Encircled by waterfall-draped mountains, the picturesque Hanalei Valley on Kauai's north shore, harbors the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Hawaii's first National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1972, it provides essential habitat for endangered Hawaiian water birds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot), 'alae 'ula (Hawaiian moorhen), and ae'o (Hawaiian stilt). Visitation is by special use permit only.

To find the refuge office, turn left just after crossing the Hanalei River Bridge onto Ohiki Road and continuing past the Haraguchi Rice Mill to the last buildings on the right.