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

Visit Us

The refuge is not open to the general public due to its inaccessibility and the need to protect Hawai‘i’s endangered species. Please contact the O‘ahu NWR Complex headquarters for opportunities to get involved with established programs conducted at other refuges within the Complex.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      On the upper slopes of the northern Ko‘olau Mountains exist some of the last remaining native intact forests on O‘ahu. In December 2000, thousands of acres became part of the National Wildlife Refuge System to protect and recover endangered, threatened, and other rare wildlife, and to protect native biodiversity on the refuge.

      O‘ahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge is home to the endangered pūpū kani oe (O‘ahu tree snails); endangered plant species; and many native birds; including the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, ‘i‘iwi, pueo, and native honeycreepers.

      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

      O‘ahu Forest NWR supports at least 22 federally listed species including ʻiʻiwi, ʻelepaio, pūpū kani oe, ʻōpeʻapeʻa, and other rare native flora and fauna species.

      Get Involved

      The refuge is not open to the general public due to its inaccessibility and the need to protect Hawai‘i’s endangered species. Please contact the O‘ahu NWR Complex headquarters for opportunities to get involved with established programs conducted at other refuges within the Complex.