Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary

Maui Ancient Site Guide

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected Maui wetland in Kahului, known for Hawaiian fishpond history, native waterbirds and easy viewing access.

Kanaha Pond Wildwife Sanctuary
Kanaha Pond Wildwife Sanctuary

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, Maui

Located between downtown Kahului and Kahului Airport, the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary was once a royal fishpond, believed to have been built either by chief Kihapi'ilani who lived around 1500, or by Kapi'ioho'okalani, a chief of Oahu and Molokai.

Today, it is a waterfowl sanctuary home to over fifty species of birds, including three endangered Hawaiian bird species, the Hawaiian stilt (ae'o), the Hawaiian coot ('alae) and the Hawaiian duck (koloa). Other bird species that can be seen here are doves, geese, gallinules, herons, pheasants, owls, plovers, sandpipers and tattlers.

There is a paved walkway at the southern end of the refuge from where the birds can best be observed. The pond was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.

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Location, Parking and Directions

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kahului near Kahului Airport and the Kanaha coastal area. Public viewing access is commonly reached from the Keolani Place parking area on the west side of the sanctuary. Follow posted signs, use designated parking only and check current access rules before visiting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary?

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is in Kahului on Maui, near Kahului Airport and the coastal wetland area behind Kanaha Beach.

What is Kanaha Pond known for?

Kanaha Pond is known as a former Hawaiian fishpond and protected wetland habitat for native and migratory waterbirds.

What birds can visitors see at Kanaha Pond?

Visitors may see Hawaiian stilts, Hawaiian coots, ducks, plovers, sandpipers, herons and other wetland birds, depending on season and conditions.

When is Kanaha Pond open?

The Keolani Place parking area and west-side viewing path are generally open from sunrise to sunset. Some east-side trails have seasonal access, so check current DLNR rules before visiting.

How should visitors behave at the sanctuary?

Stay on marked paths, keep quiet near birds, do not feed wildlife, keep pets out of restricted areas and avoid entering closed nesting habitat.