U.S. Fish & Wildlife - KILAUEA Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge’s dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs plunging to the ocean is one of the best places on the main Hawaiian islands to view wildlife. The refuge is home to the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawai‘i. Visitors also have a chance to view spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, native Hawaiian coastal plants and Hawai‘i’s state bird - the nēnē or endangered Hawaiian goose.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 550 National Wildlife Refuges managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are 9 refuges on the main Hawaiian Islands, with 3 of them being on Kaua‘i.

In 1985, the Kīlauea Point NWR was established to preserve and enhance seabird nesting colonies. In 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Crater Hill and Mōkōlea Point. The refuge is also home to the historic Kīlauea Point Lighthouse which sits on the northernmost point of Kaua‘i allowing visitors to view a piece of history as well as the many birds congregating around the cliffs.

Visit Kaua‘i’s National Wildlife Refuges during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 10 - 16

National Wildlife Refuge Week

– Visit Kaua‘i’s National Wildlife Refuges during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 10 - 16, and celebrate America’s wildlife heritage! Take advantage of this national week of celebration.

Come and discover hundreds of seabirds nesting atop sheer sea cliffs, enjoy ever-changing views of a valley where taro farming coexists with endangered waterbirds and explore Kaua‘i’s colorful past by visiting the famous Kīlauea Point Lighthouse during the week’s special events.

Built in 1913 as a navigational aid for commercial shipping between Hawai‘i and the Orient, Kīlauea Point Lighthouse stands as a monument to Hawai‘i’s colorful past. For 62 years, it guided ships and boats safely along Kaui‘i’s rugged north shore with it’s signature double-flash.

In 1927, the lighthouse played a key role in the first trans-Pacific flight from the West Coast to Honolulu by reorienting the two lost pilots of the Bird of Paradise.

In 1976, the Coast Guard deactivated the lighthouse and replaced it with an automatic beacon. In 1979, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dedicated volunteers keep the lighthouse functional and on rare and special occasions, the Kīlauea Point Lighthouse lights the sky above Kaua‘i’s north shore.

For more information, please go to: http://www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint/