Guided Bird Walks at Kealia Pond: Tuesdays at 9am
Every Tuesday 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 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 February 16th Saturday at the Pond will feature the following special activities: Join us at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge for a day of exploring Maui’s precious wetland ecosystem. At 10:00, view Hawaiian endangered wetland birds and migratory birds on our guided bird walk. At 11:30, learn about endangered Hawaiian yellow-faced bees and conservation efforts by Dr. Jason Graham from University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Meet at the Kealia Pond visitor center at Milepost 6 Maui Veterans Highway for our bird walk, yellow-faced bee talk, and keiki craft activities; interpretive displays at the visitor center; wildlife viewing walking paths and native pollinator garden.
Call the Refuge for details: 808-875-1582
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.
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