Kilauea Lighthouse

4.4 (242 reviews)

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Julie C.

Kilauea lighthouse is located at the Kilauea point national wildlife refuge on Kauai. It's a fun place to visit to see the lighthouse and also the bird sanctuary. You can see a lot of the Hawaii state bird, the Nene, the albatross, and the red footed booby. You do need reservations to enter, but they do have both military and kamaina discounts. The kids enjoyed it very much!

Katherine K.

The lighthouse is only open in the summer months until 4pm. For $11 you get to explore the lighthouse for 1 hour. The free binoculars you can use were nice and really helped since the built in binoculars didn't do much. There was a very enthusiastic worker that was explaining a lot about the birds, the sanctuary, and the views. While there are many signs posted throughout with details, it was nice being able to hear about it while knowing where to look. The 1 hour was up way too fast, in my opinion. It was very empty the day I went, so it would've been nice to stay longer. It's not like anyone one came up to me to tell me I had to leave, but still. It honestly is such a beautiful and unique view of the surrounding areas. I think $11 is a bit pricey when they limit you to only 1 hour. I feel like I spent half of the time simply walking to and from. I would've liked to look more into the books and info they had within the little house there, but I had zero time to do so. I did get a few cute things from the giftshop including keyrings and fancy brochures. Most of what I saw seemed decently priced and good quality. The guy that was working there was also super friendly and personable as well.

Travis P.

Bummer the lighthouse was being fixed up from storm damage but still a cool place to checkout for 30-45 minutes. I got a reservation online for $22 for two people and felt it was worth it especially since it goes to helping take care of the land. There were nice views, bathrooms, a gift shop, and a few things to checkout. There is also some parking before the entrance but be sure to pay and park your car inside, I saw people getting turned away for trying to walk in. I believe they accept ticket purchases there without reservation unless it's full.

Stevo O.

This is such a nice area and so clear! Apparently whales spawn here and travel through this area on their migration. The facility was undergoing some renovation, so was not accessible to the public until June or so. I would not mind working the lighthouse with such a wonderful view and nice surroundings too.

Barbara L. A.

The lighthouse which was built in 1913, is inside the Kilauea Point Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge area and is accessible by a short uphill walk, about 5 minutes, unless like me you stop and gaze at the beautiful view. There is an entrance fee as for all National Parks, it's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I think the fee was $10 but I have a free handicap parks access so check price to make sure it's current. Nene (Hawaii goose ) are plenty in the refuge, in the area near the lighthouse and crossing the access road, so please be extra careful; Nene are protected and are the Hawaii state bird. Nene strut like they own the place, which they do; aren't afraid of humans, and are closely related to the Canada goose. There were a lot of other birds nesting on the cliffs nearby, and flying around between nests and keeping an eye out on the people walking the grounds. The birds flying above you are Petrels, Black-footed Albatross, Auks, Red-footed Booby, Frigate birds and Terns; do look at the panels along the way to read about them, the ones I didn't mention. Humpback whales migrate along this shore from Alaska for mating season December to April. Inside the lighthouse its history is written on panels; read the cool story of the "Bird of Paradise" flight in 1927 saved by the lighthouse beacon. Docents are on site should you want more information on the Refuge as well as the lighthouse. In 2013 it was officially named for US Senator Daniel Inouye. Enjoy your visit !

Marjorie A.

To be honest I was a bit disappointed with the activity. I am not into birds for the most part but respectful of the conversation effort of the refuge. For me, I really only wanted to see the lighthouse and take in the view. The view was nice but not worth the effort to make the reservation and pay the fee. Know in advance...there is a timed entry and view time limitation for a reason. Parking is very limited. Visit if you have time but this is not a 'must do' activity when on the island.

Emily T.

My husband and I drove here close to when the sun was setting. Unfortunately the lighthouse, wasn't open on that day so we couldn't pay to in, but they have a little parking lot where you can park and observe the lighthouse and view from the lot. It's a stunning view! Lots of gorgeous birds and a cute little bird reference sign so you can try to identify the different bird types!

Cynthia M.

If I could give this 10 stars I would! This place is absolutely stunning! Make sure you purchase your ticket online ahead of time because parking is very limited. If you can't get in or you'd rather bypass the lighthouse, you can still get great views off of a small parking lot where you can walk up and see it from afar. You can even spot whales here if you catch them during whale season & you have luck. We were able to, but didn't get great photos. There is plenty of wildlife, gorgeous views, and a wonderful breeze! This is a must stop, in my opinion.

Jillian G.

Beautiful views at the Lighthouse both of the lighthouse itself and the landscape around it. Accompanied by free binoculars and a nice little museum/gift shop. Nice bathroom facilities on the premises. A bit pricey for admission - $10 a person - but probably goes to upkeep and preservation efforts. Worth it to stay a while if it's cloudy/rainy to see the views open up when the sun comes out. We also spotted a few whale spouts.

Feb W.

Came here twice but both days they are closed. So unfortunate ayt! Haven't had the chance to see the lighthouse closer which is kind'a bummer. Anyhow from afar it is still a picturesque view and I always had a great time staring from afar and the horizon makes it perfect for photo-ops. The lighthouse was active for 62 years providing a valuable navigational aid. It was then preserved and its habitat surrounding area and is home for migratory birds. I recommend you bring binoculars with you to have appreciation of the place. It is still worth the time to come here even if the place itself is closed. Take note that it is only open on Wed-Sat 10am to 4pm & reservation is required. There is also a fee to enter unless you are military or pass holders. For more detailed information go check out their website. Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow Yeeps.

Lynn O.

I'm not sure if my review is justified. But the last three times I've been here over the past 2 years, they were closed. I don't know if the hours are reduced, they happened to be closed during the times I went, or they just don't open the gates anymore since covid. The best we could do was park outside the gate, walk up to the fence, and look at the lighthouse and cliffside in the distance. It is beautiful, don't get me wrong. But I want to go inside the gates and near the lighthouse.

Margaret P.

While we didn't get a chance to see the lighthouse from up close (they're closed Sun-Tuesday), we did get a chance to get to the gate entrance. From there, they had a few parking spots to park at so you can get a view of the lighthouse from a distance. The viewpoint from the entrance is one you see from movies! It really is beautiful, and you can see the lighthouse from a distance. I wish I was able to get up close and personal, but I guess it just leaves us with something to check out next time we make it out to the island. PSA: They accept the America the Beautiful pass here if you have it, so don't forget to bring it with you from the mainland.

Love this coastline perspective of Kīlauea Lighthouse from the overlook viewpoint.

Seth A.

This Kilauea Lighthouse or otherwise known as Kilauea Point according to Google Maps, is a masterpiece of a vantage overlook for capturing the colorful Kauai coastline. Seriously, it's like out of a postcard! When you stop by here and witness the views of Kilauea Lighthouse in the distance along with the crystal blue Pacific Ocean waters, you'll be blown away by the setting in my opinion. It is so worth it to make a quick visit, even if you're not exploring the actual Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. That leads to 2 options... - Admire the sceneries from high above (which it appeared most tourists were doing) or.... - Make advanced reservations (which are required) for getting an up close and personal view of the lighthouse and the largest population of nesting seabirds in Hawaii. If you arrive solely for taking pictures from the vista point, parking is free. It'll take you 10 - 15 minutes to enjoy the sights. You will be impressed! Beside the fencing area of the Kilauea Point Refuge Sign, there were specific instructions about the reservations required for entering and driving your car down to the lighthouse parking area. It said.... - Make reservations at recreation.gov - Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. - Or, download the recreation.gov App. - Spontaneous Drive-Up Reservations are accepted after 12:30pm as long as parking space permits. - Hours for the refuge are 10am - 4pm daily. - Entrance fees are $10 per person with discounts applied to senior citizens and active military personnel. Children 15 years and under are admitted for free. And...a lot of folks were interested in doing more than briefly standing at the viewpoint. The viewpoint takes a few minutes, so most people (not realizing they needed advanced reservations) wanted to get more out of the experience. Ultimately, it's probably worthwhile to explore down at the Wildlife Refuge because it's so cheap for entry ($10) and you'll capture even closer glances at not only the lighthouse, but the unblemished sceneries from "atop a 180-foot ocean bluff" according to fws.gov (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service). Whatever route you decide, make it a priority to come by this Kilauea Lighthouse Point. At the least, you will be rewarded with an inspiring memory from Kauai, one of the prettiest Hawaiian islands to visit.

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Dean P.

175

983

4628

10 years ago

Amazing view. The lighthouse itself is beautiful. The cliffs and the water around the lighthouse are something out of a postcard. If you are in the area Check it out. read more

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Candy C.

399

11 years ago

The VIEW! The lighthouse and wildlife bird refuge is a really nice place..... It is thoroughly worth the trip and the detour off the main highway. The views from the lighthouse is absolutely amazing. read more

Kilauea Lighthouse - Beautiful turquoise waters! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

Kilauea Lighthouse - Beautiful turquoise waters below the nesting of many different birds. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

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Suzanne G.

10 years ago

Amazing views and an outstanding place to see the island wildlife and even spot a whale out in the ocean. It's well with the $5.00 entrance fee, and children are free, which is a bonus! read more

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Sunil R.

Elite 26

1132

10526

36572

11 years ago

Amazing spot which is the northern most of the island. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the actual lighthouse and you are greeted by incredible views once you are there. It is one of those "closer to god" type of views and makes you feel small and big at the same time. read more

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Susanna W.

Elite 15

230

639

15 years ago

Come for the scenic views, stay for the wildlife. When you initially drive up, there is a scenic vista pull out, which gives you a nice view of the lighthouse in the distance and the nesting grounds for a colony of red and blue footed boobies. The real gem of this area is to be found once you drive up the narrow path and enter the lighthouse grounds. Entry costs $5/person, but is free if you have a National Parks pass (including up the 3 people besides the card holder I believe). It was pretty awesome seeing frigate birds and albatross soaring gracefully mere feet above our heads. Also awesome was spotting some breaching whales and a HUGE pod of playful spinner dolphins. The path leading to the lighthouse is off limits, due to the fact that it contains nesting tunnels of Nene, the state bird of Hawaii. Super cool! read more

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Brenda S.

17 years ago

My 7 yo and I really enjoyed our visit to Kilauea Lighthouse. Just outside the drive to the lighthouse, you can stop and take some gorgeous photos. We had fun looking at the birds nesting on the cliffs with my son's binoculars. There is a path that leads up to the lighthouse and around it (you cannot go up in the lighthouse itself). The ocean view is spectacular. In the winter months, you can see whales. Stop at the lighthouse store. The prices here are pretty reasonable. My son spent a fair amount of his travel allowance on books and other souvenirs. The two ladies who worked in the shop were very friendly. Used to live in California. They almost inspired me to move to the Garden Isle. read more

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Chris D.

7 years ago

Cool historic lighthouse that sits on the northernmost point of the Hawaiian islands. Enjoyed the wildlife, views and history.

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Reis J.

9 years ago

The most beautiful lighthouse I have ever seen. It's hard to find anything not beautiful in Kauai. It's a lovely place to walk to and enjoy the view. read more

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David T.

Elite 26 All-Star

350

710

1825

14 years ago

Awesome sights and did see some puffs of water as the whales came up for a breath. Unfortunately, the water was very choppy so did not get great views of the whales surfacing. read more

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Karl S.

Elite 26

138

820

2175

11 years ago

This place is a treasure and a jewel. Gorgeous location on the north side of the island. Beautiful facility with tons of wildlife and lots of history. Striking views up and down the coast. Lots of whales. Docents are numerous and well versed. Places like this are why we need to have National Wildlife Refuges. read more

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Alexis R.

Elite 19

459

674

1029

9 years ago

Beautiful view but only worth a short stop if in the area. Only came by because we were in the area. Good views from the free parking area to, if the timing of your stop is too early or late for the parks official hours. Lots of nesting birds, so bird watching might be a draw. read more

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Ros S.

Elite 17

192

274

12 years ago

A fun place to stop by and see the birds. It was a nice sunny day and you could see the birds and get some color. Highly recommend stopping by! read more

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Jeanielle H.

121

11 years ago

So I thought the lighthouse was stunning and a lot of info about the wildlife. The only problem is I was eaten alive by bugs! Eeek! read more

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Katie M.

216

17 years ago

The views are to-die-for. Don't expect anything but a beautiful view. That's all you should expect anyway. Take A LOT of pictures. read more

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Robb J.

158

312

14 years ago

Nice far view of the sunset in the distance on the road even before the lighthouse. Street was lined with locals drinking and having a good time with friends. Hidden spot for locals -- easily park your car on the side of the road, cuddle with that special person, and take in the beautiful sunset to end the day. read more

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Martha G.

126

10 years ago

After hitting the beach we made a stop to see the lighthouse and the bird santuary! Unfortunately the lighthouse was closed. But we were able to see amazing views of the lighthouse and were able to spot some birds. Hopefully next time we will be able to see the lighthouse upclose. read more

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Colleen H.

16 years ago

One of a million breathtaking views ~ Supporting the Bird Sanctuary with just 5$ is well worth the walk to the lighthouse... that water, that water, that water ~ read more

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S G.

16 years ago

We came here after our boat trip was canceled due to weather. Not exactly the same, but it was free and we got some great pictures. We didn't see any whales off the coast, but I had seen some earlier in the week out by The Cliffs hotel in Princeville. Very easy to get to. read more

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Jennifer S.

12 years ago

We didn't realize that the lighthouse and sanctuary are closed on Mondays, but were still able to enjoy the view from the end of the parking lot. Can't comment on how the actual lighthouse was since we weren't there and couldn't pay the $5 fee. A nice little pit stop if you're heading to Kilauea fish market! read more

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Jim M.

8 years ago

I was stationed at the Light House in the late 50's and lived in the house closest to the point. Went back for the Lighthouse Keepers Reunion in May 2013. The experience was one of the highlights of my life. Many fond memories. If you get the chance, visit this beautiful piece of history. read more

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Dawn F.

13 years ago

Simply breathtaking! The view at the overlook is glorious. We then drove to the visitor center and walked along the bird sanctuary to the lighthouse. The $5 fee is a bit ridiculous, but seeing the baby wedge-tailed shearwaters was a definite highlight! So cute. If only I'd seen a seal, it would've been perfect! read more

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Flora Y.

11 years ago

Opens at 10. Wish I could have gone into the lighthouse. View was pretty nice. I love lighthouses so this one is one of two on Kauai. $5 per person to get in; kids 15 and under are free. read more

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A W.

11 years ago

The lighthouse is well-maintained and the walk to it is very short. You can read about the history of the lighthouse in the small building next to it, or buy something in the gift shop. The entrance fee is $5, but I think it's worth it. I saw a good number of people bird watching too; I forget the name of the bird, but they perch on the side of the cliff parallel to the lighthouse. You can also watch out for the nene and red-footed boobies. Great attraction for tourists with a great view! read more

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Eimiko I.

11 years ago

Love birds and wildlife it is a must! Love historical lighthouses it's a must! Tours are Wednesday and Saturday 10:30-2:30. Going back for tour Saturday:) Volunteers are very helpful and friendly. Golf cart rides for those that need assistance. Drive in only to parking, there is walking once parked. No food allowed, there is a water re-fill station which was nice:) $5 per person cash so bring cash too. read more

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Amy K.

123

183

171

11 years ago

Really nasty female Ranger yelling at us for walking. " Didn't you see the signs?" She questioned and then blamed us for other people that were also walking. We told her we haven't seen the signs and then she told us we didn't have to be rude. On the walk back we noticed two stick figure with lines drawn through them we really didn't notice that had meant no walking. Perhaps you should stand at the top of the hill to prevent people from walking down to the bottom instead of yelling at them when they get there. Really bad PR on her part. read more

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T B.

120

8 years ago

Beautiful sights and drive which was very relaxing on a rainy day. We got some beautiful pictures as well. Highly recommend!

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Jennah C.

8 years ago

Great, scenic lookout where you can see a variety of unique pelagic bird species (albatross, red footed boobies, shearwaters) and sometimes whales (in season). Parking available. Entry is $5. Short, easy walk to the lighthouse. read more

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Miyuki D.

Elite 21

8 years ago

The Lighthouse is also know as the Daniel K. Inouye memorial lighthouse. It's very scenic out on the point, and you can see a beautiful coastline below. There are native Hawaiian geese (Nene) wandering around the grounds, and we even saw some little Nene chicks. But it's the view on the way to the lighthouse grounds and from the lighthouse that is really great. read more

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Thomas F.

8 years ago

Definitely an attraction for older people. If you've seen a lighthouse before, you know what to expect. The only surprise might be if you walk around the building corner and a senior is driving a golf cart and can nearly hit you. They seem to take it out sporadically for fun. The lighthouse tour was slow and could have been more informative. There were lots of birds to watch, but the mounted binoculars we're difficult to look through, if you have glasses, propbably not going to work well. It gets hot in the sun quick so be prepared. read more

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Sidney C.

Elite 19

234

373

9 years ago

Very pretty scene with a light house and lots of birds. We came on a day when the actual lighthouse was closed so we can only observe from the observation area above the lighthouse next to the small parking area. The scene is very photogenic. It's very relaxing to watch the waves hit the shore below the lighthouse. Many birds used the trees on the right side, across from the lighthouse, as perches and it made the scene even more magical. read more

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Kelly K.

8 years ago

very pretty, easy to get to, lovely spot. Parking wasn't too bad when we went there but it was near closing time. Restrooms on site, $5 to get in, we stopped at the far vista for photo opps and then drove down the driveway to get up close and personal with the lighthouse. Definitely worth it if you're nearby. read more

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Mark W.

Elite 24

637

8 years ago

Fantastic! For a very small price of $5 a person you can see an amazing view of the pacific ocean from the north shore. 'So what' you say? Well the nice thing about this point is that they allow guests to borrow binoculars (for free!) to whale watching and I totally saw multiple humpback whales. You have to be patient. best of luck on your viewing! read more

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Michael E.

Elite 24

150

1903

9 years ago

Very beautiful coast and lighthouse. We missed the tour because we came after 4pm. It's cool to see whales from the coast.

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Toni M.

Elite 25

2918

456

18 years ago

This was one of the special Kauai places we wanted to share w/ Sally and Mike. As we were parking we saw a nene, the Hawaiian goose and as we walked up toward the lighthouse we saw three more. We saw shearwaters, frigate birds and red footed boobies in flight, all identified by the large signs near the fences. The hillside across the cove was dotted w/ nesting white boobies. We saw a beautiful little green and gold bird we couldn't identify. We saw several whales passing by, breaching and spouting. It was most lovely. read more

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Jim L.

Elite 24

3525

722

31259

10 years ago

This was a nice experience for all ages. They obviously have a lighthouse and a tour through said lighthouse. The lighthouse is fascinating and it is incredible how they constructed it and maintained in through the years. The fact that it sits on one of the best places to view the coast PLUS it is a wild bird sanctuary. There are birds nesting all around on the bluffs on the other bank or just off of the walking path! Just look closely in the bushes for holes/nests that have parents or chicks sitting in them. They do have binoculars that you can borrow from the gift shop. This is a good place for site-seers, animal lovers, history buffs, as well as the people that need to know "How did they do that?" kind of people. I am all of the above, so I really enjoyed this place. It made you aware of the violent waves below that you should always respect. They happened to have claimed the life of a tourist the day before. :( read more

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Sa A.

9 years ago

We really enjoyed our visit today. It's a beautiful view. Tom, one of the volunteers, was a wealth of information about the albatross, local marine animals and also gave us some great tourist tips. We loved talking to him. Also they let you borrow binoculars to see the albatross in the cliffs which was a really nice surprise. We went when it opened at 10 am on a Tuesday in so it wasn't very crowded. $5 cover charge per adult is definitely worth it! read more

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Tiffany T.

9 years ago

Amazing views!!! One of our favorite spots on Kauai. It was super cool to see such beautiful birds too. Definitely worth the stop and inexpensive (or free with a military ID). Absolutely loved it here! read more

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Rebecca H.

318

150

208

9 years ago

Breathtaking view! Sadly it closes at 4 so we could only see it from the cliff side lookout, but still a really special view! Heavenly to watch ch the seabirds dancing on the wind. read more

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Sarah S.

9 years ago

Kilauea Lighthouse is wonderful. There are most birds out there including some who are about to lay the eggs. It is part of the wildlife refuge. read more

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Mariel P.

192

107

10 years ago

Cool lighthouse landmark that is also a wildlife refuge, currently it is closed so look it up before you go to see if it's open. There's a sign on the road that also said it was closed. You can still go to the parking area/lookout and see the lighthouse and the bay that you can hopefully spot whales from. It's a nice quick stop. read more

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Page 5 of 7

3500 Kīlauea Rd
Kilauea, HI 96754
Directions
(808) 828-0384
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.kauairefuges.org/plan-your-visit

Hours

What time does Kilauea Lighthouse open?

Kilauea Lighthouse opens at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Kilauea Lighthouse close?

Kilauea Lighthouse is closed on Monday and Sunday.Kilauea Lighthouse closes at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun ClosedTue-Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ask the Community - Kilauea Lighthouse

Can i go after hours to see the sunset?

Unfortunately, you can't make it out to the lighthouse after hours as the gate is closed. We were hoping to be able to do the same thing.

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Review Highlights - Kilauea Lighthouse

“The gift shop is very nice and bought a watercolor of the lighthouse to remember or special vacation to Kauai.”

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King's Bath

4.3(12 reviews)

5.3 mi

This attraction has a small parking lot. I had to wait about 10 minutes for a spot. Only parked…read morein marked spots or you may get a ticket. After you park you then have to take about a 3/4 mile hike on some hard clay/dirt to get here. You will come to the Kings Bath before the Queens Bath. They have a fence that they lock if the surf is too dangerous, preventing direct access to the trail leading the the bath. However, people just easily walk around it and go the the bath. The Kings Bath is very dangerous. People die here every year. They have rescue stops positioned all along the coast. This bath is open directly into the ocean. You can easily be swept out into the ocean by the tide and DIE. The Kings Bath is an alluring swim hole. The water is very clear, the temperature is nice and it is relatively easy to get to. I did not partake in this bath. I was too scared. I did however see some brave kids partaking in all the Baths glory. There are a few cliffs that you can dive off of there, but like I mentioned, be careful. If you are willing to accept the risk and jump in remember a few things. Never go alone and leave before sunset.

No access this time of year. The train head and parking lot area is roped off. It's February 2023…read moreand it appears the tide is too dangerous for this time of year. Maybe it's open during summer. The parking lot is in the middle of a private community, fyi.

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Kings bath

Hanalei Valley Lookout

4.6(25 reviews)

4.9 mi

Absolutely gorgeous area, we stopped here during our roadtrip while visiting Hawaii back in 2022;…read morethis was a beautiful area, green, fresh breath of good air and peaceful. We did a full day of hiking nearby and it was a gem to see the valley.

Very pretty lookout! Not something to drive out of your way to go see, but a great few minute stop…read moreif you're passing by. Very peaceful since there usually isn't a lot of cars driving past at once

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The green mountainous backdrop makes Hanalei Valley Lookout a worthwhile roadside stop.

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Bit of drizzle this morning. Waterfall at the top right.

Queen's Bath

4.4(346 reviews)

5.4 mi

While staying in Princeville, we decided to check out Queen's Bath, and it was absolutely worth the…read moreeffort. Parking in front of the entrance is extremely limited, and the surrounding residential area doesn't allow non-permitted parking. I ended up dropping off my wife and her friend so they could start the trek while I parked at the nearby golf course, which added about a half-mile walk to the entrance. From the entrance, the hike down to Queen's Bath is about half a mile. It's not too long, but there are a few tricky spots that require some careful footing. It's definitely manageable for most people, including kids, as long as you take your time. Once you arrive, you're rewarded with a beautiful natural tide pool filled with seawater and fish. Some people were even jumping from the surrounding rocks into the water below. The spot was lively, with plenty of tourists and families making the hike down to enjoy the view and the experience. A little extra work to get there, but the payoff is huge. Queen's Bath is a must-see if you're in Princeville.

PSA: If the gate is closed, do not go in! This hike is not bad when dry, but quickly gets dangerous…read morethe wetter/muddier it gets. The gate is there for your protection. If you do get the chance to go in, you will be amazed by how beautiful the area is! The baths were soo pleasant to swim, snorkel, and relax in. Walking along the rocks between the baths was easy as long as you watch your footing as the rocks are not flat. I highly, highly recommend coming here if the weather holds up for you!

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Waterfall along the path.

One of the several swimming coves.

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Garden Island Chocolate Tour & Tasting

4.5(305 reviews)

5.1 mi

Our tour guide Allison, was very informative. The tour was nice but a bit long... It was all about…read moredark chocolate, and some very different flavors! So if you're not a dark chocolate lover or have an open palate, it might not be for you..Overall , we enjoyed it!!!

Super interactive and educational program. What a lovely way to spend the morning and....the…read morechocolate tasting was quite entertaining and analytical. We learned so much of the history, biology and social aspects of something I took for granted. No longer!

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Ripe cacao pods

Cacao beans

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Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill

4.6(25 reviews)

6.1 mi

We did this tour as a family, over Thanksgiving. The guide is the owner. She is enthusiastic,…read moreknowledgeable, and, as my wife and the other women in the group noted, glamorous for someone toiling in the fields. Basically the activity turns on her story telling. Her accounts of flash flooding are vivid. She sure is accomplished. Her anecdotes are authentic, sincere, and funny. There isn't all that much walking, and they bring chairs out for people who need to sit. One fellow fell over in the mud (the leg of the stool sank and he toppled over; he was unhurt). There are three parts. First, there is the taro farm. Second, there is the rice mill. Third, there is lunch. The taro farm is a real, multi-generation family enterprise. I don't understand how they make money. It looks as if it is all done by hand. And taro is not a luxury item. You help them gather the eggs of invasive snails. Presumably they have some other task if needed and that doesn't work. The rice mill is fascinating. It's too bad it doesn't work anymore. You look at everything that has ben restored. You also drink fresh coconut milk, extracted right from the gourd in front of you, and you eat tarot snacks they make as you watch. The lunch is excellent. We enjoyed, among us, all of the menu choices. The quantities also are vast. The food truck would be worth visiting on its own, without any of the rest of the activities.

We took the tour of this mill and taro farm tour 5 years ago. The 3 of us (adults) thoroughly…read moreenjoyed it. The exuberance this family has in the farming, milling, and agricultural is amazing. We walked out on the taro fields. We were shown the snails that unfortunately are now embedded in the fields and love to eat taro. So many things could have been avoided if man hadn't brought them here. We had no idea there were agriculture thieves who raid groves and fields then sell them underground or on the sides of roads. We were given some samples of food made from the local ingredients. Then we were driven to their delicious Hanalei & Juice food truck for some of the island's best Kahula Pork you'll ever have.

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Brittany, assistant tour guide

Lindsey Haraguchi showing off taro

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Lindsey

Holoholo Charters

4.7(1.2k reviews)

25.7 mi

Locally owned & operated

25 years in business

Holoholo charters was my 8 year olds, and mines, most memorable and adventurous activity on…read moreKawaii!!! The boat, the crew and the Captain, took us on one hell of an adventure! If you're looking for some of the best snorkeling on Kawaii and a great trip, I highly recommend, Holoholo charters all day adventure!!!

The sunset cruise with Holo Holo Charters down the Nāpali Coast was an unforgettable experience. We…read morebooked it to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday, and it was perfect from start to finish. Captain Max was incredible--his sense of humor kept us laughing even as the rain and mist rolled in. The two women on the crew (I wish I could remember their names) were fantastic, making sure everyone was comfortable and answering all our questions with a smile. The playlist on board was spot on, setting the perfect vibe. I wish I could find it on Spotify! Despite the weather, the views were breathtaking, and getting a little drenched just added to the adventure. The food was delicious, especially the smoked pork, salad, and fresh fruit, and my husband loved the mai tais. Even without the sunset, the whole experience was magical. After chatting with other travelers, I'm convinced we had one of the best tours available. especially after talking to a couple at our hotel pool who had paid more than we did and only got snacks limited alcohol. I can't recommend Holo Holo Charters enough, and I'm already looking forward to trying their breakfast or snorkel cruise next time. If you're looking for an amazing adventure, this is it!

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Kauai boat tours

Niihau + Napali Coast Tours

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Napali Coast Tours

Kalalau Trail

4.7(311 reviews)

14.2 mi

We did this Kalalau trail in 2022 when visiting Hawaii and it was absolutely amazing! Please know…read morethis trail is HARD, and tough if you are not a major hiker, just know your limits! I think we ended up hiking around 8+ miles or so as we hiked down to the beach and checked and climbed a lot of boulders and did some rock climbing as well that was pretty tough but worth the adventure. Bring a lot of water and you have to make reservations in advance to take a shuttle to the base as you can't take your car there. We brought sandwiches and had a picnic at the beach, seriously bring a lot of water and snacks and food and be careful of the beach waves as they have signs all over that there are riptides and not to get in the water, basically follow all safety rules!! It was a difficult but an incredible hike; we got so much bursts of rain which felt magical and I am excited we crossed it off the bucket list

Usually I have an itinerary when I go on vacation. But I didn't for a week long stay in Kauai…read morethinking we'll just hang loose. We'd been to Kauai before but it was many years ago. I was reading up on the Napali Coast. Want to see it without going by air or by sea. Take a hike. We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. But got a clue on the park and ride shuttle when our driver gave a hint. He said if you only want to get a shot of Napali Coast it'll only take you 20 minutes. We started following the signs in Haena State Park where the Trail begins. Folks left sticks that you can use as walking poles. We each took one. Immediately I'm not liking it. The Trail begins as a steep climb on jagged rocks. And it's wet & muddy as it rains intermittently. We were the first group out at 6:30am. More hikers as the day went on. It's 0.5 miles to the lookout. It took us an hour there and an hour back. 2 hours. We got our photo.

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Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park

4.2(103 reviews)

1.9 mi

Beautiful botanical gardens in Kauai with ties to Sonoma County and the Schultz family!…read more We did the self-guided tour, only available on Thursdays. Spent a little over an hour walking through the beautifully-maintained and peaceful property, admiring the colorful plants and playful sculptures. Docents were scattered around the property and happily shared lots of intel and stories. Sue, the Spice Girl, was a hit!

Gorgeous natural reserve botanical garden that is easy to walk through…read more Soul enriching peaceful beauty.

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Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge

4.3(7 reviews)

4.9 mi

The new viewpoint is well worth seeing. Highly recommend it. So much better with great parking and…read more2 overlooks. Should be better signed from the highway.

08/19/2017 Driving…read moreby one afternoon we spied this rest stop outlook and had to take a look. We were disappointed to find out the refuge is closed to the public. I was so looking forward to bird watching and sightseeing. But I suppose if they let tourists in the endangered birds might not thrive. Maybe someday they will open it up when the bird numbers increase. Looking forward to that. Established in 1972, this 917 acre refuge was created to conserve five species of endangered waterbirds; Koloa maoli (Hawaiian Duck), the Ae'o (Hawaiian Stilt), 'Alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian Coot), the 'Alae'ula (Hawaiian Common Moorhen), and Nene (Hawaiian Goose). The refuge is not open to the public but can be seen from the outlook and the Okolehao hiking trail (listed as strenuous) runs directly above the refuge. Hanalei has been used to cultivate taro & rice for the last 1,000 years. 186 acres of the refuge is farmed for taro under a special use permit. Approximately 23 species of waterfowl and 19 species of shorebirds have been seen. White-faced Ibis, Brant, and Osprey are among this long list. 45 species of birds visit the refuge throughout the year.

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10/17/22 Quick stopover to see the taro fields

Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge lookout

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Na Pali Experience

5.0(609 reviews)

26.4 mi

My family of 12 visited Kauai recently and we booked a boat tour with Na Pali Experience. we had…read morethe best time. captain Ian and deck hand Rocky were amazing! 100% recommend this experience!

This Na Pali Experience was absolutely amazing! We did the 12pm tour--expect a ton of fun splash!…read moreKasey and Chellen were great company and took good care of us (Kudos to Kasey for remembering all of our names!) We saw the beautiful Na Pali Coast, caves, waterfalls and snorkeled. First timers, and would 100% recommend. Make sure you follow their Dramamine advice--I don't normally get car sick but I'm glad I decided to take motion sickness medicine. Thanks again!

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Captain Colin!

Happy couple on the tour!

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Ana B.

168

327

3 years ago

What a great place to see protect birds and a beautiful lighthouse. Nestled along the rugged coastline, this sanctuary offers a haven for a diverse range of bird species. The breathtaking sight of these majestic creatures soaring through the sky is truly awe-inspiring. As you venture further into the sanctuary, the mesmerizing beauty of the lighthouse comes into view. Its towering structure stands tall against the backdrop of the endless ocean, guiding ships and sailors with its steady beam of light. The lighthouse serves as a symbol of hope and safety, a constant reminder of the importance of protecting our natural treasures. Walking along the well-maintained trails, you can catch glimpses of the vibrant plumage of various bird species. From graceful seagulls gliding effortlessly above the crashing waves to colorful parrots perched on tree branches, the sanctuary is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The serene atmosphere envelops you, transporting you to a world untouched by the chaos of modern life. The gentle breeze carries the distant calls of seabirds, creating a harmonious symphony that blends with the crashing of the waves. It is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the tranquility of nature. As you explore the sanctuary, read more

Rees's R.

167

3385

2 years ago

Kīlauea Lighthouse is an absolute gem on the island of Kauai! The views from this historic lighthouse are simply breathtaking, with the rugged coastline and the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you. It's a perfect spot for anyone who loves nature, photography, or just soaking in some of the best scenery the island has to offer. https://youtube.com/shorts/aKzd00qsShM The lighthouse itself is beautifully preserved, and the small visitor center provides some interesting insights into its history and the local wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, we were lucky enough to spot some seabirds soaring above the cliffs, and even caught a glimpse of a few whales in the distance--such a treat! The surrounding Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is equally stunning, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. If you're in Kauai, make sure to add Kīlauea Lighthouse to your itinerary. It's a serene and scenic stop that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime! read more

David C.

11 years ago

Love the town I live in. Love the lighthouse. Love riding my bike down to it every other day with my sons. They love to see the birds and the coast. I can't help but be eternally grateful that I live here. It's a 5 minute bike ride from my house. Lotsa praise. read more

Nel L.

8 years ago

How nice that the kids are encouraged to learn and get a prize if they learn something new. The best views of the shore. Saw dolphins jump and this is a must see. read more

Connie S.

3 years ago

Not much to see here as the lighthouse is still closed due to the government's preoccupation with Covid. Not worth the price if you have to pay. read more

Linda K.