Situated along South Kihei Road beside St. Theresa Church is a home to native species and an important coastal region on Maui. The Lā‛ie Wetlands are a watershed area with native plants that filter toxins, improving the quality of water that enters the ocean as it impacts our coral reefs. The wetlands are managed by the County along with volunteer organizations that work to restore the environment and protect the native habitat.
Lā‛ie offers a great place for bird watching and nature walks, and it is right in the heart of busy Kihei. The small open water area is bordered by wetlands that come and go with the rainfall, and sand dunes where the ocean meets the land. Lā‛ie’s water is brackish and you can see a lot of salt on the ground during drier seasons.
While preserving a home for native species like birds, plants, and fish, the Lā‛ie Wetlands give a view into Kihei’s history and wildlife.
The ‛Auku‛u or black-crowned night heron is native to the islands. You’ll see them swimming and fishing for the abundant tilapia.
Native Nene birds usually found Upcountry can occasionally be seen taking a break in the wetlands.
Invasive water cabbage and hyacinth sometimes take over the area and have to be removed. This is often the work of dedicated volunteers.
Native ducks live in the wetlands, along with a variety of non-natives like Mallard and Muscovy.
Hunakai (Sanderling) are birds that fly all the way here from Alaska and can be seen wintering on Maui at Lā‛ie.
Feral cats can be found making a home for themselves in the wetlands.
St. Theresa Church is right next to the watershed.
One of my favorite places to explore in Kihei, the Lā‛ie Wetlands are a great area to visit and appreciate Maui’s natural beauty.
