Endangered waterbirds utilize both natural wetlands and social-ecological systems like lo‘i kalo (Hawaiian wetland agro-ecosystems), yet the relationship between birds and the managers of these systems remains understudied. Many wetland birds are conservation-reliant, necessitating control of invasive predators and plants within their shrinking habitat ranges. Social-ecological systems like lo‘i kalo provide similar management benefits as natural wetlands while offering additional ecosystem services. This study assessed the behavior of Aeʻo (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), ʻAlae ʻula (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis), and ʻAlae keʻokeʻo (Fulica alai) in response to wetland managers. Alert response and flight-initiation distances were measured to compare how waterbirds reacted to managers versus non-managers. Semi-structured interviews recorded management practices and manager knowledge of their waterbird populations. We found that managers were able to more closely approach ʻAlae keʻokeʻo and Aeʻo before alerting compared to non-managers, but the opposite was true for ʻAlae ʻula. Given the endangered status of many Hawaiian waterbirds, these findings underscore the potential of social-ecological systems like lo‘i kalo to serve as critical habitat, mitigate habitat loss, and support human-wildlife coexistence. This study highlights the conservation value of Indigenous wetland agro-ecosystems, examines the impact of management practices, and offers insight for future habitat conservation strategies.