Guided walks offered at Kealia Pond
A Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge naturalist will offer free hourlong guided walks to view birds beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesdays in January, February and March, according to an announcement.
Visitors should meet at the Kealia Pond Visitor Center, located at Milepost 6 off of the Maui Veterans Highway, formerly known as Mokulele Highway, in Kihei.
“It’s a great time to learn more about the refuge and the migratory and native birds,” the announcement says.
Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, water and sturdy walking shoes.
Also, on Jan. 6, Feb. 3 and March 3, the refuge and visitor center will be open for a family-friendly guided wetland walk with wildlife viewing opportunities and crafts for keiki.
The wetland walk is at 10 a.m. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Kealia Pond hosts more than 30 species of birds, including the endangered Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian coot and migratory waterfowl. The refuge has walking trails and a coastal boardwalk in Maui’s largest wetland area. Established in 1992, the wildlife refuge covers more than 700 acres between Kihei and Maalaea.
Regular refuge hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Visitor center hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The center is closed on federal holidays.
The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk is open seven days a week from sunrise until 7 p.m., including federal holidays.