About
The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is a massive 34,000-acre parcel located on the windward slope of Mauna Kea, one of the volcanic mountains on the Island of Hawai'i.
This wildlife refuge is an ecological wonderland, supporting diverse native birds and plants.
Established in 1985 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the refuge's primary goal has been to conserve the unique flora and fauna of Hawai'i Island. It is also near other natural landmarks, making it easy to plan a diverse itinerary. For instance, visit a small chocolate farm like Mauna Kea Cacao or the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden. The possibilities are endless!
The refuge consists of the Hakalau Forest Unit and the Kona Forest Unit, with the former being the more prominent. The Hakalau Forest Unit spans 33,000 acres, while the Kona Forest Unit covers 5,300 acres. Both are home to the finest remaining stands of native montane wet forest in Hawai'i.
Access to the refuge requires a guide as it is highly protected, and the road to get there is quite rough.
However, the journey is well worth it, as visitors experience one of the most outstanding stands of mountain rainforest left in the world.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One fun fact is its name, which in Hawaiian means "many perches." The name is relevant, as the refuge remains a critical habitat for various rainforest birds.
A cool feature is that the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is a bird-watchers paradise. Some of the last remaining native landbirds in Hawaii call the refuge home. Among these are endangered species like the Hawai'i Creeper and the 'Akiapola'au, which can often be spotted during guided tours.
The refuge also offers other exciting activities for nature lovers. For instance, the Hawaii Forest & Trail's Hakalau Exclusive tour offers visitors an immersive experience of this critical rainforest bird habitat.
If time permits, plan a trip to the Akaka Falls State Park that's a short drive away. A short hike leads to the Kahuna Falls which is 100' and the impressive Akaka Falls which plummets 442 feet into a gorge
The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for anyone passionate about wildlife, nature, and conservation. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Hawaii's unique biodiversity on your Kona getaway and contribute to its preservation.
Getting There
The journey from Kailua-Kona to the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is roughly two hours, covering approximately 75 miles. Here are step-by-step directions:
- Start on HI-19/Hawaii Belt Rd heading east.
- Continue to follow HI-19 for about 60 miles.
- Turn right onto Mauna Kea Access Rd.
- After 6 miles, turn right onto Saddle Rd.
- Drive for about 9 miles before turning right onto Keanakolu Road (Mana Road).
- Drive 16.5 miles on the gravel road to reach the Maulua Gate and entrance.
Local Tips
- Access to the refuge requires a guide due to its highly protected status.
- Check the website for refuge closings due to flooding or disease contamination.
- Be prepared for a rough road journey to get there.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching, as the refuge is home to many native bird species.
- Remember to respect the natural environment and adhere to conservation guidelines.
- Consider packing a light rain jacket, as the area gets frequent rain.
