Perched dramatically on a rugged peninsula, the Kilauea lighthouse and bird refuge provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Hawaii. Set atop a staggering 180 foot-high bluff, the lighthouse overlooks the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, providing panoramic views that endlessly stretch across the horizon. From this lofty vantage point, visitors are treated to sweeping coastal scenes, the deep blues and turquoise hues of the ocean, and an abundance of marine and avian life.
The area surrounding the lighthouse is part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1985 to protect and preserve the native seabird population and the unique coastal ecosystem. The refuge is a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including the red-footed booby, Laysam albatross, and the wedge-tailed shearwater. The skies above are often filled with these soaring birds, which nest in the cliffs and grassy slopes around the point. During the winter months, lucky visitors may also spot migrating humpback whales breaching offshore, as well as Hawaiian monk seals resting on the rocks below.
On especially clear days, it’s even possible to catch a glimpse of Ni’ihau, the Forbidden Island, lying west across the Kaieie Waho Channel.
If you are interested in the Kilauea Lighthouse and Bird Refuge, and want to find something similar, consider visiting the Lawai International Center, which offers equally wonderful scenic views.
History
The lighthouse itself was completed in 1913 and played a critical role in guiding ships across the often dangerous North Pacific. Its lens, a hyper-radial Fresnel lens—the largest of its kind—could cast light nearly 20 miles out to sea. Although the lighthouse was deactivated in 1976, it has been beautifully preserved and now stands as a symbol of Kauai’s maritime heritage.
Today, the lighthouse and its surrounding refuge serve as a testament to both human achievement and environmental preservation. It has been turned into a natural sanctuary for endangered wildlife, and a location for people to connect to their more wild roots. Visitors come not only to enjoy the sweeping shore views but also to learn about the region’s ecological significance and the legacy of those who maintained this coastal beacon. A visit to Kilauea Point is more than a scenic stop—it is a journey into the heart of Kauai’s natural and cultural heritage.
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