Guide to Birding the Hawaiian Islands

Popular Birding Sites on The Island of Kaua`i

Directions to Sites

(Wetland Birds)

1. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
   From Lihu`e, take Kuhio Highway (56) North and West to Kilauea Town. Bear right past gas station, then take first left on Lighthouse Road. Proceed to NWR. Open 7 days, 10 AM to 4 PM. There is a small charge.
    
2. Waita Reservoir
   From Lihu`e, take Kaumuali`i Highway (50) West 6.8 miles to Maluhia Road (520), turn left, proceed makai to Koloa Town. Go East past Old Koloa Town to first left before the sugar mill and proceed North. Access to Waita Reservoir is on unpaved roads to the West and maybe restricted.
    
3. `Opaeka`a Valley/Wailua River
   From Lihu`e, proceed North on Kuhio Highway (56), make first left on Highway 580 after crossing Wailua River Bridge. Proceed one mile to the falls; Wailua River is on the left.
    
4. Menehune Fishponds (Alakoko)
   In Lihu`e Town, take Kapuli Highway (51) South to Wilcox Road, past Nawilwili Harbor on Wa`apa Road to Hulemalu Road; lookout over fishponds is on the left.
    
5. Mana Wetlands
   From Lihu`e, take Kaumuali`i Highway (50) West past Kalaheo, Hanapepe and Waimea to Kekaha Town. Continue on 50 for about 2 miles; Kawai`ele Sand Mine Bird Sanctuary (State) is on the left. Look for other wetlands and ditches on either side of road for another 7 miles ending at Polihale State Park.
    
6. Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands
   From Lihu`e, take Kaumuali`i Highway (50) West to end of road at Polihale State Park. The Station is located between the highway and the ocean. Access may be restricted.
    
7. Hanapepe Salt Ponds
   From Lihu`e, take Kaumuali`i Highway (50) past Puhi, Lauai, Kalaheo, to Hanapepe Town. Take first left past town on Highway 543; pass Hanapepe park to flats area.
    
8. Koloa Reservoirs
   From Lihu`e, take Kaumuali`i Highway (50) West 6.8 miles to Maluhia Road (520), turn left, proceed makai to Koloa Town. Reservoirs are located along Maluhia Road , Koloa Road (530), and 1st Hawaii Sugar Mill Road, west of Koloa Town.