The Best Public access points in Kapaʻa, Hawaii

Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, located in Kapaʻa, Hawaii, is a park and tourist attraction that is closed to the public in order to protect endangered and threatened species of birds. Visitors can still enjoy views of the refuge from an observation point along Kūhiō Highway in Princeville, where interpretive signage provides information on the wildlife and management of the area. Hikers can access the Okolehao trailhead by driving through the refuge on Ohaiki Road, but are reminded to drive slowly and avoid stopping or parking along the road to protect wildlife. The refuge, established in 1972, is the oldest of Kaua‘i's three refuges and is dedicated to the recovery of endangered species such as the Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian moorhen, Hawaiian stilt, and Hawaiian goose. The 917-acre refuge was purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is also home to the historic Haraguchi Rice Mill. Conservation efforts at the refuge include training a conservation dog named Solo to sniff out duck carcasses infected by Avian botulism to prevent outbreaks of the disease. The refuge works with partners to conserve and protect wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of the American people. Please note that links to external websites do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.