They breed in Alaska, Canada, and Siberia and spend the winter in the tropics. At Kealia Pond, these birds usually forage at the outlet and mudflats on the refuge, and on adjacent beaches. These sanderlings, ruddy turnstones, wandering tattlers, Pacific golden plovers, and a variety of other coastal migrants including yellowlegs and several species of sandpipers can be seen at relatively close range during the winter months. In addition to native and migratory birds, a number seabirds and introduced species can be observed on or near the refuge. In the winter, gulls and terns that are rarely seen in Hawai'i may be found her.
Ospreys are also regular winter visitors from the mainland.
Introduced doves, finches, and cardinals are common. All of the above listed species are visible from this location at some time during the year. Although hawksbill sea turtles nest on the adjacent beach from May through December, they generally emerge only at night, are extremely rare, and must be left undisturbed if this endangered species is to remain in the Islands. A life-sized bronze sculpture of a nesting female and her eggs will provide visitors with a glimpse of this marine turtle's life history. From November through March, close to a mile of elevated boardwalk will also provide excellent opportunities to view humpback whales, which reproduce and calve in the near-shore waters of Maalaea Bay.