Things to Do in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a coastal salt marsh located between Kīhei and Maʻalaea on Maui, Hawaiʻi. This 700-acre (2.8 km²) refuge features flat, accessible terrain, including a large open water pond, mudflats, and shoreline vegetation. The landscape is suitable for several outdoor sports like touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, and jogging, offering a unique natural setting for various activities. The refuge is a significant lowland wetland, providing a critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and migratory species.
Things to Do in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers a selection of routes for outdoor enthusiasts, catering to activities such as hiking, jogging, and cycling. The flat terrain and coastal setting make it an accessible area for various experiences. For those interested in exploring the area on foot, options range from easy walks along the Hiking in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge guide to easy hikes. Joggers can find suitable paths for running trails, while cyclists can explore the refuge's surroundings on cycling routes, including traffic-free options. More than 5,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, resulting in an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars.
55
Routes
4.2
(34)
Average rating
1586
People visited
4.7
(9)
423
riders
114km
05:22
1,350m
1,350m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
174
riders
29.0km
01:14
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(2)
18
riders
36.9km
01:30
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
161
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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3.5
(2)
48
hikers
7.12km
02:35
450m
450m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
hikers
1.29km
00:19
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
6.96km
01:46
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.70km
00:26
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
6.04km
00:42
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
56
runners
9.89km
01:01
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
15
runners
10.7km
01:06
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
31.7km
01:51
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12.0km
00:44
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.93km
00:30
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.47km
00:16
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, and jogging. The refuge features flat, accessible terrain suitable for these outdoor activities. Visitors can explore various paths, including the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk.
What kind of wildlife can be observed at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, such as the *aeʻo* (Hawaiian stilt) and the *ʻalae keʻokeʻo* (Hawaiian coot). It also serves as a vital stopover for over 30 species of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and ducks, particularly between August and April.
Are there cycling routes in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Flat dike trails and roads within and around the refuge are suitable for touring and road cycling. The Maʻalaea Beach Walk, a 4.3-mile (7.0 km) path along the coastline, offers additional opportunities for rides with ocean views. For more information, refer to the Cycling in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge guide.
Are there family-friendly activities in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge offers accessible terrain suitable for families, including the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk. This boardwalk stretches approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and provides an easy route for walking. Komoot offers a guide for Family-friendly hikes in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.
What are the main natural features of Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Keālia Pond is Maui's largest lowland wetland and one of Hawaiʻi's largest natural wetlands. It features a significant coastal salt marsh habitat, characterized by a large open water pond, expansive mudflats, and shoreline vegetation. The pond's size fluctuates seasonally, enlarging during winter rains.
Are there accessible paths for visitors with mobility needs?
The refuge is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring boardwalks and some wheelchair-accessible paths. The Keālia Coastal Boardwalk is a notable accessible route. The Kanuimanu Ponds levees also offer flat, easy walking paths.
How popular is Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on komoot?
More than 5,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on komoot. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars.
What komoot guides are available for Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Komoot offers several guides for the refuge, including Cycling in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Hiking in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, and Traffic-free bike rides. There are also guides for easy hikes and running trails.
What is the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk?
The Keālia Coastal Boardwalk is a prominent feature of the refuge, stretching approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km). It offers an easy route for walking and jogging directly through the wetland habitats. The boardwalk provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
What is the official website and phone number for Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
The official website for Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kealia-pond. The phone number for inquiries is +1-808-875-1582.
Are there hiking trails in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge offers various paths for hiking, including the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk and dike trails. These routes provide opportunities to explore the wetland habitats. More information can be found in the Hiking in Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge guide.
What are the scenic views like at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Visitors can enjoy scenic views with the Haleakalā volcano to the east and the West Maui Mountains to the west. The coastal setting and expansive wetland provide a picturesque backdrop. The refuge offers views of the large open water pond and mudflats.
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