Waihe’e Refuge, Maui, Hawaii
The Waihe’e Refuge is a pleasant natural area near Kahului with a mixture of coastal habitats. It is one of the better places on Maui to see Indian Peafowl, Black and Gray Francolins, several species of waxbill—including Orange-cheeked and Common Waxbills and Scaly-breasted and Chestnut Munias—and various other introduced species and waterbirds.
Orientation
Directions
The entrance to the refuge is in the town of Waihe’e-Waiehu on Halewaiu Road about a half-mile east of the Kahekili Highway (Route 340), 3 or 4 miles north of Kahului.
Birdfinding
From the parking area a trail goes north along the coast beside grassy wetlands and brushy areas to the mouth of the Waihe’e River. South of the refuge is the Waiehu Golf Course, which augments the diversity of habitats.
The main attractions are introduced species, including Black and Gray Francolins, Common Pheasant, Indian Peafowl, Japanese Bush-Warbler, Warbling White-eye, Chinese Hwamei, Red-billed Leiothrix, White-rumped Shama, Northern and Red-crested Cardinals, and 6 species of waxbill: Orange-cheeked and Common Waxbills, Scaly-breasted and Chestnut Munias, and occasionally African Silverbill and Java Sparrow.
Indian Peafowl can be found at Waihe’e Refuge. © uzun
The wetlands, shoreline, and golf course often produce migratory species, which may include unpredictable surprises. Great Frigatebird, Western Cattle Egret, “Hawaiian Stilt”, Pacific Golden-Plover, and Wandering Tattler, and “Hawaiian Noddy” are regular.