Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge
Kakahaia Refuge is a coastal freshwater pond, originally used as an artificial fish pond. This 44-acre refuge is situated on the south coast of Moloka'i. Established in 1977, it provides habitat for the endangered 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot) and small numbers of 'ae'o (Hawaiian stilt), migratory waterfowl, and shorebirds.
Northern pintails are common in winter months; and the Pacific golden plover is the most common shorebird. The native black-crowned night heron feeds on fish and other small vertebrates along the shoreline. Kakahaia is primarily a natural, spring-fed habitat. However, in 1983, an additional impoundment was constructed to increase shallow water habitat for the endangered stilt.
This "New Pond" has recently (1998-99) been cleared of invasive plants to open up habitat for the endangered stilt and coot, as well as wintering birds. State Rt. 450 bisects the refuge. The 2 acres seaward of the highway are under special use permit to the County of Maui for use as a county park open to picnicking and shoreline fishing.
