Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Oceanfront refuge on Kauai featuring a historic lighthouse, diverse seabirds, and stunning Pacific vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos & bird activity
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Best Time
Best light for photos & bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oceanfront refuge on Kauai featuring a historic lighthouse, diverse seabirds, and stunning Pacific vistas.
"Absolutely beautiful views, so many different types of birds! Money well spent, wonderful way to enjoy the wildlife."
🎟️ Book Ahead!
Reservations are often needed. Check official sites to secure your entry.
🐦 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your birdwatching experience and spot distant wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kilauea Lighthouse
Kilauea Point
Iconic 1913 lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into maritime history.
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Seabird Spectacle
Cliffs and skies
Witness diverse seabirds like Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies, and tropicbirds in their natural habitat.
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Dramatic Coastal Views
Oceanfront lookout points
Breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and crashing waves create postcard-perfect scenes.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Best Time for Birdwatching
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead!
Reservations are often needed. Check official sites to secure your entry.
🐦 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your birdwatching experience and spot distant wildlife.
📸 Postcard Views
The scenery is stunning; prepare for amazing photos.
🚶♀️ Walk the Paths
Explore the refuge's trails for diverse viewpoints and wildlife spotting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead!
Reservations are often needed. Check official sites to secure your entry.
🐦 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your birdwatching experience and spot distant wildlife.
📸 Postcard Views
The scenery is stunning; prepare for amazing photos.
🚶♀️ Walk the Paths
Explore the refuge's trails for diverse viewpoints and wildlife spotting.
💰 Support National Parks
Your entry fee helps conserve this beautiful refuge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge for its absolutely beautiful views, abundant and diverse birdlife, and the iconic lighthouse. Many find it a worthwhile visit that supports national parks, offering postcard-perfect scenery. Some note that the lighthouse interior isn't accessible and that reservations are essential.
"Absolutely beautiful views, so many different types of birds! They had ample signage and information about the different kinds of birds. The only thing that would have made it better is if the lighthouse had been open to visitors. Not too pricey, money well spent, wonderful way to enjoy the wildlife."
Emily Davis
"As spectacular in real life as in the photos. This is a lovely must-see in Kauai - not just for the birds and the views but also to support our National Parks! An annual pass works here - no fee, no reservation."
yuet chu
"Very cool place, worth the $20 ticket. You can't get up into the lighthouse, but it's very cool to see the wildlife and awesome coral views."
Dan Kieffer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The refuge is located on the north shore of Kauai. Driving is the most common way to reach it. Follow Kilauea Road to the refuge entrance. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation options to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge are limited. It's best to have a rental car or arrange for private transport to ensure easy access.
From Lihue Airport, take Highway 56 North towards Princeville. Continue on Highway 56 until you reach Kilauea town. Turn onto Kilauea Road, and follow the signs for the refuge and lighthouse.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Yes, an annual National Parks Pass is accepted here, waiving the entrance fee. This is a great option if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are often required for Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. It's crucial to check the official website or booking platforms in advance, as the system has experienced downtime.
The entrance fee is typically $10 per adult (16 and older), with children under 16 admitted free. An annual National Parks Pass also covers the entry fee.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Currently, the interior of the Kilauea Lighthouse is not open to the public for tours. Visitors can admire it from the outside and learn about its history. +1
The reservation system has been known to be down. It's recommended to monitor the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website for updates on when reservations will be available and how to book them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of seabirds, including Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and tropicbirds. Spinner dolphins and other marine life are also often spotted offshore.
Yes, there are walking paths and trails within the refuge that allow you to explore the coastline and observe wildlife. The terrain is generally easy to moderate.
Mornings and late afternoons often offer the best opportunities for birdwatching, as birds are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
While there are no specific restrictions mentioned, it's generally good practice to pack out what you pack in. Enjoying a picnic with a view is a great option.
Absolutely! The dramatic coastal scenery, historic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife make it a photographer's paradise.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the lighthouse, the cliff edges overlooking the ocean, and any vantage points with clear views of the seabird nesting sites offer fantastic photo opportunities.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of the birds. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive ocean and lighthouse views.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of the wildlife and avoid disturbing them. Drone usage may be restricted.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for bird shots.
Yes, the albatross courtship dances are a highlight and a fantastic subject for photographers. Be patient and observe from a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Encourage kids to participate in spotting different types of birds and to learn about their habitats through the refuge's informational signage. It's a wonderful opportunity for outdoor education and to foster an appreciation for wildlife and conservation in a beautiful, accessible setting. Remember to bring snacks and water, and keep a close eye on children near the cliff edges.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Consider bringing a telephoto lens to capture intimate shots of the birds, especially during nesting season when you might witness albatross courtship dances.+1The golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide the most magical light for both landscapes and wildlife. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and always maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife to avoid disturbing them. The refuge's unique combination of natural beauty and historical elements ensures a rewarding photographic experience.
🐦 Birdwatching Aficionados
+1 The refuge is particularly known for its Laysan albatross population, offering chances to see their fascinating courtship rituals. Other species to look out for include red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and various tropicbirds. Bring your binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birding experience. The best times for spotting active birds are typically in the early morning and late afternoon. The refuge's strategic location on the coast provides excellent vantage points for observing both resident and migratory species.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Haven for Seabirds
+1 and the vibrant red-footed boobies. Keep your eyes peeled for great frigatebirds soaring overhead and the elegant red-tailed tropicbirds and white-tailed tropicbirds gracing the skies. The refuge's protected cliffs and ocean breezes provide the ideal environment for these magnificent creatures to thrive. Beyond the birds, the waters off Kilauea Point are frequented by spinner dolphins, which often put on a playful display. Observing these marine mammals from the shore adds another layer of wonder to the refuge experience. The presence of these diverse species underscores the importance of the refuge's conservation efforts and offers a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to connect with nature.
The Historic Kilauea Lighthouse
+1The lighthouse itself is a testament to early 20th-century engineering and maritime history. Its Fresnel lens, though no longer in active use for navigation, is a significant artifact. The surrounding grounds offer excellent vantage points to appreciate the lighthouse's architecture and its strategic location. It's a place where history meets natural beauty, offering a serene and inspiring experience for all who visit.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Photographers will find Kilauea Point to be a dream location, with postcard-perfect views and abundant wildlife subjects.
+1 The entrance fee is considered well worth it by many, as it supports the conservation efforts of the National Parks system. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit