Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge

Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 241 acres and was established in 1973 under the Endangered Species Act to recover threatened and endangered species including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian gallinule), ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) and the nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Managed wetlands within the Hulē‘ia River Valley provide for the birds' lifecycle history requirements. In addition, 26 other bird species, 18 of which are introduced, also use the refuge. The refuge is located in a relatively flat valley along the Hulē‘ia River, bordered by a steep wooded hillside. This land was used for wetland agriculture including taro and rice, but is managed today as a refuge for wildlife. In order to protect the endangered species that live there, the refuge is closed to the public, but it can be viewed at an overlook maintained by the State of Hawai‘i at the historic Alakoko (Menehune) Fishpond.