Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Updated on:
December 13, 2021

UPDATE 5/18/2023: Learn about the Kapalua Coastal Trail.

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

About Kelia Pond

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a 704 acre protected wetland habitat that is a great place for birdwatching, learning, and enjoying Maui’s natural beauty.  It’s in the south part of Maui’s central valley, just outside of Kihei, along North Kihei Road (Route 31).  But the entrance is from Maui Veterans Highway (Route 311) (formerly called Mokolele Highway), at Milepost 6. A modern 7500-square-foot visitor center with educational exhibits opened here in 2012. Admission is free. Phone 808-875-1582.

Bird Sanctuary at Kealia Pond in Central Maui

Kealia Pond is a small lake that you will notice in the south central valley on any map of Maui.  It is so shallow that its size varies tremendously depending on recent rainfall.  In the rainy season (winter) the pond occupies 400 acres, but in the dry season (summer) it shrinks to 200 acres.

Some of the 30 species of shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory ducks you may see here are the Black-crowned Night Heron, Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Egret, and Pacific Golden Plover.  You can spot those and other birds at both the main wildlife refuge described above and along the nearby coastal boardwalk.

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Kealia Pond Wildlife Refuge

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

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