Skip to main content
Usitour
Historic Ruins & Heritage

Kilauea Lighthouse

📍 Kilauea Point, Kauai, HI, USA
No photos yet
4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Kauai
Category
Historic Ruins & Heritage
Duration
1 hour
Address
Kilauea Point, Kauai, HI, USA
Coordinates
22.2317, -159.4020

Introduction

The Kilauea Lighthouse, at the northern tip of Kauai, was built in 1913 and was once one of the brightest lighthouses on the U.S. Pacific coast. Decommissioned in 1976, it was incorporated into the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in 1985. The lighthouse stands on a 55-meter-high promontory overlooking the vast Pacific, one of Kauai's most iconic landmarks. The area is home to hundreds of seabirds, including black-footed albatross, red-tailed tropicbirds, and frigatebirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. In winter, humpback whales migrate through nearby waters and can be spotted spouting and breaching from the lighthouse point. The trail to the lighthouse follows coastal cliffs with wildflowers and ocean breezes, offering richly layered scenery. The lighthouse carries the dual significance of maritime history and nature conservation, an excellent window into Hawaii's marine ecology and seafaring culture.

✨ Highlights

1
55-Meter Promontory Lighthouse
A 1913 lighthouse on a 55-meter promontory, once the brightest on the Pacific coast, an iconic Kauai landmark.
2
Seabird Paradise
Habitat for black-footed albatross, red-tailed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and other rare seabirds, a must for birdwatchers.
3
Winter Whale Watching
From Dec to Apr, humpback whales migrate through nearby waters, visible spouting and breaching from the point.
4
Coastal Cliff Trail
The trail to the lighthouse follows coastal cliffs with wildflowers and ocean breezes, offering richly layered scenery.
5
National Wildlife Refuge
Incorporated into Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in 1985, where nature conservation and maritime history meet.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Dec-Apr whale season; mornings have the most active seabirds
→Duration：1-2 hours recommended
→Opening Hours：Wed-Sat 10:00-16:00, closed federal holidays
→Ticket Information：Adults $10, under 16 free, advance reservation required
→Transportation：About 45-min drive from Lihue, north on Kuhio Highway to Kilauea town

💡 Tips

• The refuge requires reservations with limited slots; book on recreation.gov in advance.
• Essential for bird and whale watching; distant albatross and whales are hard to spot with the naked eye. Bring a telephoto lens too.
• The point is windy with strong UV; bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and sturdy non-slip walking shoes.
• Do not feed or disturb seabirds and seals; keep distance and be a responsible observer.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Kilauea Lighthouse?

Wed-Sat 10:00-16:00, closed federal holidays

How much is the admission for Kilauea Lighthouse?

Adults $10, under 16 free, advance reservation required

Any practical tips for visiting Kilauea Lighthouse?

The refuge requires reservations with limited slots; book on recreation.gov in advance. Essential for bird and whale watching; distant albatross and whales are hard to spot with the naked eye. Bring a telephoto lens too.

How long should I spend at Kilauea Lighthouse?

A typical visit takes 1 hour.