Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Maui

This beautiful conservation refuge is 704 acres of stunning protected wetland in the Hawaiian archipelago, great for birdwatching and enjoying Maui’s natural beauty. Just outside of Kihei where we were staying, it was a mere 5 miles from our condo.

It has a 2,200 foot long Boardwalk taking visitors throughout the nesting areas without interference to the wildlife feeding and breeding.

Kealia Pond-National Wildlife Refuge

Kealia Pond-National Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk

Kealia Pond-National Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk

Kealia Pond-National Wildlife Refuge

Across the highway, Kealia Pond is a small lake so shallow that its size varies tremendously depending on recent rainfall. While we were there in winter, the pond occupies about 400 acres, while during the summer months, it shrinks to 200 acres in the dryer season. North American and Asian birds visit the pond like the Pacific Golden Plover that migrates from Alaska.

Pacific Golden Plover also called Kolea in Hawaiian

The refuge was built in 1992 as a protection for endangered shorebirds. Two of the native birds are the ae’o or Hawaiian Stilt (up next) and the ‘alae ke ‘oke’o or Hawaiian coot. Others to see are Black-crowned Night Heron and…

Black-crowned Night Heron

Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Sanderlings, Egret, and Pacific Golden Plover shown in this post.

Maui Sanderlings, see them on Garden Walk Garden Talk.

Kealia Coastal Boardwalk is a beautiful tranquil walkway and bird sanctuary, beside Maalaea Bay. Wish you could have seen this place. Hop on over the see the Sanderlings on Garden Walk Garden Talk, followed up with more birds on Maui.