This 700-acre coastal wetland refuge on North Kihei Road in Maalaea is one of Maui's best-kept secrets for wildlife lovers. The accessible boardwalk stretches about 0.8 miles round-trip over the pond, where you can spot endangered Hawaiian stilts and Hawaiian coots year-round, plus migrating shorebirds from Alaska during winter months.
Most people speed past on their way between Kihei and Lahaina, missing this peaceful escape completely. The knowledgeable staff at the visitor center are genuinely passionate about conservation, and if you're lucky, you might catch the famous pink pond effect when looking straight down from the boardwalk. Fair warning: there's almost no shade and limited parking, so come early.
💡 Insider Tip
Hit the boardwalk early morning with binoculars for the best birdwatching. Look straight down from the furthest point to see the pink pond phenomenon - it's most vibrant from directly above, not at an angle.
Sunrise – Sunset daily
Free
Small lot on N Kihei Rd
Early morning for birding
