Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary

Sunset on Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary, Kauai
  • Sunset on Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary, Kauai

At a glance

Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary was built as a part of Mānā Plain Wetland Restoration Project. Mānā is the name of this area and no residents live here since the last families moved to Kekaha in 1987.

Originally, the Mānā Plain was a seasonal wetland. Yet, in the early 1900s, it was converted to agricultural lands especially for sugar cane. It seriously reduced habitat for birds. After the sugar cane camp was closed, the State of Hawaii began to restore a portion of the wetlands to protect endangered species.

This is a seasonal wetland and the rainy season is the best time to visit here. It will be from November to April. Migratory birds also visit here during the winter time.

If you plan to visit Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary, please choose winter. During the summer or dry season, the water level becomes low and the strong sun may cause an unpleasant odor.

The best time is during the sunset after rains. This sanctuary becomes like a giant Zen garden and your mind transcends for a moment.

[*The following paragraphs are from the bulletin board at the Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary]

Mānā Plain Wetland Restoration Project

The Mānā Plain once contained approximately 1,700 acres of permanent and seasonal wetland habitat here on the westside of Kauaʻi. The Mānā Plain wetlands provided important habitat for Hawaii’s four endangered waterbirds as well as migratory birds. Native Hawaiian plant species dominated the landscape. In the early 1900’s the area was drained and converted to agricultural lands. The State of Hawaii began to restore a portion of these lost wetlands during the 1990’s.

The Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary was the State of Hawaii’s first restoration site. The sand in this area was sold and removed, creating approximately 45 acres of wetland habitat. Restoration activities for an additional 105 acres of wetlands are expected to commence in the summer of 2021. This wetland will be located directly north of the existing Kawaiʻele site. Together, these restored wetlands will provide much needed habitat for Hawaii’s endangered species.

Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary Bulletin Board

Birds of Kawaiʻele

The Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary is home to Hawaii’s four endangered waterbird species. They are called endangered because their populations are so low, they are in danger of becoming extinct. These birds are also endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning they occur no where else in the world. Migratory birds can also be seen at Kawaiʻele. These visitors from other parts of the world, arrive primarily in the fall. They winter here and depart for home in the spring. This wetland is managed by Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and wildlife (DOFAW) to provide much needed habitat for these birds.

Directions and Parking

Right after the PMRF's main gate, there is a sign for Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary on your left. But the entrance and the sign are located about 30 feet off the road so it's easy to miss the sign. Please follow your GPS/navigator.

There is a small parking space at the entrance and it's usually empty.

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