James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge


A few miles northwest of Kahuku town heading toward Turtle Bay, this rare freshwater wetland provides habitat for four of Hawaii's six endangered waterbirds: the ʻalae kea (Hawaiian coot), aeʻo (Hawaiian black-necked stilt), koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) and ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian moorhen). During stilt nesting season, usually mid-February through mid-October, the refuge is off-limits to visitors, but there are free guided tours the rest of the year. Check the website for details.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kahuku Farms

0.8 MILES

Take a tractor-pulled wagon tour through the taro patch and fruit orchards at this family farm – sampling included. Then stop at the gift shop for bath…

2. Kaihalulu Beach

1.56 MILES

A short walk along the beach east of Kuilima Cove is this beautiful, curved, white-sand beach backed by ironwoods. The rocky bottom means it's not great…

3. Kahuku Land Farms Roadside Stand

1.79 MILES

A number of local farm stands group together just west of the Turtle Bay Resort entrance. Stop here for a fresh-cold coconut water ($3) and to peruse the…

4. Kuilima Cove

2.03 MILES

Just east of Turtle Bay Resort is beautiful little Kuilima Cove with its perfect, protected Bayview Beach. On the bay's right-hand side is an outer reef…

5. Turtle Bay Beach

2.07 MILES

Immediately west of Turtle Bay Resort, Turtle Bay was named because of the green sea turtles that used to lay their eggs on the beach. Not any more,…

6. Kawela Bay

2.61 MILES

West of Turtle Bay Resort, a 1.5-mile shoreline trail runs over to Kawela Bay. In winter you might spy whales cavorting offshore. After walking round…

7. Malaekahana State Recreation Area

3.46 MILES

The long, relatively uncrowded beach with buff-colored sand is popular with families. Swimming is generally good here year-round, although there are…

8. Mokuʻauia

3.57 MILES

When the tide is low you can wade from Malaekahana State Recreation Area's southern Kalanai Point to Mokuʻauia (Goat Island), a state bird sanctuary about…