Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is located on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii.


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Summary

This wildlife refuge is situated on the east shore of Pearl Harbor and covers an area of 968 acres. It was established in 1972 to protect and preserve the endangered species that inhabit the area, particularly the Hawaiian Stilt and the Hawaiian Coot.

One of the top reasons to visit the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is to observe the unique wildlife. Visitors can spot the endangered Hawaiian Stilt and Hawaiian Coot during their visit. The area is also home to other bird species such as the Pacific Golden-Plover, Wandering Tattler, and Ruddy Turnstone. The refuge also has a variety of plant species including the native Hawaiian hau and ‘ilima.

There are several points of interest to see within the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, including the viewing platform at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which offers visitors a stunning view of the surrounding wetlands and wildlife. The refuge also has several hiking trails, which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty and observe wildlife up close.

Interesting facts about the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge include that it is one of the few remaining wetlands on Oahu and that it is an important stopover point for migratory birds on their way to and from Alaska. The refuge also played a significant role in the defense of Pearl Harbor during World War II.

The best time of year to visit the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, from November to February, when the migratory birds are in the area. However, visitors can enjoy the refuge year-round, as the various plant species are always in bloom, and the weather is generally pleasant throughout the year.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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