Kealia Pond National Wildlife Reserve is located just north of Kihei on Maui.   A viewing platform of the larger pond is found one mile north of Kihei on the northeast side.   On the other side of the pond off the highway is the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, a 2200 foot walkway through salt marsh ponds.   Wetland birds, waterfowl, and coastal birds can be spotted along the route.

We spotted a golden plover, Hawai’an stilts, a kingfisher, a tattler, a sanderling, and others.    We spotted tilapia in the shallows and sea turtles on the bay.

We watched the birds then went to the fronting beach shoreline.

From the marsh walkway, paths lead down to the sand dunes and over to the beach.

We enjoyed the walkway but we loved the walk along the sand dunes and shoreline of Sugar Beach.   There is a 4 km section of beach with no homes or resorts.   We walked about 6 km on the  beach on that warm and windy day.   We spotted shoreline birds and sea turtles along the way.

More Information:

• Kealia Pond National Wildlife Reserve