) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is nestled between the towns of Kīhei and Ma‘alaea and features a coastal salt marsh habitat. The site was historically an ancient fishpond managed by the native Hawaiians with water from the west Maui Mountains. Kealia Pond was designated a wildlife refuge in 1953. The area was used as a runway once known as Māʻalaea Airport and has been used to train the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions during World War II.
The site is home to approximately 30 species of waterfowl, shorebirds and migrating ducks as well as a site known to hold vagrants at times. Water levels can be variable throughout the year, with high water levels during the rainty winter season to dropping to lows in the spring through to half the size in the summer season. The visitor centre may have informative staff who can provide infromation and advice on recent sightings.
The term Kealia comes from 'salt encrusted place'. When the water levels are low tilapia populations die back by up to 98 % producing a foul stench.
Details
Access
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge can be accessed by parking in the visitor centre or parking by the hides for the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge ponds or for the board walk parking by the board walk parking. Press a P on the map for directions.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Dunes , DesertConditions
Flat , SandyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesLinks
- Kealia Pond NWR - eBird hotspot
- Keālia Pond NWR--Kanuimanu Aquaculture Ponds - eBird hotspot
- Kealia Pond NWR--Kealia Coastal Boardwalk
- KEĀLIA POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - Hawaiʻi Birding Trails
- Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge - US National Fish and Wildlife Service
- Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge - Wikipedia Site