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Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970's. The lighthouse is open to look around on the ground level (reservations required- see below). Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua'i's most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua'i's past.
Nearby is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to a diverse population of nesting seabirds and the only such sanctuary in the islands. Residents include red-footed boobies, the Laysan albatross, the red and white-tailed tropic bird, and the great frigate bird with its 8-foot wingspan. During certain seasons green-sea turtles, humpback whales, and dolphins can be seen frolicking in the waters.
Reservations Now Required
This location has permanently moved to a reservation system. Tickets are available up to two months in advance on Recreation.gov.
Visiting hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed some Saturdays before major Federal holidays.
The top overlook at the end of Kīlauea Road remains accessible to view the ocean, seabirds, Kīlauea Point and the lighthouse from a distance.
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Directions
As you continue to drive north past Kapa'a you'll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. To reach the lighthouse and Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the ocean) to Kilauea Lighthouse and the national wildlife refuge that has been set up there. You have also now officially entered North Kaua'i. Before heading down to the lighthouse parking lot on the peninsula, take a moment to stop at the upper lot and view the lighthouse from the overlook. Then continue on down to the lower parking lot.
