Kula in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Hawaiian Goose or Nene (Nay-Nay)
Haleakala National Park
Photographed by Don Morfe, November 6, 2008
1. Hawaiian Goose Marker
The Nene is a native Hawaiian Goose that lives in the wild on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. This rare State bird is believed to have descended from the Canada Goose, and isolated on these islands for thousands of years, it has evolved into a distinct species. The reduced webbing of the foot and the ruffle-feathered neck are characteristic of this bird. Living in patches of meadow bounded by lava, the Nene thrives on a diet of berries and grasses.
By the mid 1940s, when Hawaiis wild Nene population was less than 50 birds, an international effort, centered in England was initiated to save the species from extinction. As of 1975, over 1400 birds have been released on Maui and Hawaii; of these, 391 were set free in Haleakala National Park. Additional young are now reared in these two holding pens; a critical factor in this project is to imprint them to this elevation and climate.
Through the dedication of many concerned individuals, the Nene has been temporarily saved. Hopefully, in a world enriched by its wildlife, this unique Hawaiian bird will continue to survive.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.
Location. 20° 45.57′ N, 156° 14.778′ W. Marker is in Kula, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is on Crater Road. Located at Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakalā National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kula HI 96790, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Hawaii’s Upcountry Maui. Globally, it is in North America, Polynesia, the Pacific Ocean, North Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Wind, Wave and Wings (here, next to this marker); Stephen Tyng Mather (within shouting distance of this marker); Behold, Hawai'i (within shouting distance of this marker); Ranch Wall (approx. 1½ miles away); Haleakalā National Park (approx. 3.1 miles away); Pa Kaoao (approx. 3.2 miles away); Holy Ghost Catholic Church (approx. 5.2 miles away); Tam Chow Store/USO/Club Rodeo
Photographed by Don Morfe, November 6, 2008
2. Headquarters Visitor Center Garden
The gate is visible in the distance.
Photographed by Don Morfe, November 6, 2008
3. View From Haleakala National Park
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,122 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and its surroundings showing its location. • Can you help?
