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.

Keālia Coastal Boardwalk

Guided Bird Walks at Kealia Pond: Tuesdays at 9am

Every Tuesday during the months of October 2018 through March 2019, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will offer a 9 a.m. guided bird walk. It’s a great time to learn more about the refuge and the migratory and native birds. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, and sturdy walking shoes. Meet in the Kealia Pond NWR Visitor Center, located at Milepost 6 on Maui Veterans Highway in Kihei. Bird walks may be canceled if the water levels are high and prohibit safe access to the wildlife viewing ponds at the refuge. Please call the refuge if you would like to confirm at (808)875-1582.

Kealia Pond Third Saturday Events: October- March

Every third (3rd) Saturday during the months of October 2018 through March 2019, the refuge will host SATURDAYS AT THE POND and be open to the public from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature guided birds walks, interpretive talks, educational presentations and hands-on crafts for the keiki. The November 17th Saturday at the Pond will feature the following special activities: 8:30 invasive weed pull and native outplanting; 10am guided bird walk; 12 pm Kealia Pond Birds and Bats presentation; crafts for keiki, interpretive displays at the visitor center; wildlife viewing walking paths and native pollinator garden.

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.

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
What's New

Visitor Center is open!

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Visitor center hours are Monday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., closed on federal holidays. The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk is open seven days a week from sunrise until 7 p.m, including federal holidays. 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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