Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Region
 

Visiting Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge opened to visitors in 1985 to provide the general public with an opportunity to experience and learn about a unique diversity of seabirds, native coastal plants, and the historic Kīlauea Lighthouse.

The refuge is located 2 miles north of historic Kīlauea town on the northernmost tip of Kaua‘i. It is the only refuge on Kaua‘i open to the public and providing visitor services. Kīlauea Point is a must-see destination for island visitors and residents alike – and approximately 500,000 people visit the refuge every year!

Informal interpretation is available daily at Kīlauea Point. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to make regularly scheduled visitor tours and Crater Hill hikes available soon.

Refuge Highlights:

  • Kīlauea Point offers unsurpassed views overlooking the Pacific, a unique opportunity to observe seabirds in their habitat and a chance to visit the historic Kīlauea Lighthouse. Built in 1913, the structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  • Visitors can enjoy a leisurely 0.2-mile walk to Kīlauea Point from the entrance booth with breathtaking views and interpretive panels.
  • The Visitor Center features interpretive dioramas highlighting native Hawaiian habitats and wildlife.
  • The Kīlauea Point Natural History Association bookstore has an excellent selection of natural history books and other items.

Driving Directions: From Līhu‘e, drive north on Kūhiō Highway for approximately 23 miles to the town of Kīlauea, turn right on Kolo Road, then left on Kīlauea Road and drive 2 miles to the refuge entrance. All visitors are required to drive down into the refuge parking area. Parking is limited. Please call in advance if there are more than 20 people. Passenger vehicles are restricted to vans transporting 15 people or fewer. Buses are not permitted without prior permission.

Hours of Operation: The refuge is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily and is closed on major federal holidays. Please give yourself atleast 30 minutes to enjoy our time at the refuge.

Entrance Fee: An entry fee of $5 is required for adults 16 and older. Children under 16 are free. All Federal Recreational Lands Passes are honored here. Passes are available for purchase at the refuge. A yearly kama‘aina pass can be purchased for $20.00. The kama‘aina pass allows visits to Kīlauea Point throughout the year for the holder and up to 3 guests.

Amenities: Restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Binoculars are available for visitors to borrow while on-site.

Restrictions: Pets, food, and drink and firearms are prohibited. Water is permitted.

Special Events
Last updated: October 4, 2010