Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

The reserve spans 32,733 acres on Mauna Kea mountain slopes, featuring native montane rainforest with koa and red-blossomed ohia trees forming closed-canopy sections.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established this protected area in 1985 to safeguard endangered Hawaiian forest birds and their natural rainforest environments.

The refuge houses the Akiapolaau, a native Hawaiian honeycreeper that depends on insect larvae within Koa trees for survival.

The refuge currently restricts self-guided activities to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death disease through contaminated soil on vehicles and clothing.

This location maintains stable or increasing populations of native forest birds, making it the sole area in Hawaii achieving this conservation outcome.

Location: Hawaiʻi County

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/hakalau_forest

GPS coordinates: 19.35696,-155.79957

Latest update: March 20, 2025 15:54