Encircled by waterfall-draped mountains, the picturesque Hanalei Valley on the north shore harbors the Hanalei NWR. The 917-acre Hanalei Refuge was established in 1972 to provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. Forty-nine species of birds use this refuge, 18 of which are introduced. There are no native mammals, reptiles, or amphibians present, but itis believed that the Hawaiian hoary bat may also live here.
In order to protect the endangered wildlife, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public but can be viewed from the Hanalei Valley Overlook across from the Princeville Shopping Center. An interpretive sign is located at the overlook.