Hakalau Forest NWR Hakalau Forest Refuge consists of the 33,000-acre Hakalau Forest Unit and the 5,300-acre Kona Forest Unit. Both units are on the Big Island (Island of Hawaii). The Hakalau Forest Unit is located on the windward (eastern) slope of Mauna Kea between the elevations of 2,500 and 6,600 feet. The refuge was established in 1985 to conserve endangered forest birds and their rain forest habitat. Eight endangered bird species, an endangered bat, and nine endangered plant species occur on the Hakalau Unit.Habitats include grassland and open woodland at the highest elevations which are frequented by the kolea (golden plover), the pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl), the Eurasian skylark, and eight species of introduced game birds. Below about 5,500 feet, the majestic koa and red-blossomed 'ohi'a trees form a closed canopy forest with an understory of native trees, shrubs and ferns. Here Hawaiian honeycreepers, including the 'i'iwi, 'apapane and 'amakihi, are abundant. Even the rare and endangered 'akiapola'au, Hawaii 'akepa, Hawaii creeper and the i'o (Hawaiian hawk) can be found along with the more common 'elepaio and oma'o. At elevations below about 4,000 feet, bogs, fern patches and scrubby rain forest dominate the terrain which is dissected by numerous deep gulches. Few native birds are found at the lower elevations because of mosquito-borne diseases such as avian malaria.The Upper Maulua Unit is open on weekends and holidays for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors may trek through open woodlands and native rain forest to observe native birds and plants. The Upper Maulua Unit is accessed through a locked gate off Keanakolu Road. Reservations are required and may be obtained by phone through the Hilo office. There are no visitor facilities or restrooms, and no food, water, or gas is available.The lower portion of the Maulua Tract is open every day between sunrise and sunset for public pig hunting. This remote area is accessed through the Piha State Game Management Area or the Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve (both areas managed by the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife). An arduous 2-hour hike is required over rough and unmarked trails. Reservations are required and may be obtained through the refuge office in Hilo.The Kona Forest Unit is located on the leeward (western) slope of Mauna Loa between the elevations of 2,000 and 6,000 feet and is somewhat drier than the Hakalau Unit. It was established in 1997 to protect endangered plants and animals including some of the last endangered 'alala (Hawaiian crow) remaining in the wild. It also supports substantial populations of the same native and endangered birds that occur within the Hakalau Unit, the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat and a high diversity of common and rare mesic forest plants and invertebrates.The Kona Forest Unit closed to the public at present.
Haleakala National Park The Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakala on the island of Maui and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species. Haleakala, originally part of Hawaii National Park, was redesignated as a separate entity in July 1961. Haleakala National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Of its 30,183 acres, 24,719 acres are designated wilderness.
Hanalei NWR Encircled by waterfall-draped mountains, the picturesque Hanalei Valley on Kaua'i's north shore harbors the Hanalei Refuge. Established in 1972, it provides essential habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot), 'alae 'ula (Hawaiian moorhen), and ae'o (Hawaiian stilt). Past overhunting, introduced predators, and loss of wetlands, has caused them to be endangered. The refuge also is home to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The surrounding hillsides are wooded primarily in exotic species. An extensive water delivery system provides water for wildlife impoundments and wetland agriculture. Taro farming has been conducted in Hanalei Valley for over 1,000 years. Properly managed taro farms provide a traditional Hawaiian food, and habitat where native waterbirds feed, nest, loaf, and rear their young. Birds feed on invertebrates and aquatic plants in flooded patches, moving easily among the widely-spaced taro plants, while the canopy of large leaves hides them from predators. Stilts and ducks nest on dry ground but lead their young into the patches to feed.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary No one knows exactly when humpback whales first began wintering in the warm, shallow waters around the Hawaiian Islands. Narrative reports from whalers document the appearance of these majestic giants in Hawaii in the 1840s, but little evidence substantiates an earlier presence. But arrive they did, and today the waters around the main Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kaho'olawe constitute one of the world's most important North Pacific humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) habitats and the only place in the U.S. where humpbacks reproduce. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population (approximately 4000-5000 whales) migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed, calve and nurse their young.The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary also provides opportunities for surfing, diving and snorkeling.
Huleia NWR Hule'ia NWR, southeast of Kaua'i, lies adjacent to the famous Menehune Fish Pond, a registered national historical landmark. The refuge is about 240 acres of steep wooded slopes and relatively flat bottomlands along the Hule'ia River. Hillsides are wooded in exotic trees and shrubs, while most of the wetlands were formerly used for taro and rice production. The refuge provides habitat for four endangered waterbirds as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. When acquired in 1973, the refuge was badly overgrown with introduced plants, limiting its value to wildlife. Management goals include creating open water, replacing introduced plants with native vegetation, restoring old taro patches, and creating nesting areas safe from predators. Properly managed taro farming provides a traditional Hawaiian food, and habitat where native waterbirds feed, nest, loaf, and rear their young. Coots and moorhens build floating nests in the patches, using taro stems as anchors. Stilts and ducks nest on dry ground but lead their young into the patches to feed.
