Video:Tips for Visiting Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Transcript:Tips for Visiting Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Aloha! I’m Molly Wheeler for About.com. Welcome to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the scenic north coast of Kauai. Established for the protection of threatened and endangered species and to stabilize the ecosystem, the refuge receives over 500,000 visitors a year.

Hawaii's Kilauea Point Protects Many Animal Species

The refuge is home to some of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawaii.  One of 550 National Wildlife Refuges and one of three on Kauai, Kilauea Point was established to protect nesting seabirds. But that’s not all you can see here.  Monk seals, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian coastal plants and the endangered nene, Hawaii’s state bird and the world’s rarest goose are all visible from lookout points.

Visiting Kilauea Point

From the entrance booth, it’s two tenths of a mile to Kilauea Point where you’ll enjoy spectacular views and interpretive dioramas highlighting native Hawaiian wildlife and habitats.

The refuge is open from 10-4 daily and closed on major federal holidays.  There is an admission fee, but Children under 16 are free. In appreciation of those who serve in the military, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began issuing free annual passes on May 19th to active-duty military and their dependents to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge as well as National Parks and other public lands.

What to See at Kilauea Point

While at the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, be sure to visit the Kilauea Lighthouse.  Dedicated in 1913, the lighthouse served as a pivotal aid for ships traveling to and from the Orient during the first half of the 20th century.  Its beacon with its signature double flash was visible for 90 miles in any direction. In 1927, the lighthouse re-oriented the two pilots of the Bird of Paradise on the first trans-Pacific flight from the West Coast to Honolulu.  It was deactivated in 1976 and its light replaced with an automatic beacon. In 1979, the Kilauea Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Lighthouses.

Now mainly a resting and nesting place for seabirds, the 52 foot free-standing structure shows its wear.

Worldwide, wild places and native species are on the decline. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of refuges like Kilauea Point, there is hope that the beauty of nature can be preserved for future generations.

I’m Molly Wheeler for About. com.  I hope you have enjoyed your tour to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse.