Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Sanctuary for Fauna
The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for endangered Hawaiian forest birds, is nestled on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, United States. Established in 1985, the refuge spans a diverse range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to montane cloud forests.
Located approximately 20 miles south of the refuge is Hilo International Airport (ITO), making it the closest major airport for visitors planning a trip. For more information about the refuge and its resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Hilo is a valuable resource. Their office can be found at 60 Nowelo St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States.
The refuge's primary mission is to conserve native plants and other endemic species within its boundaries. However, the refuge remains closed to public tours with no current announced reopening date or available tour options. The recent search results do not provide specific information about the closure status, reopening timeline, or guided tours. It is advisable to check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website or contact their local office directly for the most accurate and current details.
Unfortunately, the refuge has been affected by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, a disease that has devastated thousands of acres of mature ʻōhiʻa trees in forests and residential areas across Puna and Hilo Districts of Hawaiʻi Island. As a result, the refuge is currently closed to self-guided activities.
Despite the closure, the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge continues to be a crucial part of preserving Hawaiian biodiversity. For updates and more information, visit their official website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hakalau_forest/.
- The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, situated on the slopes of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA, serves as a refuge for endangered Hawaiian forest birds.
- Established in 1985, the refuge encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to montane cloud forests.
- The refuge is approximately 20 miles south of Hilo International Airport (ITO), making it easily accessible for visitors.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Hilo provides valuable information about the refuge and its resources.
- Their office is located at 60 Nowelo St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States.
- The refuge's primary mission is conserving native plants and other endemic species within its boundaries.
- Currently, the refuge is closed to public tours with no announced reopening date or available tour options.
- Search results offer no specific information about the closure status, reopening timeline, or guided tours.
- It is recommended to check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website or contact their local office directly for the most accurate and current details.
- Unfortunately, Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has affected the refuge, causing thousands of acres of mature ʻōhiʻa trees to be lost in forests and residential areas across Puna and Hilo Districts of Hawaiʻi Island.
- As a result, the refuge is currently closed to self-guided activities.
- Despite the closure, the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge has ongoing importance in preserving Hawaiian biodiversity.
- Updates and more information can be found on the refuge's official website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hakalau_forest/.
- Aside from the refuge, the beautiful landscapes, parks, mountains, and ecosystems across various states make the United States a popular destination for hiking, wildlife photography, forest exploration, and travel, fostering a lifestyle centered on science, environmental-science, space-and-astronomy, and appreciation for the natural world.
