Poipu Beach, Kauai – Breathtaking waterfalls, subtropical rainforests and spectacular cliffs are synonymous with the “Garden Isle,” or the island of Kauai.  The oldest in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is also home to three of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Refuges, protecting several endangered or threatened animals.  At the Sheraton Kauai Resort, a few of these special animals have been spotted in or around the popular Poipu Beach property.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, once abundant on all main Hawaiian islands, the Newell’s Shearwater or `A`o is a medium-sized shearwater bird measuring 12 to 14 inches with a wing span of 30-35 inches.   Identified by a glossy black top, a white bottom, and a black bill that is sharply hooked at the tip, the `A`o's claws are adept for climbing trees and burrowing in the ground.  During their nine-month breeding season from April through November, `A`o burrow under ferns on the elevated mountain slopes.  The birds feed on squid from the ocean near breeding grounds.  People who have heard the loud, nasal calls of the `A`o compare it with the sounds of a donkey braying of the calls of a crow.

The `A`o are ground-nesting seabirds whose species have been threatened by rats and mongoose. Another more alarming threat to the offspring of these birds is the man-made lighting from increasing urbanization of roads, sports fields and buildings on Kauai. The `A`o raise their young in the higher island elevations.  From September through December, the young fledglings take their first flight from their nests at night instinctively searching for the ocean.  When the moon is full and bright over the water, these fledglings successfully find the sea.  Manmade lights mesmerize and blind these young birds however on darker nights.  The fledglings fly into utility poles, trees and buildings and fall to the ground.  According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, between 1978 and 1981, more than 5,000 Newell’s Shearwaters were downed on Kaua`i’s highways, athletic fields or hotel grounds.  

As part of the Kauai Island Utilities Coop’s “Save our Shearwaters” program, many businesses, government offices and hotels have joined in efforts to educate and inform the community and visitors about the threat of man-made light to the seabirds.  The Sheraton Kauai Resort proactively limits exterior lighting throughout the hotel and grounds during October through December and requests that guests draw their window drapes at night.

Arising from the vast interest generated by guests and residents, Sheraton Kauai Resort partnered with Tim Robinson of the Kauai Monk Seal Watch Program (KMSWP) organization to establish an ongoing educational program about the Hawaiian Monk Seal. Launched in January 2006, this educational presentation is given by volunteers of the KMSWP every Wednesday at 6p.m. at The Point Lounge at Sheraton Kauai Resort. The 45-minute presentation includes slides of this critically endangered species and is followed by a question and answer session. The program is complimentary and is open to the public.

Housekeeping manager Denise Jones recently spotted a Hawaiian duck or koloa maoli (native duck) in the garden wing's koi fish pond.  A mottled brown creature with green to blue distinctive feathers on the secondary wing, the koloa's quack is slightly softer and more infrequent than the mallard.  Found mainly in lowland wetlands, river valleys, and mountain streams, the koloa duck was listed as an endangered species in 1967.  An estimated 2,000 koloa ducks live on Kauai and Niihau with less than 550 remaining on Oahu, Maui or the Big Island.

Visitors to Sheraton Kauai Resort who are interested in learning more about the island’s endangered species should contact the Hawaii Nature Conservancy.  Hotel guests swimming at the nearby Kiahuna Beach or Poipu Beach Park may also venture upon a leisurely Hawaiian sea turtle or “honu,” another endangered Hawaiian species