The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a must stop for visitors to Kauai's scenic north shore, offering amazing views overlooking the Pacific, a unique opportunity to observe seabirds in their habitat and a chance to visit the historic Kilauea Lighthouse.
The centerpiece of the refuge is the historic Kilauea Lighthouse, built in 1913 and in operation until 1976 when it was replaced by an automatic beacon. The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979
Managed since 1985 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the ocean cliffs and open grassy slopes of an extinct volcano provide breeding grounds for native Hawaiian seabirds and nene, the endangered Hawaiian goose.
Kilauea Point offers the opportunity to view red-footed boobies, Laysan albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and other seabirds in their natural habitat. The National Marine Sanctuary waters surrounding the refuge are home to Hawaiian monk seals, green turtles, and, in winter, humpback whales.
The Visitor Center features interpretive dioramas highlighting native Hawaiian habitats and wildlife and the adjoining Kilauea Point Natural History Association bookstore has an excellent selection of natural history books and other items.
The refuge is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily and is closed on major federal holidays. An entry fee of $5 is required for adults 16 and older. Children under 16 are free. Allow yourself at least an hour for your visit.
Related Feature About the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Photos of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai's North Shore
