Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge

Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge is a 277-acre public nature preserve where coastal wetlands, dunes, shoreline, near-shore reef and riparian habitat meet. A walk along the coast leads through restored habitat toward the Waiheʻe River mouth, with open ocean views and a quiet shoreline feel.

Use the refuge entrance on Halewaiu Road; visitors report a rough, unpaved approach and a small lot by the gate. A path follows the coast toward the river mouth, with a fork near the old dairy where a detour passes restoration plantings before rejoining the shore. The first stretch has little shade, so choose a cooler time and bring water. The entrance gate is locked at night. A few picnic tables are near the beach.

Walking, birdwatching, photography and other passive recreation are allowed, but some areas may close during breeding season or to protect cultural and burial sites. Dogs are not allowed beyond the yellow tube gate, and vehicles past it need permission. Do not move rocks, sand or soil, remove natural resources, or enter structures.

The refuge preserves the remains of the ancient Hawaiian villages of Kapoho and Kapokea, an inland fishpond and several heiau. It was protected in 2004 after the land had been slated for a destination golf resort.

Sediment cores from Kapoho wetlands hold pollen evidence that loulu palms once dominated the area, likely forming a coastal forest beside sedge-covered wetlands. Researchers also dated sediment preserved in claws of the extinct land crab Geograpsus severnsi to about 1,800 years ago. The study suggests the crab’s extinction followed human arrival and may have been driven in part by introduced Pacific rats.

The restored wetlands support endangered aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) and ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot). Naupaka, ʻulei, ʻākia, pōhinahina and loulu grow here, along with medicinal ʻuhaloa and noni. The shoreline is also used by Hawaiian monk seals and nesting green sea turtles; give them plenty of room if you encounter them.

Use the low coastal shrubs as a foreground for the ocean and the distant East Maui ridge. The Waiheʻe River mouth offers another distinctive scene, but you have to walk in from the entrance to reach it.