📷 Photo by Marc Szeglat on UnsplashKīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea, HI
A 1913 lighthouse on a cliff above nesting seabirds, with whales offshore in winter. A reservation is required.
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a coastal reserve with a lighthouse on the north side of the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi, near the town of Kīlauea. The Kīlauea lighthouse was built in 1913, stands 52 feet (about 16 m) tall according to Lonely Planet, and was decommissioned in 1976. Its official name is the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse.
Seabirds live on the cliffs: red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds and Laysan albatrosses, which according to the refuge usually arrive in early November to breed. Nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, are also here. Offshore you may see spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles, and from October to April humpback whales. Lonely Planet notes that volunteers lend binoculars for free.
To get here, turn onto Kīlauea Road in the town of Kīlauea and follow the signs for about 2 miles (3 km); from the entrance it is roughly a three-minute walk to the lighthouse. The refuge has permanently moved to a reservation system, with tickets released up to two months ahead on Recreation.gov. Storm-damage repairs are under way at the lighthouse, so check access and dates beforehand (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Kilauea, HI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 22.2317, -159.4020
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Anini Beach CampingCampsite3 mi from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Kumu campCampsite9 mi from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife RefugeTentsDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Anahola Beach Park CampingCampsite9 mi from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Lydgate Beach Park CampingCampsite14 mi from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Sugi GroveCampsite16 mi from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife RefugeToilets
- KawaikoiCampsite16 mi from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife RefugeToilets
All campsites in Hawaii · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is in Kilauea, HI, at GPS 22.2317, -159.4020. It is about 7 mi from Hanalei.
Can you camp near Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Anini Beach Camping, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kauaʻi from Hanalei to Waimea Canyon.
What is there to see near Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wailua Falls (13 mi), Kalalau Lookout (17 mi), Waimea Canyon Lookout (20 mi) and Spouting Horn (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)