Kealia Pond NWF Offers Free Wildlife Activities

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Tuesdays at the Pond

A Sanderling at Kealia Pond NWR. PC: Tom Dove via Keālia Pond NWR.

The Tuesday bird-walks will provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the refuge and the migratory and native birds that inhabit the area. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, water and sturdy walking shoes.

The walks will begin at 9 a.m. and visitors are to meet in the Keālia Pond NWR Visitor Center, located at Mile 6 on Maui Veterans Highway in Kīhei. Bird walks may be cancelled if the water levels are high and prohibit safe access to the wildlife viewing ponds at the refuge.

Those interested in attending should call the refuge to confirm at (808) 875-1582.

Saturdays at the Pond

Every third Saturday during the months of October 2018 through March 2019, the refuge will host Saturday At the Pond, an activity open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature guided birds walks, interpretive talks, educational presentations and hands-on crafts for the keiki.

The October 20 Saturday at the Pond will feature the following special activities: 10 a.m. guided bird walk; 1 p.m. Keālia Pond Birds and Bats presentation; crafts for the keiki, interpretive displays at the visitor center; wildlife viewing walking paths and native pollinator garden.

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., closed on federal holidays. The boardwalk is open seven days a week from sunrise until 7 p.m., including federal holidays.