Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge’s dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs plunging to the ocean is one of the best places on the main Hawaiian islands to view wildlife. The refuge is home to the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawai‘i. Visitors also have a chance to view spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, native Hawaiian coastal plants and Hawai‘i’s state bird - the nēnē or endangered Hawaiian goose.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 550 National Wildlife Refuges managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are 9 refuges on the main Hawaiian Islands, with 3 of them being on Kaua‘i. In 1985, the Kīlauea Point NWR was established to preserve and enhance seabird nesting colonies. In 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Crater Hill and Mōkōlea Point. The refuge is also home to the historic Kīlauea Point Lighthouse which sits on the northernmost point of Kaua‘i allowing visitors to view a piece of history as well as the many birds congregating around the cliffs.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Closed on November 11 in Observance of Veteran’s Day
Fee Free Day on November 12
News Release (Nov. 2)