Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kealia Pond swells to 400 acres, making it one of the largest natural ponds in Hawaii. In
summer it shrinks to half that size, creating the skirt of crystalline salt that gives Kealia
(meaning ʻsalt-encrusted place') its name.
Birding is excellent from the Kealia Pond Boardwalk, as well as from the refuge's
vis-
itor center
off Mokulele Hwy (Hwy 311) at mile marker 6. In both places, you're almost
certain to spot wading Hawaiian black-necked stilts and Hawaiian coots, two endangered
species that thrive in this sanctuary.
Kealia Pond Boardwalk
The coastal marsh and dunes nestling Kealia Pond not only provide feeding grounds for
native waterbirds but are also a nesting site for the endangered hawksbill sea turtle. On N
Kihei Rd, just north of mile marker 2, interpretive plaques and benches along a 2200ft el-
evated
boardwalk
offer opportunities to stop and enjoy the seaside splendor. In winter
you might be able to spot passing humpback whales. You'll even find a turtle laying eggs
at the end of the boardwalk. Say what? Go take a look…
TOP OF CHAPTER
Maʻalaea
POP 352
Maʻalaea literally means ʻbeginning of red dirt,' but once you're there you'll swear it
means ʻwindy.' Prevailing trade winds funneling between Maui's two great rises,
Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains, whip down upon the region. By midday you'll
need to hold on to your hat. It's no coincidence that Maui's first windmill farm marches
up the slopes above Maʻalaea.
SWIM WITH THE FISHES
The sharks are circling. Some 20 of them, to be exact. Blacktip reef sharks, ham-
merheads and, gasp, a tiger shark. And you can jump in and join them.
Shark Dive
takes intrepid divers on a daredevil's plunge into Maui Ocean Center's
750,000-gallon deep-ocean tank to swim with the toothy beasts as aquarium visit-
ors gaze on in disbelief. You do need to be a certified diver and because it's limited
to four divers per outing, advance reservations are essential.
