State simplifies access rules at Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui

Public access to visit Kanaha Pond — one of Maui’s most scenic wetlands, and permanent home to the endangered Hawaiian stilt (‘Aeo), Hawaiian coot (Alae-ke‘oke‘o) and Hawaiian duck (Koloa-maoli) — has now been made simpler, under recent administrative rule changes.

Kanaha Pond wildlife sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset, between August 31 to March 31 annually. Permits to visit inner sections of the sanctuary are no longer needed from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

However rules for public visitation remain in place, to keep the sanctuary safe for wildlife, plants and people.  Visitors may walk in to view wildlife, plants,

Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary sign. Photo courtesy DLNR.

Kanaha Pond. Photo courtesy DLNR.

and the wetland vistas, and must remain at all times on the marked roads and trails only.  Pets are not allowed.

Entrance signs with rules for visiting are prominently posted at the two entry gates on the ocean side of the sanctuary. One access gate is near the Valley Isle Produce end of the sanctuary. The other gate is just past the tall naupaka hedge, half a mile to the east farther along Amala Place.  No changes have been made for visiting the Observation Kiosk situated off Old Haleakala Highway, it remains open year-round.

Administrative rule changes for wildlife sanctuaries can be found on the DOFAW website at  http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/ Click on “Administrative Rules” under Resources and look for Title 13 Chapter 126.