Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Maui

Beautiful place to bird watch. The observation. Shelters is a great place to watch all the bird action. There is a little oasis of palm trees I wanted to explore but the access between two fences was too narrow for my backpack. I would have given it five stars had there been better access to the preserve.

Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary in Maui, Hawaii, is a hidden treasure for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. This serene sanctuary, located near the Kahului Airport, offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the main attractions of Kanaha Pond is its incredible birdwatching opportunities. The sanctuary is home to many endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, such as the Hawaiian Stilt and the Hawaiian Coot. Birdwatchers can enjoy the sight of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit spot for ornithologists and casual birdwatchers alike.

The sanctuary is equipped with well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area at their own pace. Informative signs along the trails provide insights into the local flora and fauna, adding an educational element to the visit. The viewing platforms offer great vantage points to observe the birds without disturbing them.

Amenities at Kanaha Pond include clean restrooms and ample parking, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. The peaceful environment, with its lush greenery and tranquil waters, creates a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning images of the wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Overall, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's unique ecosystems. Highly recommended for a peaceful and...

We decided to play "tourist" one Sunday afternoon which brought me and two of my buddies here. I've driven by it a million times but never stopped to observe, let alone learn its history.

THE GOOD 'OL DAYS: The brackish water ponds of Kanaha are actually one of two (the other is called Mauoni) swampy marshlands that spanned from its current location all the way west to where Queen Kaahumanu Center is now. Ancient Hawaiians used portions of it for fish cultivation when ocean fishing was prohibited during the spawning season.

Most of the ponds naturally dried up or were filled in with debris dredged from Kahului Harbor back in the early 1900's. The (now defunct) Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar (HC&S) company donated the land to the US Navy. The pond was then deemed a wildlife sanctuary in the 1950's, and a registered natural landmark in 1971. It is home to Hawaiian Stilts & Coots, and other migratory birds that flock to its safe haven.

CURRENT DAY: The sanctuary is now under State of Hawaii jurisdiction. Entry is free. A single pathway leads to a small covered lookout area that offers a 360-degree view of the ponds. Though there wasn't much to see in terms of fowl, learning about its history was priceless to me.

TIPS: If you look around the Kahului Industrial Area, you'll still see manmade canals in between the developed areas that are filled with the same stagnant water seeping from underneath coral-filled Kahului that leads to the current wildlife sanctuary.

Be sure to close and latch the fence behind you!

OVERALL: Portions of old Hawaii still can be...

Stopped here to kill time before another event. As it is close to the Kahului Airport we drove by not sure what it was. We had to look it up. There's a gated pathway leading to an observation building. A small cement building with open views on all sides and a bench to sit on and stay shaded. It was super windy over the water, which felt nice and gave the birds something to play on. We saw fish burrowing in the mud in the shallow waters. Plus TONS of small fish swimming around and in schools. The Ae'o (Hawaiian stilt) were standing in the waters scooping the fish up. They were so cool. Then I turned around and a 'Auku'u (black crowned night heron) was just a few feet from me sitting on what appeared to be a nest. I didn't even see it land. Beautiful bird. Then it took flight and we watched it glide for a bit appearing to be hunting over the water before flying off. Last we saw 3 'Alae ke' oke'o (Hawaiian coot) gliding and landing in the shallow waters. They even landed lining up like ducks in a row before taking off again. So cool watching them fly around. It was so peaceful and we were glad we stopped to check it out. I would recommend bringing binoculars and wearing a hat to shade your eyes for better viewing of the animals. Only wish there were more areas to visit, but understand that's it's a preserve meant to be undisturbed. Sorry, I only took video of...