Kīlauea Point National Wildlife RefugeAbout Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge occupies a rocky headland on the north shore of Kauaʻi and protects seabird nesting habitat and adjacent marine areas. The refuge is widely known for its historic lighthouse and its role as a protected nesting site for Hawaiian seabirds.
The headland offers short walking routes and overlooks that give close views of seabird colonies, marine life and offshore waters; the lighthouse complex provides interpretation and the primary visitor viewpoint. The refuge is a key breeding area for several seabird species and is managed to minimize disturbance during nesting seasons.
The main historic feature is the Kīlauea Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1913 and sited at the tip of the point to guide coastal shipping. The refuge was later established to protect seabird and marine habitat, and management focuses on habitat restoration, invasive-species control and visitor education.
Kīlauea Point sits on Kauaʻi’s north shore near the small community of Kīlauea and is accessible from the Kuhio Highway. The point projects into the Pacific and provides a prominent coastal landmark visible from nearby shore roads.
- Historic lighthouse: The light station on the point was constructed in 1913 and remains the refuge’s most prominent historic structure and visitor focal point.
- Whale-watching season: Winter months bring humpback whales nearshore, making the refuge a useful vantage point for seasonal whale watching from the shore.
What to See#
- Kīlauea Point Lighthouse: The historic Kīlauea Point Lighthouse, built in 1913, sits at the refuge headland and provides the primary public viewing area and interpretation for visitors.
- Seabird and marine habitats: Seabird nesting cliffs and offshore waters that support colonies of red-footed boobies, Laysan albatross and other seabirds, with seasonal whale watching offshore in winter months.
Best Time to Visit Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Best for birding during the seabird breeding season from late autumn to early summer; check refuge advisories for seasonal closures.
Weather & Climate near Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (572 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 18° - 24° | 21° | 123 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 18° - 24° | 21° | 60 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 23 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 26 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 9 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 7 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 52 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 68 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 95 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kīlauea Point is on Kaua’i’s north shore near the town of Kīlauea. From Līhuʻe airport (about 30-40 minutes), drive north on Kuhio Highway (HI-56) to the refuge parking area. Some tour operators include the point on half-day island loops.
Tips for Visiting Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Bring binoculars and a scope if possible - the point is famous for seabird and monk seal sightings.
- Arrive around the two tidal-change windows: low tide often concentrates prey and makes seabird activity more intense.
- Respect nesting areas and posted closures; the refuge enforces strict rules to protect endangered species like the Laysan albatross and Hawaiian monk seal.