Located on the northern most point of Kaua'i, Kīlauea Point NWR has one of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in the state.
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We have permanently moved to a reservation system. Tickets are available up to two months in advance on Recreation.gov. 

Visit Us

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Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse is part of the Kīlauea Point Light Station and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern-most point of the main Hawaiian Islands on a portion of the former Kīlauea volcanic vent and includes spectacular views from atop a 180-foot ocean bluff.

The Refuge is the best places in the state to view seabirds rarely seen from land, like the red-footed booby (ʻā in Hawaiian), great frigate bird ('iwa), and Laysan albatross (mōlī). The world's rarest goose and Hawai‘i's state bird, the Hawaiian goose (nēnē) is a frequent sight as well. Visitors also have a chance to view spinner dolphins (nai‘a), Hawaiian monk seals (‘Ilio holo i ka uaua), green sea turtles (honu), and humpback whales (koholā, October - April) in the water below. Native Hawaiian coastal plants are also abundant.

The Refuge is also home to the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse, whose 2nd order bivalve Fresnel lens lit the way for seafarers. The lighthouse is part of the Kīlauea Point Light Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse played a key role in the first trans-Pacific flight from the West Coast to Hawai‘i and has been part of Kaua‘i’s history since its completion in 1913.

Location and Contact Information

      Draft Environmental Assessment for Kīlauea Point Refuge Access Repairs

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has issued a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for repairs to the main entryway and associated infrastructure at the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).                                                                                                           
      In 2020 and 2021, severe storms damaged the main access road, adjacent parking areas, a section of ungulate fencing, and the main water line that services the Refuge. These damages need to be addressed to stop further degradation and loss of water availability, while continuing to provide safe long-term access to the Refuge. The Draft EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and evaluates the effects of the proposed action on the natural and human environment. The purpose of the proposed action is to repair and restore key infrastructure to provide safe access to the Refuge for staff, volunteers, and visitors.                                                 
      The deadline for public comment is October 17, 2024; please submit comments by mail to the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 1128, Kīlauea, HI  96754, Attention: Driveway Repair Project or by email to jennifer_waipa@fws.gov.

      You can find the draft environmental assessment here
       

      Our Species

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      Migratory mōlī (Laysan Albatross) typically arrive at Kīlauea Point in early November for breeding season.

      We are home to a variety of seabirds, songbirds, native plants, and the nēnē, or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis). To learn more go to our species page. 

      Worldwide, human expansion and development has caused dramatic declines in native plants, animals, and habitats. The National Wildlife Refuge system was established in 1903 to protect, restore, and conserve wildlife populations and their habitats.

      Currently, National Wildlife Refuges encompass the largest acreage of public lands and waters set aside for fish, wildlife, and plants in the world – with more than 150 million acres and at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state.

      Our Library

      Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Geotechnical Investigations 2024 Environmental Assessment
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      Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Geotechnical Investigations 2024 Environmental Assessment

      This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with the proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500–1509) and Department of the Interior (43...

      PDF

      Get Involved

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      Volunteer with us 

      Our volunteers, Friends Group, and partners are integral to Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge management. Volunteers support various refuge programs including native habitat management, natural history and cultural interpretation, wildlife monitoring, and more.

       We are currently looking for new people to join our 'ohana (family).  Click view more opportunities to learn more and to contact our volunteer coordinator.