James Campbell
Kahuku, HI 96731
Plan Your Visit
James Campbell NWR is typically a closed refuge however, we do offer bird tours during the nonbreeding season of the endangered Hawaiian waterbirds.
Activities
The Refuge is vital breeding habitat for four endangered waterbirds as well as various native and migratory birds. The Ki‘i Unit of the James Campbell NWR is partially open to the public during the non-breeding season solely for tours and volunteer/educational activities, and is closed during the remainder of the year to provide undisturbed habitat during the ae‘o nesting season.
Rules and Policies
There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the Refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity.
Recreational and subsistence fishing is an important activity to many residents of Hawai‘i. No license is required for recreational saltwater fishing, which takes place all along the coastal areas near Kahuku. The closest public shore access locations are 1 mile south at Malaekahana SRA and 4 miles north at the Turtle Bay Resort.
Based on the potential for direct harm to endangered waterbirds, the Refuge is closed to the public for hunting.
Featured Species
Get Involved
Due to sensitive wildlife, the nesting of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, James Campbell NWR is mainly closed to the public. However, there are still ways to get involved!
Services
The Oʻahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex offers a variety of outdoor and conservation education opportunities, both directly through the refuge and our partners.
About
James Campbell NWR, located in Kahuku on the island of O‘ahu, was established in 1976 to provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. As the largest protected wetland in Hawai‘i, it serves as a haven for native species and migratory birds while providing natural flood prevention for the community. The refuge is managed as part of the O‘ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex and expanded in 2005 to protect coastal dunes and marine wildlife like monk seals and green sea turtles.