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Description:
Encircled by waterfall-draped mountains, the picturesque Hanalei Valley on Kaua'i's north shore harbors the Hanalei Refuge. Established in 1972, it provides essential habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot), 'alae 'ula (Hawaiian moorhen), and ae'o (Hawaiian stilt). Past overhunting, introduced predators, and loss of wetlands, has caused them to be endangered. The refuge also is home to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The surrounding hillsides are wooded primarily in exotic species. An extensive water delivery system provides water for wildlife impoundments and wetland agriculture. Taro farming has been conducted in Hanalei Valley for over 1,000 years. Properly managed taro farms provide a traditional Hawaiian food, and habitat where native waterbirds feed, nest, loaf, and rear their young. Birds feed on invertebrates and aquatic plants in flooded patches, moving easily among the widely-spaced taro plants, while the canopy of large leaves hides them from predators. Stilts and ducks nest on dry ground but lead their young into the patches to feed. Directions:
The refuge office is accessed by turning left just after crossing the Hanalei River Bridge onto Ohiki Road and continuing past the Haraguchi Rice Mill to the last buildings on the right.
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