In Hawaiʻi, endangered waterbirds utilize lo‘i (Indigenous wetland agro-ecosystems) as complete habitat. However, the direct impacts of these systems on species recovery efforts remain understudied. Social-ecological systems like lo‘i are increasingly recognized for their ability to provide ecosystem services that benefit both people and the environment. This study aimed to quantify the impact of management actions by lo‘i managers on the relationship between the managers and the Aeʻo (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), ʻAlae ʻula (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis), and ʻAlae keʻokeʻo (Fulica alai). To address this question, I conducted semi-structured interviews, inquiring about management and the manager’s knowledge of their birds, and measured the alert response distances between managers and waterbirds within each manager’s respective lo‘i. I found that frequent management activities in a lo‘i resulted in shorter flush distances when birds were approached by active lo‘i managers, compared to those approached by individuals not involved in managing the lo‘i. Given the endangered status of many Hawaiian waterbirds, the findings of this study could inform regulations regarding their protection and support the coexistence of humans and these species, while also highlighting the importance of lo‘i as critical habitat in addition to other services.