended at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. The Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk is open. Last updated 3/30/20.

Volunteers Needed

Recruiting new volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering as a visitor center docent, roving interpretive docent or habitat management volunteer, email Courtney Brown, Visitor Services Manager (courtney_brown@fws.gov) or call 875-1582.

Information About Events

Use of Drones is Illegal on Refuges

Areas considered ecologically sensitive—including lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System, host to threatened or even endangered species—can be disproportionately affected by drone flights. Thus it is illegal to operate unmanned aircraft on Refuge property without special permits. In addition, if a drone operator stands beyond Refuge boundaries and flies the vehicle over the Refuge, fines can be levied if the drone is observed disturbing wildlife.

Tips for Responsible Drone Use
About The Refuge

Visitor Center Operations

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Headquarters' facility and offices, and public restrooms are currently closed to protect nesting Hawaiian stilts in the main refuge wildlife viewing areas. Wildlife viewing areas will reopen after nesting season. Kealia Coastal Boardwalk is open seven days a week from 6am-7pm, including federal holidays. Dogs are not permitted due to nesting Hawaiian birds and protection of wetland habitat. For more information contact Courtney Brown at courtney_brown@fws.gov or (808) 875-1582.

About the Complex

Maui National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Maui National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

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