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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Optimal for photography

Ninini Point Lighthouse Lihue Hawaii
Best Time
Optimal for photography

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on Kauai offering stunning coastal views and unique aerial perspectives near Lihue Airport.
"Breathtaking views and a unique spot to watch planes land against the ocean backdrop."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Aircraft Spotting
Near Lihue Airport runway
Enjoy the unique spectacle of planes landing and taking off against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Ninini Point Lighthouse
Best Use of Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Walking the path offers beautiful views and a chance to spot local birds.
📍 Follow the Signs
Navigate through the Marriott property using signs for the lighthouse.
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.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for capturing stunning coastal landscapes and aircraft.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Walking the path offers beautiful views and a chance to spot local birds.
📍 Follow the Signs
Navigate through the Marriott property using signs for the lighthouse.
🚫 Not Open to Public
The lighthouse structure itself is not accessible for tours.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Some visitors recommend walking the final stretch due to the rocky terrain.The road leading to Ninini Point Lighthouse is a dirt road with rocks, especially after the Marriott property.
It's advisable to drive slowly or consider walking the last half-mile.While possible, it's recommended to be cautious on the dirt road. Some visitors suggest walking to avoid potential damage to rental cars.
Yes, Ninini Point Lighthouse is located right behind Lihue Airport, offering views of planes landing.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Ninini Point Lighthouse. Access is generally free, though it involves driving through private property.
Unfortunately, the Ninini Point Lighthouse structure itself is not open to the public for tours or entry.
Since the lighthouse is not open for tours, there are no specific operating hours. Visitors can access the grounds during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the grounds of Ninini Point Lighthouse. The main cost is associated with your transportation to the location.
No, the lighthouse is not open for public access inside. Visitors can admire it from the exterior.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The lighthouse itself, the dramatic cliffside coastline, and the planes landing at Lihue Airport provide excellent photo opportunities.
The surrounding natural beauty offers a mesmerizing background.Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline.
You'll also get a unique perspective of aircraft approaching the nearby airport.While not explicitly mentioned for sunsets, the coastal location and open views suggest it could be a beautiful spot for sunset photography.
The entire cliffside area offers great viewpoints. The path leading to the lighthouse provides continuous scenic vistas of the sea.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
Visitors have noted seeing various birds around the lighthouse area.
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.
Yes, some visitors have specifically mentioned finding and checking off birds in the area, suggesting it's a good spot for birdwatching.
The landscape features dramatic cliff sides overlooking the ocean, with coastal vegetation. It's a rugged and picturesque setting.
While whale watching is popular on other parts of Oahu and Kauai during winter months,
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
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Access and the Dirt Road
Despite the lighthouse not being open to the public, the journey is often described as worthwhile by those who make the effort. 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
Travelers often highlight the 'banger photos' they've managed to snag here, emphasizing the visual appeal of the location. 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.
A Quieter Kauai Experience
The journey through the Marriott property and the subsequent dirt road can deter some visitors, inadvertently preserving the site's quiet charm. 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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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit