Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Puhi Park Niumalu Beach Park
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Huleia National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the state of Hawaii.
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Summary
The refuge covers an area of 241 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are several good reasons to visit the refuge, including its stunning natural beauty and the opportunity to see rare and endangered species.
One of the main points of interest in the refuge is the Huleia River, which is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can also take a tour of the nearby Alekoko Fishpond, which is a historic site that dates back to ancient Hawaiian times. Other notable areas in the refuge include the Kahili Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Menehune Fishpond, which is another historic site.
Interesting facts about the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge include that it is home to several endangered species, including the Hawaiian stilt and the Hawaiian coot. Additionally, the refuge contains several archaeological sites, including ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs.
The best time of year to visit the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. During this time, visitors can enjoy the refuge's many outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Overall, the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hawaii. Its stunning natural beauty, rare species, and historic sites make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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