Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at the Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex (KNWRC) from October 15-19, 2024! National Wildlife Refuge Week, observed the second full week of October each year, celebrates the great network of lands and waters that conserves and protects America’s precious wildlife heritage.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides vital habitat for thousands of native species. The Refuge System includes over 570 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts covering 95 million acres of land. KNWRC includes Kīlauea Point, Hanalei, and Hulēʻia NWR’s and we provide safe nesting and habitat for nēnē (Hawaiian goose), numerous seabird species, including mōlī (Laysan albatross), endangered ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) and more, as well as endangered waterbirds like the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck).
Refuge Week is a perfect time to see why tens of millions of Americans and foreign travelers visit refuges each year to enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, fishing and hunting, and ranger-led nature programs. If you are not near our refuge, then check your nearest wildlife refuge for events as the week draws closer: https://www.fws.gov/visit-us
Activities being celebrated at the Kauaʻi NWR Complex:
“Naturally Inspired”- A Poetry and Song Workshop at Kīlauea Point NWR
Tuesday, October 15
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us in exploring nature as inspiration for poetry, ōlelo noʻeau, and Hawaiian music. This workshop will be led by Laura Lentz, a freelance writer, teacher, editor and founder of Literati Academy, and by Jennifer Waipa, Refuge Ranger and accomplished singer and musician. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Wowoni, more commonly known as Kīlauea Point, and allow the wildlife, plants, landscape and seascape inspire you to compose your own poem, song or ōlelo noʻeau.
Space limited, email kathleen_viernes@fws.gov to sign up!
Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges Moʻolelo Series
Tuesday, October 15
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Our non-profit Friends organization hosts Caren Loebel-Fried in their monthly Moʻolelo Series. Caren will share her new book “Finding Home, A Hawaiian Petrel's Journey” and discuss the Nihokū seabird translocation project within the refuge. Held at the Princeville Community Center. Visit https://www.kauairefuges.org/princeville-moolelo for more details.
Book Signing at Kīlauea Point NWR Visitor Center
Wednesday, October 16
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Reservations recommended to enter the refuge
Caren Loebel-Fried will be signing her newly released book “Finding Home, A Hawaiian Petrelʻs Journey,” Based on the true story of ʻuaʻu and the people working to save them, this book is filled with Caren Loebel-Fried’s colorful block prints, dynamic drawings, and maps. Appealing to all ages, this hopeful, empowering story brings awareness to the threats humans have brought upon seabirds and inspires us to find ways we can help them survive and thrive.
Hanalei NWR Wetlands Walk
Thursday, October 17
7:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Walk with refuge staff to view waterbirds and learn about managed wetland units. The hike is 1.5 miles long and is considered easy. The trail is level and traverses a mixture of soil, gravel, grass, and pavement. Closed-toed shoes are required (reef walkers or tabis are acceptable). There may be a stream crossing. Sandals and bare feet are prohibited. Hikers must be at least 12 years of age, and minors must be supervised by an accompanying adult. Be prepared for sun or rain and bring your binoculars.
Space limited, email angela_iwai-pineda@fws.gov to sign up!
Weed-N-Watch at Kīlauea Point NWR
4 p.m. - Sunset
Help us manage our native plant habitat for seabirds and nēnē by removing invasive vegetation, then enjoy a magical time of day birdwatching and soaking up the sunset.
Space limited, email angela_iwai-pineda@fws.gov to sign up!
Hanalei NWR Viewpoint Plant Walk
Friday, October 18
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Ranger Jennifer Waipa for a gentle stroll on paved paths of the Hanalei Viewpoint. This is the newest addition to the Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex. You will see a variety of native plants and learn about their importance to our native wildlife as well as their medicinal and cultural uses. No entrance fee and no pre-sign up required. Bring water, sun and rain protection. Bathrooms are available but no running water on site.
Nihokū (Crater Hill) Hike at Kīlauea Point NWR [EVENT FULL]
Saturday, October 19
7:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ready to lace up your hiking boots? Join Refuge Rangers Kathleen Viernes and Ahjah Boise for a hike up to Nihokū, a closed area of Kīlauea Point NWR. View native seabirds and plant restoration areas close-up, learn about innovative native wildlife conservation efforts, and be rewarded by stunning views. The hike is 1.5 miles long and is considered moderately strenuous. The trail crosses uneven terrain, traverses steep slopes and may be slippery if it rains. Closed-toed shoes are required. Sandals and bare feet are prohibited. Hikers must be at least 12 years of age, and minors must be supervised by accompanying adult/s. Persons with heart problems or other limiting medical conditions are discouraged from participating in this hike.
[This event is now full] email: ahjah_boise@fws.gov
Hawaiian Archipelago Moʻolelo & Mosaic Workshops
Saturday, October 19
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
“Ka Pae ʻĀina O Hawaiʻi Nei” is a culturally inspired and place-based design for a community-created mosaic mural managed by the Garden Island Arts Council. The workshops will be led by Kumu Hula Kehaulani Kekua of Hālau Palaihiwa O Kaʻipuwai and artist and project manager Kathleen Ho. Kumu brings her wealth of skills and passion for perpetuating cultural traditions and shares ancestral wisdom about the birth of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Kathleen has created other culturally inspired community mosaics throughout Kauaʻi and will share the inspiration and intention of this large-scale project, facilitating hands-on mosaic-making for participants.
Join us in helping to create an 80-foot-long by 4-foot-high mosaic mural that depicts the entire Hawaiian Archipelago. The finished mosaic will be installed on the retaining wall that begins right outside the Visitor Center and Friends Nature Store.
Space limited, email jennifer_waipa@fws.gov to sign up!
Entrance Fee-Free Day at Kīlauea Point NWR
Saturday, October 19
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations recommended to enter the refuge
Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges will have an informational booth set up. Come learn about the many great projects and programs our Friends group is managing, play our wildlife habitat game, and find out how you can get involved and support our wildlife.
Make reservations to visit Kīlauea Point NWR at www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300018
