Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges

Conservation and preservation efforts on the island is supported by a non-profit organization called, Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges (formerly Kīlauea Point Natural History Association). Their efforts are focused on filling in areas within the programs that are administered by the Refuge team through funding some of the refuge efforts and preservation programs that include education programs as well as staffing of their visitor center and nature stores. They have three locations: Kīlauea Point NWR, Hanalei NWR and Hulēʻia NWR.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Back in 1985 the refuge was established to protect migratory as well as resident seabirds and endangered species. To name of few of the species:  the ʻaʻo (Newell’s Shearwater) ʻā (Red-footed Booby), and ʻaʻo (Newell’s Shearwater) populations and their habitats. This refuge is located at the northmost point of the island.

In addition to the wildlife, you will also find the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse on the land. The refuge team also maintains and preserves the lighthouse. The lighthouse underwent extensive restoration and added to the list under the National Register of Historic Places.

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Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
It was established in 1972, making it the oldest of the three and also happens to be the largest with 917 acres. Their efforts established to recover threatened species that include the koloa (Hawaiian duck), ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot), ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian Gallinule), and the aeʻo (Hawaiian Stilt). Additionally, they are in charge of the management of the wetland’s agriculture that historically dates back several hundreds of years, farming kalo (taro) plant. It is all inclusive in the area as it also helps maintain waterbird feeding and nesting.

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Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Established in 1973 to recover threatened and endangered species. This refuge is located near the city of Līhu‘e and is around 241 acres. Their efforts help the koloa (Hawaiian duck), ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot), ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian Gallinule), and the aeʻo (Hawaiian Stilt) and the nēnē (Hawaiian Goose).

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