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In its entirety, the sanctuary almost completely encompasses the ocean surrounding the Hawaiian islands. But its administrative center sits on the water’s edge at Kīhei, with a large viewing scope mounted on its deck for winter visitors to watch the humpback whales frolic offshore. In the adjoining Education Center, colorful displays depict the scientific and cultural significance of whales and other marine animals that share Hawai’i’s marine ecosystem.

One of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian islands, these 691 acres are often referred to locally – and not particularly correctly – as the “mud flats.” Located along the coast just north of Kīhei, the refuge shelters endangered birds such as Hawaiian stilts (ae’o) and Hawaiian coots (’alaeke’oke’o) and protects the coastal sand dunes, which provide nesting habitat for endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Pinklegged stilts are easily seen from the road.

Whale-watching beach near Kīhei

French explorer La Pérouse sailed into this bay in 1786, noting that the people “hastened alongside in their canoes, bringing as articles of commerce, hogs, potatoes, bananas, taro with cloth and some other curiosities.” Named after this first westerner to land on Maui’s shores, the bay is a great snorkeling and diving spot. (see La Pérouse Memorial and; Moments iin History).

Fairly far from the madding crowds, the Mākena Resort has only one hotel – The Maui Prince – and two golf courses, both designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The natural highlight of the Mākena area is Oneloa (Big Beach), a 3,000-ft long dazzling white sand beach. In days long gone, Mākena was a busy port. Paniolo (Portuguese cowboys) drove their cattle down the slopes of Haleakalā to be prodded into the surf at Mākena Landing, then lashed to shore boats and taken to waiting barges for shipment to market in Honolulu. (see Mākena)

An up-close experience of Pacific marine life, such as sea turtles, rays, and whales, for those who don’t want to get wet. Visitors can view sharks while walking though a 50-ft-long clear acrylic tunnel, and they are invited to touch harmless marine animals such as sea stars and sea cucumbers at the Discovery Pool.

A popular surfing spot, Mā’alaea Harbor marks the beginning of a three-mile stretch of beaches that reaches to North Kīhei. Boat charters depart from here for fishing trips and snorkeling excursions to Molokini. During the winter, Maui’s most famous visitors, the humpback whales, breed in the warm waters of the bay, and whale-watching tours set off from the harbor several times a day.

Walking trails through the dramatic lava fields of this reserve lead to natural pools and archaeological sites. And, in the underwater sections, terrific snorkeling and scuba diving can be found. This is a reserve, however, and visitors are reminded that damaging or removing anything of the natural habitat is strictly illegal.