Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge preserves important habitat for endangered wetland birds and overwintering migratory birds. The Hawaiian coot and the Hawaiian stilt, two native endangered birds, make their homes here. But the refuge is also a safe haven for hawksbill sea turtles, another endangered species. 

Visitors to the refuge can enjoy seeing wildlife up close from two public access points. The visitor center, located off HI-311, has interpretive displays and a network of dirt paths surrounding Kanuimanu Ponds. At the other end of the complex, visitors can walk along the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk from a parking area on HI-310. The boardwalk follows a narrow beach that separates the ocean from a lowland marsh. A shady viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk provides a nice spot to relax and look for birds. Several side paths from the boardwalk may be passable to make a loop of your walk by returning by way of the ocean beach.

Plan ahead by checking the website for up-to-date closure information. Trails are closed seasonally to protect nesting birds. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm. The boardwalk is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.