We know it can be frustrating to bring a bulb home and realize you’re not sure which way to plant it, so join one of the many discussion groups at Naturehills.com to access advice beyond Kihei. We have a world-class selection of trees, shrubs, flowers and more at Naturehills.com so you can stop relying on the limited selections of Kihei nurseries. If you are tired of wasting time by driving to multiple nurseries in the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge area to find the perfect tool or exact breed of perennial, check out Naturehills.com to experience a kaleidoscope of gorgeous flowers and unique patterns of shrubs. Naturehills.com is constantly working to improve our online capabilities because we understand that a convenient, secure website is the key to attracting and maintaining loyal customers.
At Naturehills, we embrace nature. Below you will find a list of state parks in Kihei we have compiled for you.
KAKAHAIA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Description
Kakahaia Refuge is a coastal freshwater pond, originally used as an artificial fish pond. This 44-acre refuge is situated on the south coast of Moloka'i. Established in 1977, it provides habitat for the endangered 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot) and small numbers of 'ae'o (Hawaiian stilt), migratory waterfowl, and shorebirds. Northern pintails are common in winter months; and the Pacific golden plover is the most common shorebird. The native black-crowned night heron feeds on fish and other small vertebrates along the shoreline. Kakahaia is primarily a natural, spring-fed habitat. However, in 1983, an additional impoundment was constructed to increase shallow water habitat for the endangered stilt. In 1998 and 1999, this "New Pond" was cleared of invasive plants to open up habitat for the endangered stilt and coot, as well as wintering birds. State Route 450 bisects the refuge. The 2 acres seaward of the highway are under special use permit to the County of Maui for use as a county park open to picnicking and shoreline fishing.
Milepost 6, Mokulele Hwy (Hwy 311)
Kihei,HI,96753
Phone: 808-875-1582
Email: Glynnis_Nakai@fws.gov
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
Kakahaia Refuge is located along the coastal road (Highway 450) linking the island's southeast coast with the airport in Kaunakakai. The refuge is located directly seaward of the Kawela subdivision and is about 5 miles from Kaunakakai. As a satellite refuge, Kakahaia is not open to the public except by Special Use Permit; however, parking, picnic tables, and shade trees are located on the ocean side of the road. This park area is open year round.
KEALIA POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Description
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. Located along the south central coast of the island of Maui between the towns of Kihei and Ma'alaea, this 691-acre wetland is home to the endangered Hawaiian coot (ae'o) and Hawaiian coot ('alae ke oke'o). The refuge is adjacent to Kealia Beach, which is a nesting ground for the endangered hawksbill turtle. Kealia Pond serves as a settling basin a 56-square mile watershed that results in seasonal intermittent flooding during winter months and dryer conditions during late summer months. This creates open water (200 acres) and shallow mud flat areas interspersed with vegetation, which provide suitable resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for endangered water birds. During certain times of the year, the refuge supports at least half of the Hawaiian stilt population. The pond also supports a diverse assemblage of migratory birds from late summer (August) to early spring (April). It is one of the most important areas in the state for wintering migratory waterfowl. Migratory shorebirds also congregate here to take advantage of the food resources along the water's edge. As water recedes, fish are crowded into the remaining water, making them easy prey for 'auku'u (black-crowned night herons). Approximately 2,700 people visit the refuge each year to engage in various wildlife-oriented activities, including bird watching, photography, environmental education, habitat restoration projects that involve removal of exotic species, and outplanting with Hawaii's native vegetation.
Milepost 6, Mokulele Hwy (Hwy 311)
Kihei,HI,96753
Phone: 808-875-1582
Email: Glynnis_Nakai@fws.gov
- Interpretive Programs
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
The refuge office is located about a mile north of the town of Kihei. Look for the familiar U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service logo (with the dark blue fish and goose) at the entrance, located at milepost 6 of Mokulele Highway (Highway 311). The office is less than 0.5 miles down this road. Parking is limited; groups of more than 20 people please phone ahead.
