Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bee Presentation, Feb. 16

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public and will feature a special presentation on the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee and free activities on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019.

From 10 to 11:15 a.m., guests are invited on a guided refuge bird walk.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dr. Jason Graham will lead a presentation on the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee.  The public is invited to come learn more about yellow-faced bees, the Pollinators in Paradise exhibit and citizen science project.

Hawaiian yellow-faced bee in a flower. Photo credit Dr. Jason Graham

The refuge also hosts family friendly activities: pollinator and bee crafts for keiki, interpretive displays at the visitor center and bird viewing opportunities.  All activities are free.

The refuge will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keālia Pond is located at Mile 6 on Maui Veterans Highway in Kīhei.

Guided bird walks continue at Keālia Pond on Tuesdays:

Every Tuesday through March 2019, Keālia Pond will offer a 9 a.m. guided bird walk. It’s a great time to learn more about the refuge and the migratory and native birds. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, water and sturdy walking shoes. Bird walks may be canceled if the water levels are high and prohibit safe access to the wildlife viewing ponds at the refuge. Interested individuals should call the refuge at (808) 875-1582 to confirm attendance.

Keālia Pond is host to over 30 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl and the endangered Hawaiian stilt and coot. The refuge has walking trails and a coastal boardwalk located in Maui’s largest lowland wetland.

Established in 1992, the wildlife refuge covers over 700 acres between Kīhei and Māʻalaea. Refuge hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.  Visitor center hours are Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  It is closed on federal holidays. The boardwalk is open seven days a week from sunrise until 7 p.m, including federal holidays.