Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge

The Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge is located on the southeast side of Kaua‘i adjacent to the Menehune Fish Pond, a registered National Historic Landmark. The Hulē‘ia Refuge is approximately 241 acres of relatively flat land along the Hulē‘ia River bordered by a steep wooded hillside. It was purchased from the Grove Farm Corporation in 1973 to provide open wetlands for thirty-one species of birds, including five endangered Hawaiian waterbirds that rely on the Hulē‘ia River Valley for nesting and feeding habitat.

Ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) – The stilt’s Hawaiian name “one standing tall” aptly describes this black and white bird with its long, slender pink legs.

‘Alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot) – Prominent in Hawaiian mythology, the coot can be recognized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast with its dark body.

‘Alae‘ula – (Hawaiian moorhen) – This elusive waterbird is endemic to Hawai‘i and has a distinct red frontal shield with a yellow tip on its bill and can be seen walking across floating vegetation with its long, un-webbed toes.

Koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) – Both male and female have orange legs and feet and resemble small female mallards.

Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) – Identified by dark furrows on their cream colored necks, long legs, and reduced foot webbing. Nēnē feed on tender leaves, grasses, and berries.

Twenty-six other species of birds (18 of which are introduced species) also use the refuge. In order to protect the endangered species that live in Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge, it is closed to the public but can be viewed at an overlook maintained by the State of Hawai‘i at the historic Menehune Fish Pond.