Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary in Kahului protects a historic wetland and former fishpond, with endangered waterbirds, bird-viewing areas and airport-area access.

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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.

Key Features

Protected wetland and bird sanctuary in Kahului
Former Hawaiian fishpond with cultural history
Located near Kahului Airport and Kanaha Beach Park
Important habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds
Birds may include ae'o, alae ke'oke'o and other native or migratory species
State wildlife information notes 86 bird species at the wetland
Habitat supports native plants, invertebrates and wetland birds
Fencing helps keep predators and grazing animals out of sensitive habitat
Best visited quietly with binoculars from viewing areas
Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is known for birdlife, wetland habitat, former fishpond history and conservation in central Maui

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kanaha Pond culturally important?

The pond is connected with old Hawaiian fishpond history, giving the sanctuary a cultural layer beyond its current role as wetland bird habitat.

What birds is Kanaha Pond known for?

The sanctuary is known for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds such as ae'o, the Hawaiian stilt, and alae ke'oke'o, the Hawaiian coot.

Why is fencing important at the sanctuary?

Fencing helps protect nesting and feeding areas from introduced predators and grazing animals, including cats, mongooses, rats, deer and pigs.

How many bird species have been seen at Kanaha Pond?

State wildlife information notes 86 bird species at the wetland, making it one of Maui's important bird-viewing and conservation areas.

Why is Kanaha Pond unusual for Kahului?

The sanctuary preserves wetland habitat in the middle of an airport, road and commercial setting, showing how native bird habitat can remain inside a busy town area.