National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebrates Conservation Lands

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

The National Wildlife Refuge Week, observed Oct. 10-14, reminds us how nature enriches our lives. What better place to celebrate that connection with the natural world than at the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex?

The Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, consisting of Kīlauea Point, Hanalei, and Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuges, is celebrating the network of lands and waters that protect wildlife and their habitats.

National Wildlife Refuges have been a part of Hawai‘i’s natural heritage since the designation of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands in 1909. Refuges conserve wildlife and wild spaces, protect sensitive areas and species, aid against erosion and flooding, and purify air and water. They also enrich human lives and provide $2.4 billion into the national economy and support more than 35,000 jobs (Banking on Nature).

During National Wildlife Refuge Week, tours will be offered in Hanalei and Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuges, areas typically closed to the public.

Kilauea Lighthouse. Photo by Caroline Farley

At Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, in addition to regularly scheduled tours of the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse every Wednesday and Saturday, the refuge is offering a hike to an ecosystem restoration area at Nihokū, a block print demonstration by artist Caren Loebel-Fried, book and art signing by Patrick Ching, and featuring wildlife art entries by Hawai‘i youth in the 2017 Jr. Duck Stamp contest.

Join the refuge along with their conservation partners and the Kaua‘i Outdoor Painters Association for a fee-free event on Saturday in celebration of Kaua‘i’s native species and panoramic vistas. More information and a full schedule of events can be found at www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint or by calling (808) 828-1413 x2228. Reservations for hikes started Oct. 6 by calling (808) 635-0925.

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and enhance migratory bird nesting colonies; federally listed species; and native coastal strand, riparian, and aquatic biological diversity, as well as to support fish and wildlife-oriented recreation. The refuge is home to some of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in the main Hawaiian Islands and the historic Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse. In 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Nihokū and Mōkōlea Point. Hanalei and Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuges were established to recover threatened and endangered wetland species. Learn more about the refuges by visiting www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint, www.fws.gov/hanalei, and www.fws.gov/huleia and also on Facebook.