As close as we could get, but still so worth it.
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Ninini Point Lighthouse Lihue Hawaii

4.4
·449 reviews·Lihue, United States

Historic lighthouse on Kauai offering stunning coastal views and unique aerial perspectives near Lihue Airport.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Optimal for photography

CrowdLow
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As close as we could get, but still so worth it.

Ninini Point Lighthouse Lihue Hawaii

Best Time

Daytime

Optimal for photography

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic lighthouse on Kauai offering stunning coastal views and unique aerial perspectives near Lihue Airport.

4.4
(449 reviews)

"Breathtaking views and a unique spot to watch planes land against the ocean backdrop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Navigate the Dirt Road

A short, rocky dirt road leads to the lighthouse. Consider walking if you have a low-clearance vehicle.

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Ideal for capturing stunning coastal landscapes and aircraft.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ninini Point Lighthouse

Ninini Point Lighthouse

Adjacent to Lihue Airport

An 86-foot tall, historic lighthouse offering stunning coastal views and a unique perspective of aircraft arrivals.

Coastal Vistas

Coastal Vistas

Cliffside overlooking the ocean

Breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and coastline, perfect for photography and soaking in the natural beauty.

Aircraft Spotting

Aircraft Spotting

Near Lihue Airport runway

Enjoy the unique spectacle of planes landing and taking off against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Ninini Point Lighthouse

Reaching Ninini Point Lighthouse involves navigating through the Marriott property and a short, rocky dirt road. While the lighthouse itself isn't open to the public, the scenic drive and coastal views are worth the effort for photographers and nature lovers.

Best Use of Your Visit

Ninini Point Lighthouse is ideal for photography and enjoying coastal vistas, especially with views of planes landing at Lihue Airport. It's a quieter spot, perfect for those seeking a less crowded experience away from main tourist hubs.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Optimal for photography
Crowd
Low
When
Early Morning
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visiting O’ahu and want an easy hike? Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is paved, only about 2 miles round trip, and has stunning panoramic ocean views—plus, during winter, you might even spot whales! 🐳 • • • #oahu #oahuhawaii #hawaii #honolulu #hawaiivacation #makapuulighthouse #travel #whalewatching #Hiking #fyp #CapCut
@adventuring.allie
30.5K likes • 295.3K views

🚗 Navigate the Dirt Road

A short, rocky dirt road leads to the lighthouse. Consider walking if you have a low-clearance vehicle. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Ideal for capturing stunning coastal landscapes and aircraft. InstagramReddit

Have you ever heard of Makauwahi Cave Reserve? 📌 Save this video for your trip to Kauai! This is a must-do for all ages, and the best part? It’s free! 🙌
 🌊 Start at Shipwreck Beach – Relax, swim, or explore the cliffs nearby. It’s the perfect way to kick off your day! 🥾 Hike the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail – an easy, scenic walk with ocean views. 🌴 Discover Makauwahi Cave Reserve – Open daily from 1...
@travelwith.kri
18.5K likes • 285.4K views
Travelling has its perks of snagging some banger photos every now and then. #travel #swapic #hawaii #lighthouse #plane
mikeylamb46
42 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Walking the path offers beautiful views and a chance to spot local birds. Instagram

📍 Follow the Signs

Navigate through the Marriott property using signs for the lighthouse. Reddit

Ninini Point Lighthouse on Kauai and a watercolor painting of it by @the_world_is_in_color 😍 #nininipointlighthouse #lighthouse #kauai #watercolor #watercolorpainting
savvy_savy
32 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Navigate the Dirt Road

A short, rocky dirt road leads to the lighthouse. Consider walking if you have a low-clearance vehicle. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Ideal for capturing stunning coastal landscapes and aircraft. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Walking the path offers beautiful views and a chance to spot local birds. Instagram

📍 Follow the Signs

Navigate through the Marriott property using signs for the lighthouse. Reddit

🚫 Not Open to Public

The lighthouse structure itself is not accessible for tours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(449 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Ninini Point Lighthouse for its stunning coastal views and unique perspective of planes landing at Lihue Airport. While the lighthouse itself is not accessible, the scenic drive and photo opportunities make it a worthwhile stop for many. Some find the access road a bit challenging, and note the lack of public entry into the lighthouse structure.

"This was a great off the beaten path spot that had some fantastic views. In addition it was directly in the flight path of landing planes which the kids enjoyed watching land. The road there is a bit rough at the end but was worth it."

Joe Kurtz

"This is another lighthouse on the island, located right behind the airport. Access requires driving through the publicly accessible Marriott property (a large complex with vacation rentals and a golf course). Follow the signs for the lighthouse. Once you reach the end of the Marriott property, adjacent to the airport, be prepared for a 5-10 minute drive on a dirt road that loops around the property and airport to reach the lighthouse parking area. From there, it's a walk to the lighthouse itself (walking the entire way is also an option but will take longer). Unfortunately, the lighthouse is not open to the public. Despite this, the cliffside location still offers views of planes landing and a nice vista of the bay."

Shahbaz Salehi

"We could go into the lighthouse, but it was a beautiful setting. The wind was blowing pretty hard and you could taste the sea salt when the waves crash against the rocks. The Bay right next to it is inspiring."

John Hodson

What People Like

Breathtaking coastal views
Aircraft landing views
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Lighthouse not open
Rocky access road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access Ninini Point Lighthouse by driving through the Marriott property near Lihue Airport. Follow signs for the lighthouse, which will lead you onto a dirt road. Reddit Some visitors recommend walking the final stretch due to the rocky terrain. Reddit

The road leading to Ninini Point Lighthouse is a dirt road with rocks, especially after the Marriott property. Reddit It's advisable to drive slowly or consider walking the last half-mile. Reddit

While possible, it's recommended to be cautious on the dirt road. Some visitors suggest walking to avoid potential damage to rental cars. Reddit

Yes, Ninini Point Lighthouse is located right behind Lihue Airport, offering views of planes landing. TikTokReddit

The most common approach is via the Marriott property, followed by a dirt road. Some visitors have found it a bit confusing to find, so pay attention to signage. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit Ninini Point Lighthouse. Access is generally free, though it involves driving through private property. Reddit

Unfortunately, the Ninini Point Lighthouse structure itself is not open to the public for tours or entry. Reddit

Since the lighthouse is not open for tours, there are no specific operating hours. Visitors can access the grounds during daylight hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit the grounds of Ninini Point Lighthouse. The main cost is associated with your transportation to the location. Reddit

No, the lighthouse is not open for public access inside. Visitors can admire it from the exterior. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The lighthouse itself, the dramatic cliffside coastline, and the planes landing at Lihue Airport provide excellent photo opportunities. InstagramReddit The surrounding natural beauty offers a mesmerizing background. Reddit

Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. Reddit You'll also get a unique perspective of aircraft approaching the nearby airport. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned for sunsets, the coastal location and open views suggest it could be a beautiful spot for sunset photography. Reddit

The entire cliffside area offers great viewpoints. The path leading to the lighthouse provides continuous scenic vistas of the sea. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife

Visitors have noted seeing various birds around the lighthouse area. Instagram The coastal environment may also offer opportunities to spot marine life, though this is not frequently mentioned.

While there isn't a dedicated hiking trail system directly at the lighthouse, the walk from the parking area and the surrounding terrain offer opportunities for exploration. Reddit

Yes, some visitors have specifically mentioned finding and checking off birds in the area, suggesting it's a good spot for birdwatching. Instagram

The landscape features dramatic cliff sides overlooking the ocean, with coastal vegetation. It's a rugged and picturesque setting. Reddit

While whale watching is popular on other parts of Oahu and Kauai during winter months,TikTok there's no specific mention of whale sightings from Ninini Point Lighthouse in the provided information.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ninini Point Lighthouse can be an interesting stop for families, especially those with children fascinated by planes. The unique vantage point near Lihue Airport allows kids to watch aircraft land and take off, which can be quite exciting. TikTok While the lighthouse itself isn't accessible, the walk along the cliffside offers a chance to explore and enjoy the ocean views. Instagram Keep an eye out for local birds, as some children have enjoyed spotting and identifying them. Instagram Be mindful of the rocky dirt road leading to the lighthouse; consider if your children are comfortable with a slightly bumpy ride or if walking the final stretch is more suitable.

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

For photographers, Ninini Point Lighthouse is a goldmine. The combination of the historic lighthouse, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the active Lihue Airport runway provides a diverse range of subjects. InstagramReddit Capture stunning landscape shots with the ocean as your backdrop, or focus on the architectural details of the lighthouse. The unique perspective of planes in flight against the Hawaiian scenery is a major draw. TikTok The relatively low crowd levels mean you'll likely have ample space and time to set up your shots without interruption. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

If you enjoy scenic drives with a touch of adventure, Ninini Point Lighthouse fits the bill. The route involves navigating through a resort and then a somewhat rugged dirt road, adding an element of exploration to your journey. Reddit+1 While the lighthouse itself isn't open, the drive offers beautiful coastal views and a sense of discovery. It's a great stop for those who like to venture off the beaten path and find unique spots that aren't on every tourist's itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Access and the Dirt Road

Reaching Ninini Point Lighthouse requires a bit of an adventure. You'll need to drive through the publicly accessible Marriott property. Follow the signs for the lighthouse, which will eventually lead you to a dirt road. This road can be rocky and uneven, prompting some visitors to recommend walking the final half-mile to avoid potential damage to their vehicles, especially if driving a low-clearance car. Reddit The drive itself, though bumpy, offers glimpses of the surrounding landscape and the proximity to the airport. Reddit

Despite the lighthouse not being open to the public, the journey is often described as worthwhile by those who make the effort. Reddit The unique access through a resort property and the subsequent dirt road add to the off-the-beaten-path feel of this destination. It's a good idea to be prepared for a slightly rugged approach, but the scenic rewards at the end make it a memorable stop for many.

Photography and Scenic Beauty

Ninini Point Lighthouse is a photographer's dream, offering a blend of iconic structures and stunning natural landscapes. The lighthouse itself, an 86-foot tall beacon built in 1932, stands as a picturesque subject against the vast Pacific Ocean. Instagram The cliffside location provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for any shot. Reddit Many visitors are drawn to the unique opportunity to capture images of planes landing at the adjacent Lihue Airport, adding an element of dynamic action to the serene coastal scenery. TikTokReddit

Travelers often highlight the 'banger photos' they've managed to snag here, emphasizing the visual appeal of the location. Instagram Whether you're interested in architectural photography, landscape shots, or capturing the thrill of aviation, Ninini Point Lighthouse offers a diverse range of photographic possibilities. The best times for photography are typically during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and more dramatic. Reddit

A Quieter Kauai Experience

Unlike some of Kauai's more famous attractions, Ninini Point Lighthouse offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. Many visitors report being the only ones there, or encountering only a few locals enjoying the surf. Reddit This lack of crowds makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature without the usual tourist hustle. InstagramReddit

The journey through the Marriott property and the subsequent dirt road can deter some visitors, inadvertently preserving the site's quiet charm. Reddit This makes it a perfect destination for travelers who appreciate discovering hidden gems and enjoying scenic beauty at their own pace. It's a place where you can truly relax, take in the views, and appreciate the raw beauty of Kauai's coastline without feeling rushed.

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