Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Reviews

Conveniently located near Princeville, this federal park site has a historic lighthouse,which is not working now due to GPS. They have a small tour of the lighthouse(free) which needs reservations that I would recommend. They offer free use of binoculars as this is a fabulous bird reserve as well.

Windy with lots of birds in flight. We toured the lighthouse (free) which has docent led tours on the hour. Enjoyed the history and stimulating visit.

The visit to the lighthouse is included in your entry fee to the wildlife refuge. One interesting story about this lighthouse is that saved the very first direct flying plane from the mainland from crashing into the sea, It had overshot the island then the pilot spotted the lighthouse and managed to land safely

This was by far one of my favorite stops in Kauai. The coastline is amazing from this locations. Very beautiful!

A cute little lighthouse with great views of the jagged coast! The best views of the lighthouse are from above!

We stopped to see the lighthouse, only to discover it was closed for the day. The vista at the nearby parking lot gave us much to look at, despite our poor planning. The birds swooping and the waves crashing were pretty good consolation prizes, despite not being able to get close to the lighthouse. Advice: Check to see whether someplace is open before visiting.

Beautiful & breathtaking views of the coastline, ocean and wildlife. Limited parking. If you don’t want to go out to lighthouse, you can still enjoy scenery from upper gate entrance.

This is a great place to visit for amazing views so have your camera ready. Be sure to borrow binoculars from the park so you can give bird watching a try. The rangers are very friendly and informative.

You’ll probably only spend about 5-10 minutes visiting this sight but it’s well worth a quick little side trip. Amazing scenery!

This is a great place to visit. There are beautiful cliff views, a national landmark lighthouse and so many birds on the cliffs. We saw frigate birds, red-footed boobies, a baby albatross, and three nenes (the state bird). This is a wonderful photo location. There is a short film about the lighthouse and a gift shop. Seniors should bring their national park card to save the $5 admission.

My wife and I did some exploring and decided to take a drive to see the lighthouse. It was a rainy overcast day, but the views were still very good and the lighthouse is very well preserved. It was interesting to read about the various wildlife present at Kileaua Point and the efforts being taken to protect the native birds from predators. There is a gift shop and tours, but due to the weather, we only stayed for a little while. There is a fee to enter as it is a National Park.

Went there twice, not realizing the first time we needed a ticket, no big deal, like everyplace else on any Kauai coast, the view was breathtaking. Got a sunny view the first day and somewhat wetter view the second, LOTS of birds. Wonderful place to visit.

We were lucky to come on the entrance fee free day. Apparently it is just once a year. It is nice place to watch birds and it supposed to be good spot to see whales. We were there in May so it was not season for that anymore. There were binoculars positioned around but it is good to bring yours with you so you do not need to wait for them.
I would not pay entrance fee just for bird watching. You can do that for free almost next to the entrance. But for the whales it would be worth it I suppose.

Worth some of your visit to Kauai. Great views out on the point. Interesting sea birds to observe, with good information provided and friendly docents walking the grounds. Easy walk from the parking lot. Pay the $5 to walk out to the lighthouse...that's where all the best sights can be had. Favorite part of our visit was following a nene (the local goose) around the grounds as it visited a dripping faucet it clearly knew well for a drink.

I suppose everything on Kauai is breathtaking but this was one of my favorite places on the island. Indescribably beautiful scenery in every direction. I don't know why they are so restrictive about letting you walk up the lighthouse stairs but there was a chain up to keep people out. Easy drive from Anini Beach...that beach and the lighthouse combined for a really nice half-day outing.

If you are into birds this is the place for you. Book your tickets in advance as they only allow a certain amount of people to stop overcrowding. It isn’t very large but you will see hundreds of birds and don’t forget to look up. The lighthouse wasn’t open but there is a small building with information and binoculars that you can borrow. Would I come again, no, but glad we went.

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.

We obtained tickets online for the opening hour. When we arrived, there were a few cars waiting for the gate to open. There were many people near the cliff taking photos and viewing the birds and the ocean. It was pretty easy getting inside once they opened the gate.

There was not much going on inside the refuge. We did not see many birds besides the ones in the distance, as well as some nene. There was a ranger available and they provided free binoculars that you could self-check out but we were not able to see much.

Bring your good camera and a tripod. You might be able to spot some cool birds.

Wave action. Whales. Lighthouse. Beautiful point off of Kilauea. A great stop and one not to be missed.

Really enjoyed the tour. The wildlife there is so cool. We stayed almost 2 hours, the weather was perfect and could see for miles.

This was part of our last day on the island. The birds on the cliff were so numerous. A little to far to see well, but still....I believe I saw an albatross flying overhead and looking out at the ocean, we saw what we thought were dolphins.

We came here not knowing what to expect and were wonderfully surprised at the beauty and knowledge displayed. The women who work there truly appreciate the visitors and wildlife alike. It is really a treat to hear people speak with love and reverence as they explain the various birds and their rituals. It is really worth as much time as you can give it!

Just don’t stop at the Kilauea Fish Market after unless you want bad food and to be treated with contempt by their staff and wait 35-40 minutes for your mediocre meal.

Other than that wrong turn it was a wonderful day!

This Wildlife refuge was getting ready to close when we arrived. They close at 4. The gardens we saw were well worth the time and the cliffs are full of nesting birds.

Lots of birds, beautiful scenery. Perfect weather so we could see far out to sea, and appreciate the locale. Lighthouse is well preserved.

So helpful to know about the local birds flying all around you. Beautiful views. Do bring your national park pass if you have one! It's not expensive, but could be free to you otherwise. I didn't even pay attention to the lighthouse now that I think of it! LOL The views are wonderful. So many birds flying around, and all you need to ID them and learn about various nesting sites.

So, this about 5 miles south of Princeville, then down a local road for maybe 2 miles, where you have 6 parking spots and an overlook of the lighthouse. You can’t walk there because you didn’t make a reservation and get a QR code to open the gate. Really? We snapped a few pictures, read the two signs about the birds and left. The town you drive through seemed more interesting than the lighthouse - and no QR code required there.

Part of the National Park system. Staffed by volunteers during the shutdown. A short walk to the point, but great views. The rocky coast with whales breaching and albatross soaring. Add the sound of the surf and waves crashing into the cove, it is a place of scenic beauty.

We went to the Kilauea Lighthouse in early May and were looking forward to the beautiful sea views and walking tour of the wildlife refuge. The Nene (Hawaii goose) were in their nesting stage so all the walking trails through the refuge were closed. Very disappointing! The good news though is that we went on a day that offered free admission, so we were able to look around the grounds and lighthouse for free. Great views of the coast and the nesting red footed boobies.

I know I am in the minority, but I like reservations. It makes certain that there were enough parking spots and the areas weren't crawling with people. We felt like we had ample time to see all of the glorious animals and take in the amazing scenery. We were there on a windy day in between days of the storm and it was beautiful. Can't imagine what it looks like on a sunny day. The birds are fantastic -- great amount of information in the gift shop, wonderful docents and the "find the" card for the kiddos was a huge hit with my son. He is still impressing us with all of the facts he soaked up from it!

Very nice worth dropping by beautiful views nice variety of birds didn’t stay too long as it was very hot

The road in is secluded. The woods makes one feel like it is very rural.Well worth going - the views of the coast and crashing waves are stupendous. It is a national park, so there is a charge to get in - or remember your park pass.

Beautiful vista. Special spot we always like to visit when on Kauai. Take your camera, you can capture lots of birds, the lighthouse combined with the beautiful sky & ocean.

The Kilauea coastline was absolutely stunning, with amazing panoramic views to either direction. The parking lot is large and there is a five dollar charge to get in for anyone age 16 and older. However, a national parks pass would work as a pass for this federal area as well. The point offered views of the many seabirds in the area, as well as the spinner dolphins jumping about in the ocean below. The area also offers an upclose look at the endangered Hawaiian Geese (Nene) that live in the area.

Worth the visit if you are driving by on the way to Princeville or Hanalei.

What a great little find. The wildlife here is amazing from birds to whales you can see it all from this historic landmark.

Stunning views....great information about birds and the lighthouse....the only bummer was the tour of the lighthouse was booked for the next couple hours even though we got there pretty early....not a loss though....it’s still very beautiful from the outside

Worth the stop. Need to get $10 per person reservations before entering. Nice views. Lots of birds. We did not see any whales.
Would rate an 8 out of 10.

Nice views off the north shore. Lots of bird life in the area, including nenes, red footed boobies, and albatross. We saw spinner dolphins in the water. Neat history with the lighthouse itself. Use your national parks pass if you have one, and a reservation to enter is just $1 a person (free for kids), but must enter by vehicle.

Unfortunately, we didn´t get in. Since it closes after 4pm. Rather early. And it´s only open from tue-sat. So that was bad luck (or bad preparation) on our part.

We came to visit five years ago on our honeymoon and this was closed because of the government shut down. We came back Monday but it is closed on Monday. Today we went and finally got in. The lighthouse is at a beautiful spot in the wildlife sanctuary and at the tip of the island. If you don’t expect a lot and just want to see a beautiful spot with some historic significance you’ll enjoy this. We like visiting lighthouses though. Seeing the Nene is fun as well.

We drove an hour from the south to check this place out, but honestly there are more likely nicer places to go. When we arrived at the entrance the gate was closed and a park "Ranger" with a walkie-talkie basically told us we couldn't get in because there were too many people in there already". When I inquired, she said we should come back in 15-20 minutes. We went and had lunch. When we returned, gate was open, and "Ranger" was gone. We paid the $10/person fee and walked in.Very pretty views of the lighthouse and the shoreline to the east/west. But that'sit. Part of the "Wildlife" trail was closed, so there was not much walking around. As far as attractions go, I would put this in the category of "only if you must" or go to nice places which we plan to.

Kileaua Point is definitely worth a visit when on Kauai. The views are spectacular, with lots of wildlife from various species of birds and plants to whale watching.

This was just a beautiful place to go and watch birds soaring and take in all the scenery. We also saw some whales breaching and saw more whale tails, although they were a fair distance away. Make sure you get a reservation before you go. Print it out or have it on your phone just in case, although they had our reservation available at the first kiosk. There is no cell service there so download what you need before you get all the way into the park.

Stunning views and excellent bird watching opportunities. They even have complimentary binoculars that you can check out.

Beautiful views with lots of birds in area. Actually got to see a whale off shore. Was not crazy about the lighthouse tour. Very hot inside with everyone packed in and you are not allowed to go to the top outside deck. I would skip the lighthouse tour unless you are really into history (long, hot, and boring).

Beautiful coastline with lots of birdlife. Well worth visiting this and the lighthouse at the end of the road. Parking at the top of the headland for bird spotting but dedicated parking further on for the lighthouse.

We entered free with our senior park Pass. The refuge is essentially the property around the lighthouse so it is all one stop. The lighthouse is currently closed but the grounds offer amazing views and there are tons of birds to see. It is only open a few days each week and the reason you need reservations is for them to control the very limited parking area. They have a sign that says walk ins are not allowed on the entrance road.

We returned to this wonderful spot after an absence of many years and without knowing how inadequate the roads are for the volume of traffic now. It requires patience to drive anywhere on Kauai, but a trip to Kilauea Point is worth it. Birders, photographers, nature lovers, lighthouse buffs—anyone can appreciate the refuge.

We'd planned to just stop off here for a few minutes, but the site is so beautiful we ended up staying at least an hour. I appreciated the free-for-checkout binoculars in the small visitor center by the lighthouse -- with them, we were able to see not just birds but several pods of spinner dolphins down below. Definitely worth a stop!

We enjoyed a brief stop at Kilauea Lighthouse, and appreciated the efforts being undertaken to support and nurture wildlife in the area.

A haven for sea birds, including huge albatross, and red footed boobies, it’s also supposed to be a great place for sighting whales this time of year. (Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great on our visit, so we didn’t have much chance to look before we were getting soaked, and the ocean was too rough to readily discern spouting from the many whitecaps and waves crashing the shore.

A very reasonable $10 entry fee for adults, kids 15 and younger are free.

This is a wild coastal peninsula with magnificent views. Saw Laysan Albatross and chick, white tailed and red tailed tropic birds, red footed booby and of course the syate bird of hawaii: the Nene.

We were only able to get as far as the gated entrance, due to it being closed on Mondays, but the view of the bay and lighthouse from a distance is worth the trip.

Not worth price of admission. We had to pay $20 to enter the park but the views were not good and you can't go in the lighthouse. The history center was closed too. The only good thing was the bathrooms, but they were not well maintained. Strongly don't recommend going into the park. There is an overlook with parking that's outside the park and just as good.

The spot is exceptionally beautiful. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. My husband is disabled and the park provided a golf cart and driver to take us up the hill to the lighthouse and back to the parking lot. Sandy, the volunteer driver gave us all kinds of information about the park. We had a lovely time.

This is beautiful educational experience! Caution, you will need tickets to see the lighthouse or even park. I love lighthouses so this was a no-brainer. There was only a short walk from the parking lot. You cannot go up in the lighthouse. There are displays that explain the birds you might see. There were also some small chick's the gift shop people were quick to point out. We would definitely return!

We stopped off here on the way back to Lihue from Princeville. It was definitely worth the trip as the lighthouse out on the point is just beautiful. The water inlet from the fence view at the entrance is awesome and you can see the white bird sanctuary from there too. Just a beautiful location to see.

This is a national site, so you need your national park pass. There are lots of birds in the refuge. It is not a highly attended site, so the parking is pretty easy. The lighthouse is cool and has some great people and exhibits to tell you about this beautiful place. Great investment of 30 minutes to see everything.

This is a short ride if you are staying up North. Parking is usually abundant, think they charge $5 or $10 to go in, and you get some awesome views of Kauai. Best part is you are out of there in 30-45 minutes. Get some pictures of the lighthouse, the birds, and the ocean views, and then be on your way to the beach or whatever you have planned for the day.

My wife and I were staying in the Princeville area and decided to visit the lighthouse as it wasn’t that far of a drive. We planned to visit the lighthouse and then grab lunch in Kilauea as it is on the way. When coming to the entrance of the lighthouse there is a nice overlook of the lighthouse and ocean. I would recommend paying the park entrance fee as this allows you to see some nice ocean views and whales as we did. We did not take the tour of the lighthouse as it seemed small and not worth the effort.

This is a really scenic spot and the north point of Kauai. There are a huge number of red footed boobies but you can also spot frigate birds and shearwaters. We didn’t see any albatross but may be the wrong time of the year. There are turtles in the waters when we were there on the north side of the lighthouse. Also volunteers who can answer questions about the wildlife. This is an important historic site.

We had seen the Lighthouse and the Bird Sanctuary from a distance and for free in the past. This time, we took the up close and personal tour. Hint for seniors: If you have the National Park senior pass, it is only $10 admission for you and your partner. The views of the north shore and the bird sanctuary are exceptional. With good camera equipment and good binoculars, you will be rewarded with a great visual record. Check out the information station and the park store.

The birds (including albatrosses) were fantastic! Our guide was a biologist and he and the rangers made the trip special.

The staff here were very good with children and super friendly.

There are binoculars you can borrow at the buiding to the left of the light house.

The views are great.

The inconvenience of making a reservation is well worth finally being allowed to enter the premises. We only visited the place at our very last day on Kauai and were very happy about these last impressions of the island. The lighthouse is beautiful, the people are very friendly and helpful and if you like birds, you will love this place!

This is a wonderful way to spend a little time. The views are amazing, the volunteers very knowledgeable, and seeing the huge albatross fly over is unbelievable. Make sure to get a reservation at recreation.gov because once there the cell service is spotty and not getting in would be a bummer.

The view was great, as always. The birds were flying a d on the cliffs, as usual. The shop was ussentially closed. You now need a reserervation, supposedly due to covid. There is a fee for this, even if you have a national park pass. This was a big surprise, since it the fact is hard to find out about. We were able to get in because it was late in the day. It is also only open a few days for a few hours. I would have included the link for reservations, but this app wouldn't let me include the URL. The rating is because of their current non friendly policies.

.....fantastic. Go in the evening at low tide. Bring surf shoes to protect feet from rocks. You can wade out 300 yards into ocean. Great experience. And great views. Highly recommended.

The Lighthouse is great too (another location) but check hours before you go.

Also suggest Secret Beach -- which I think is part of Kileaua Point Park. But hard to get too -- steep slope down. Bring shoes to make trek down easier.

It is a very relaxing walk down to the lighthouse and the views are just beautiful. There are binocular so you can get a closer look at the birds and the rock formations. There are also displays with information about the different types of birds. We really enjoyed the time we spent there.

Dramatic views and soaring birds make this a worthwhile $5 visit. The lighthouse has been beautifully restored and the docents are friendly and helpful. Don't miss out on the chance to borrow the free binoculars. Great job by the folks working so hard on this restoration. It's been very well done.

The only place we could walk was to the lighthouse. No Wildlife Refuge anything other than posters and a mannequin of a monk seal. Every path to walk around was blocked. Such a disappointment. In addition to having go through the website to reserve your spot in advance-you couldn’t just drive up and pay at the gate. We had to wait two ours for our spot to become available. It was way to complicated to get inside and a huge disappointment once there.

There is a wonderful view of the cliff and lighthouse from the lookout before going into the park. Parking can be tight depending on when you visit. There is a $5 per person charge to go to the lighthouse itself. You can only go into the lighthouse with a tour guide. Some very pretty views form this area.

This spot offered some of the prettiest views when we were in Hawaii. Great spot to spend a little time!

We were to early to visit. Opens at 10 and costs $10. We were able to take beautiful photos. It’s a sanctuary and during the winter you can see whales

Definite heartbreak as it was not open on visit yet satisfied to view tower from shore and learn a little of it's history from volunteer staff on South Shore.

This is definitely worth a quick side trip. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes and didn't do a lot of hiking, but just enough to enjoy the views.

Beautiful views of the ocean, birds, and lighthouse even before the closed gate. Must have reservations, and there is a fee, but they take drive up reservations after 12:30pm. We got in pretty quickly after 1:00. It's free with a senior parks pass. Must do if you love lighthouses. also a golf cart for assistance on the walk.

Such a cute lighthouse but the real highlight is the wildlife. Managed by the fish and wildlife service, but they do accept the same interagency pass as does the national park service. Here in late feb, whales everywhere. Love that they have a junior ranger program.

We arrived shortly after 10, and when we left around 11 it was getting busy with parking harder to find.
Totally worth the entrance fee, We adults enjoyed it, but this would be a great place to take kids - they have kid's activities, let you borrow binoculars, and the amount of walking is manageable.
Many different varieties of birds to be seen, and we saw whales in the distance. You can also tour the light house.
The gift shop has lots of books and souvenirs, but also a very interesting 3d map of all the Hawaiian islands

Easy to get to, gorgeous views, but only go on a nice day to get the full effect of the cliffs, crashing waves on the rocks, wildlife, shoreline views, etc.

This most northern point of the inhabited Hawaiian islands is a perfect place to watch several species of sea birds that are otherwise rarely seen. The come here to lay eggs and raise chicks. They also put on great shows of soaring and stunt flying. Sometimes sea turtles, porpoise, and whales. This site is also the location for a lighthouse and is very scenic and attractive for photographers.

Wildlife Refuge isn’t very large and has a capacity limit, which is controlled by having to book your reservation in advance. Wife and I had an earlier appointment in the morning, so there weren’t a lot of other visitors already at the refuge. There were several cars waiting at the gate, and several groups of people standing near the fence/cliff taking pictures.

When our tour time arrived, we were able to enter through the gates and drive the short but narrow path down and around to the refuge parking area(s). We walked over to the visitor center and gift shop before continuing on the path up to the point. We saw several types of birds, although most of them were either in flight or nesting on the far away cliffs. Refuge provides binoculars for visitors to use, which was helpful to get better views of the birds. There was a ranger patrolling the area and helping guide people and/or answer questions. There were also a number of signs with information posted around the area.

Not very elaborate, but the visit was worth the short drive and the hour walkabout. At only about $10 per person, it’s a fairly inexpensive way to experience an aspect of Kauai that you might not otherwise be able to do so.

Made reservations day before. They require a physical id for military or veterans free entrance (including family members with you). They would not accept a screen shot or digital id. So we paid the $10 per person entry fee.

The lighthouse grounds offer spectacular views of the coastline and mountains. You catch a glimpse at the humpback whales splashing nearby with binoculars. However, entry inside the lighthouse was not allowed.

I'll preface this by saying that I am a lighthouse and wildlife guy, not so much of a bird guy. Birds are beautiful and essential, but I don't need a reservation and $22 to look at them. Lighthouse was cool, but interior is closed due to Covid. Views of the ocean were awesome. Grounds are small. Unless you are a birder, you can probably save a few bucks and hit something else.

We had been warned to make a reservation for the wildlife refuge and were glad we did. The is a view of the Kilauea lighthouse from outside the wildlife refuge, but it's pretty far away. After entering and parking inside, there is an easy hike up to the lighthouse and bird viewing area. Great views of the shoreline too. We were glad we went.

It’s a $10 charge per person to get in. Beautiful views and a cool gift shop. The lighthouse itself was pretty small and not really to focal point in my opinion.

We arrive 15 minutes before the park was closing, but that was plenty of time to make the very short walk up the paved path to see the light house and enjoy the refuge.

There is a fee for admission, but if you have a national park pass you are covered. There is a nice bookstore/gift shop with some nice things for the kids.

One of our favorite stops in Kauai. The views are just gorgeous and the birds are remarkable! A wonderful place to stop and take in all the scenery. They do offer lighthouse tours as well. A nice little gift shop with some great info about the birds and habitant in Kauai. A great side tirip on your way to Hanalei.

This is must do when you are in Kauai in my opinion. The area is small, but very peaceful and beautiful. There were a lot of birds in the area, I loved seeing them flying around. I was there in May, so there was no whales.

Beautiful views with lots of birds and plaques of various information about wildlife in the area and whatnot. I didn't like the fact that it's now $10 per person (was $5 not that long ago)...not worth that money. And it opens at 10am. Kind of late if you want to see other things in the area.

Expansive view of the coast. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, wear sunscreen and a hat because shade is very limited along the trail. The day we visited, the only two lighthouse tours offered that day were already full so try to check schedules ahead of time if the lighthouse tour is something you are aiming to join in on.

got to see many different kinds of birds, was just surprised how small it was! was done in about half hour!

What a beautiful loctation! Docents up at the lighthouse proper were very informative and shared detailed information about the birds to be found at this location. Added 5 Lifers to my bird list! Thank you so much!

So little needs to be said. Just get there, if you can! Hundreds and hundreds of roosting and soaring red boobies, frigate birds, albatrosses, and others! As we approached the lighthouse viewing area, many people were already pointing at a group of spouts (whales). A group of at least 4, possibly 5 or 6, humpbacks entertained for a long time, surfacing, spouting, glimpses of dark backs and tails. Mesmerizing, even on an on-again, off-again rainy afternoon. Great!

Careful driving up to the point as Nene nest along the road and cross often.
Reserved for noon, showed up at the gate a little early and they started counting our hour from there. Go all the way down the road until you come to the ranger gate with a person inside, parking is just past
Lovely walk starts at gift shop, visitor info area. Walk around the back for cool views, bathrooms also around the side.
Baby Shearwaters right outside men’s bathroom in holes in the ground. Continue walking the path for beautiful views of birds flying, diving, hunting and of course the restored lighthouse (Fresnell lens) and Moku a’e a’e island of the point. Birds everywhere, Nene everywhere.
Very picturesque area. Reservations required online at recreation.gov. Admission fee.
Fantastic highly recommend, family and ADA friendly. Golf carts can be requested as you go through the ranger gate.

...as one might expect. I was put off a little by paying $10 for it. It is what it is I guess. Can't go in the lighthouse which would have been nice. I guess the few educational displays and souvenir shop were nice. I don't know; I was just put off by the price. Kauai is the land of amazing ocean views that don't have to pay for. You can see the lighthouse and the surrounding area from a bit of a distance right before you pull into the parking lot if you don't want to pay. I don't think I would do it again

The sight of the numerous birds dotting the cliffside and the seals sunbathing on the rocks was amazing! While the lighthouse was not impressive because you couldn't go in, I would recommend visiting this site for the views alone. The water was the most unusual aqua blue - truly beautiful!

This has been one of the highlights of our trip, and we would have gladly paid more than $5 to help maintain this beautiful space.

First thing you should do after walking out to the lighthouse is to go inside the little museum. There's some great information but also - Free binocular rental! These are top-of-the-line and truly enhance the experience. We ended up staying a lot longer than planned because of this.

We saw lots of beautiful birds, and learned a lot about the history of the lighthouse, as well as the geography of the islands.

One note is I'm not sure many kids enjoyed it, based on comments we overheard like "This is the worst experience of my life!" which of course we have now been joking about the whole trip.

Outstanding views from this refuge point. We were able to see many birds both on the cliffs and walking around the property. Be sure to use the binoculars they allow you to borrow! There aren't many paths to walk along but they do let you walk around the lighthouse. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time through recreation.gov because you need a timed entry reservation to get in!! Because the paths are gentle, you can walk around in any shoes; my husband easily walked around in flip flops. And bring a sun hat with a rim because out on the point there isn't much shade.

Alas, we drove to see the lighthouse on a Monday and the refuge was closed. We could see the lighthouse from the little parking area and it’s a very pretty one. Almost delicate in appearance and with a glass globe that looks like crystal. Would love to go back some day!

Historic spot, but the real story is nature. Whale watching in winter, albatross and other sea birds in abundance. Superb community volunteers augment great wildlife professionals. Sunny day? Windy day? Cloudy/rainy day? All good. New vistas every time. Educational play area and great raised relief map of the Hawaiian Islands for kids to enjoy. Warning: gift shop full of very cute plush animals and books for all ages!

We drove toward the lighthouse but stayed above it (right before the entrance driveway). Please be sure to not go in the left hand side driveway as is private and owner was seen/heard yelling at a few tourists who walked in there. The view is great. We saw Albatross flying and there is a bay with turquoise water. Real natural beauty.

Due to COVID restrictions, reservations required for entry to this lighthouse/bird sanctuary at the north tip of Kauai island. Lighthouse is closed but awesome views of the neighboring cove and the coastline to the southwest (toward Bali Hai from old movie, South Pacific). Lots of birds to view - bring your binoculars to view the nesting area across the cove or the small island off the north point. Watch out for Nenes - they are everywhere along the access road and throughout the sanctuary. Parking can be limited, but easy walks in the relatively small peninsula. Nice gift shop.

I visited Kilauea Point as part of a scenic tour of Kauai and we had around 45 minutes here with our guide for the day, Domi. He told us about the various birds you could see at the point, and we saw pretty much the full set including albatross, frigates, booby birds, shearwater, nene, etc. The shearwater were nesting right alongside the path to the lighthouse, you could have walked straight past them and not notice, but Domi knew what to look for and showed us a pair nesting.

The main lighthouse is no longer operational and has been replaced by a much smaller and modern solar powered one, even though the modern technology can only reach for 7 miles instead of the 90 miles using the original lighthouse with its French glass prism.

From the coastal walks you can see houses owned by film stars, watch the birds, and if you are lucky you might see some whales. Domi tried calling to them and got us all joining in but we weren't lucky in seeing one. This is a very beautiful spot and well worth checking out for the views and the natural delights of the island.

Beautiful Pacific perch on top of the bluffs. Easiily acceessed for all ages with just enough history to keep you interested. Lovely variety of birds and dolphins, whales & the occasional monk seal can be seen in the surrounding water & rocks.
If you are a walker and up for 20 minutes uphill trek, park your car in front of Seacliffs gate (on the right 1/4 mile before lighthouse gate), walk thru the unlocked gate on the right (public access walking path, open sunrise to 30 min before sunset).
Turn left at the T intersect, and continue uphill, again turn left at the next T intersect. You will see SPECTACULAR views over the lighthouse and secrets beach with a full unobstructed view or the entire mountain range (your welcome), enjoy ~

In December we saw many species of seabirds as well as more Nenes than we saw anywhere else on the islands. You walk along secure paths on a rocky point high above the water. In some cases the birds nest right along the path. There is a small lighthouse to snap a picture of, but the real stars of this attraction are the birdlife.

Visiting the lighthouse when it was open was an event we missed out on the first time we visited Kaua'i, but we made sure to go when we went back recently.

The sanctuary displays information on the various birds protected by the sanctuary, and we were able to see all of the birds covered during our visit.

The lighthouse itself was fun to see and get up close to. It was very advantageous for us to have gone in March, since the whales were still in the region. We saw at least one 'dancing' off the northern shore. (There were several spouts and breaches, but it was hard to tell if it was one or more).

Don't miss stopping at the gift shop/information center! They have displays that illustrate and discuss the the history of the islands and the lighthouse.

The views from the cliffs and lighthouse area are amazing. Watching the wildlife was awesome. We loved this stop!!

We visited the day before the big storm hit the islands, but the winds were already picking up & was quite brutal. In spite of that, there was much beauty all around. I had hoped to spend more time there viewing the ocean & possibly seeing the whales offshore. The force in which the waves crash on the shores below is magnificent! With the drive & entrance fee. I hope to go back and view all of this on another trip, hopefully without an impending storm bringing such high winds.

This location was beautiful, peaceful & educational all in one. We spent about an hour here - if you go, be sure to watch for the little signs on the paths, there is an excellent chance you will see some nests.

The view of the Kileaua Lighthouse is worth the short drive off the main road of Kileaua. It is not necessary to enter the National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy the view.

My husband and I aren't all that into birds but if you are this is the place to go. Saw several nene and lots of other birds. Was also told this is a great place for whale watching when the right season. No matter the season this place has beautiful views of the north part of the island. Lots of informational signage about wildlife of the island. Worth the $10 entry.

The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is breath taking. Mating sea turtles, the light house,nesting Shearwaters in ground burrows three feet away, mating pairs of albatross. birds by the hundreds. This is an exciting and educational adventure for families and specially with kids. Useful information:
1. Go early and spend some time. Informed docents, breath taking views. Lots of the sounds of life. Must see for bird lovers.
2. Easy walk. Flat and accomodates wheel chairs and baby carriages.
3. It is fenced so the little ones can not get away easily. Telescope sites for whale watching and a closer view of the nesting birds.
4. Special discount for groups of four ($20)

Second visit here and it was raining this time. This was still an amazing place despite the rain and wind! Saw whales and albatross. The view is spectacular rain or shine! Mother nature at its best! Don't forget your senior park pass for free admission too!

To enter the refuge, it costs $10 but it's the best $10 you'll ever spend. The view of the birds alone is spectacular, let alone the coast line and the ocean. Plan to spend about half an hour there

Great place to check out the birds and whales!! The old Lighthouse is wonderful, and had great history!!

This was one of the highlights of my 9 days on the island. So very beautiful from any angle. A must see for anyone who visits Kauai.

A great lookout point. About $10 a person unless they have family deal. There are binoculars to check out here and bathrooms near entrance.

We didn't intend on going to Kilauea Lighthouse, but we had some free time to burn and thought why not?

We drove to the lighthouse and got there at 10:40am. For some reason, the place was closed despite having a 10am opening time. There were numerous cars parked outside the gates where you can view the lighthouse from a distance. The views from here were great! We were about to leave, not knowing when it was going to open, when an old guy came and let everyone in.

The cars poured into the place and the entry kiosk quickly had a long line. I advise bringing cash, because it takes 3 minutes to process each credit card and there is only one machine! The line was LONG, probably because they opened so late! Luckily we had cash so we didn't wait too long.

And what gives with the price? I had read that it was $5 per person by many recent reviews, but the price is now $10 per person! I was close to not bothering, knowing we wouldn't be there too long, but since we were there we decided to go.

As expected, we browsed the gift shop, admired some of the admittedly nice views of the shore, snapped a few photos of the lighthouse, then left. It all probably took 30 minutes as there really is nothing to do there except take a few photos.

For $10 per person, it seemed a waste of money. I could accept $5 as a reasonable price, but $10 was a rip off for what you got. You can see the lighthouse from the free parking before the gate without paying anything. I would do that if I could take it back, as the lighthouse is nothing particularly special. While there are nice views, you could say the same thing about the entire island, so it's nothing unique.

If you like beautiful coastal vistas, this is the place! You can use your National Parks pass and get in for free too.

What a fun and educational experience! The views from the lighthouse were unparalleled and we were even able to see several wild bird varieties in person! Highly recommended for a nice afternoon activity on the north shore.

Not a lot to do here except the overlook and lighthouse, but it's well worth a stop. The view is gorgeous and there are so many interesting birds to watch.

We were fortunate to have been told to take the 1030 guided tour of the lighthouse and got the best guide. Diane has lived on Kauai for over 20 years and is an absolute wealth of knowledge. She knows the history of the Light and the land surrounding it as well as all the birds, including some nesting wedge-tailed shearwaters which if you know what to look for are right next to the path. She also pointed out to us spinner dolphin in the water to the west of the light and in the shop they will loan you bino's so you can see them better. Also saw the Ne Ne geese, bosun birds, and frigate birds. Just a great time.

There are a lot of sea birds nesting in this area. Parking wasn't bad but it takes a while to get here off the main road. We were looking to go to the lighthouse and this is right in that area. We stopped and were amazed at the birds flying around the area. Looking closer the birds were nesting in the trees. We spent some time here before going on down to the lighthouse.

This place is absolutely stunning and a must on your visit to this fabulous island. The beauty of the surrounds with waves crashing methodically to shore really shows two distinct patterns - ying and yang. I can see why they call this island a tropical paradise.

This Breathtaking place give a wonderful variety all in one stop. Incredible Birds, varied vistas beyond description, nice people, easy access

I wouldn't describe this as a "must do" but we were heading north towards Princeville already and decided to stop. It really was an amazing view, we didn't see any whales (wrong time of year), but there were tons of birds and just looking out towards the ocean and seeing the cliffs was really beautiful. The gates open at 10 and I would advice getting there a couple minutes early and getting in line at the gate. You have to drive in and the parking is a bit limited. When we pulled up people were parked outside the gate looking at the view there but we stayed in our car and pulled up to the gate behind another car and were the second people in so we didn't have to worry about waiting to park. If you want to do the lighthouse tour walk straight there and sign up because space is limited.

Came right after 10 a.m. on a Tuesday in sunny weather which makes for great views and setting with he ocean and lighthouse. Saw plenty of birds in full flight, layan albatross, fregate bird etc. It's free to borrow binoculars and we saw humpback whales breach in the distance! Great and we'll kept refuge.

Parking available. Modest fee to enter the Wildlife Refuge. Enjoyed watching the Giant Frigatebirds, Tropicbirds and Nene. Saturday is a good to go to get in on a Lighthouse tour. Not a tall lighthouse, but the cliff-side offers wonderful views.

Since it's always such a pleasant experience, we bring all of our island guests here for a visit. The views of the lighthouse, ocean and birdlife are exceptional. Everybody always enjoys their time here.

Overall, a great visit, sufficient time to explore and learn more history and nature conservation. Our tour guide, Domi was patient and very authentic as he shared about his past experience as a proud native Hawaiian (Kauaian). Mahalo!

This was a great place to learn about the areas history and to take in the spectacular views. They have a nice gift shop and exhibit. Golf cart transportation is provide if you have limited mobility as we did. Much appreciated.

Very unfortunate that a lifelong planned dream trip and we were not able to access our beautiful parks due to the Governement shutdown. Can see from the overlook area but would havew liked to hike and get the close up view.

This is my absolute favorite spot. Birds soaring across the crystal blue sky. Came the other day at 3:55 they close at 4:00
So we came back today. Confusion about the Lighthouse tour. Skipped it.
I tell everyone who visits Kauai to come here. A very special place.

This is a must stop just for the views. It costs $10 per person to enter unless you have a National Parks Pass. Money is used for upkeep and education. It is open Tuesday-Saturday 10-4. Staff is friendly. There is also a gift shop.

We love this place! It’s a must for visitors to Kauai! So what a disappointment that they now lock the gates to what used to be a free and open lookout point! If they wish to close the gift shop on Sunday and Monday, fine. But please don’t close off the whole peninsula every Sunday and Monday! There were 20 or more visitors pressing their faces against the fence on the outer parking lot when we arrived on a Monday afternoon. We should have been able to at least walk out to the lighthouse to enjoy the views.

Absolutely beautiful views of the cliffs and Pacific Ocean. Lots of birds to view. The lighthouse is beautiful. Very well maintained. Looks absolutely classy. Good history of the lighthouse in the building next to lighthouse. Would recommend stopping to visit this off the main road site. Only $5 to get in or free with the National Park pass. Something that is very authentic to the area and not a tourist trap. Loved the local history.

The view we had from the fence was awesome, but they are closed for all federal holidays. A Google Map will take you directly to this location

Traveled with a group but once we got there we were on our own, which was nice. Many areas to see + wild sea turtles!

This refuge is home to a variety of birds and volunteers at the lighthouse help identify them and give interesting facts about what you are seeing. While we were told that the albatross were all gone as of last week, we spotted one on the opposite side of where they usually nest and the volunteer confirmed the sighting and expressed concern that it would have difficulty lifting off from there, but trusting the bird's instinct to take flight. Don't miss the wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting along the walkway approaching the lighthouse. There was a pair of nene at the entrance to the drive to the lighthouse.

You can still see the lighthouse from the parking lot overlook. However, the gates are locked. Just take the 10-minute drive from the road and walk over to take a look from a distance.

For anyone who enjoys bird watching and natural beauty, this place should be on your list. There are visible colonies of birds and likely opportunities to observe whales during winter. The lighthouse is striking and you can pay extra for a tour. We saw lots of soaring frigate birds among others. Bring you cameta and binoculars.

First realize that to get to the lighthouse you need to buy a $10 ticket in advance. There is parking at the lighthouse if you do this. If not there is a beautiful lookout above the lighthouse but only 6 parking spots.

The $10 is worth it. Lots of birds that you can watch…bring binoculars if you’re a big fan. The lighthouse history is neat and the views are fab. The lighthouse has been closed due to Covid but is about to reopen we were told…maybe June?

I loved this place. We saw many birds including the Red Footed Booby, Nene, Albatross, Frigate and Tropicbirds. We were also pleased to see humpback whales in the distance. You can see the birds flying/roosting from the viewpoint up top. I highly recommend not just staying up there and actually entering the park.

It was $10 per person and we felt like we certainly got our money's worth. We arrived just after 10:00 am and spent about an hour here. On our way out, people were lining up to park. I suggest getting here early or just wait for parking. There were plenty of people coming and going. It's worth it!

The Nenes were much nicer than the Canada Geese.

My husband and I toured the Wildlife Refuge the next day after we first came. The truth is, they have a very limited parking lot. Go to the NPS app. Type in Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. You can designate a time for a ticket. You will have 45 mins to explore the refuge. It is awesome!

Beautiful views and knowledgeable staff. Walking around, reading the signs and watching the short videos gave us amazing views and information that added to the experience. Talking to the volunteers made it a highlight! (The lens for the lighthouse light was especially unique.) We went one time and spent several hours. We hope to return and maybe even see whales!

This wildlife refuge is easy to find, turning off the road to Hanalei at Kilauea. Drive down the hill and find easy parking: an attendant will help you. Then pay $5 at the entry point and there's a short walk up a mild slope to the lighthouse. On the way read information about the bird refuge and take advantage of the binoculars mounted at the side of the path - at adult and at child height - to view the hundreds of Red Footed Boobies nesting on a cliff across a surf filled chasm - a spectacular sight. At the lighthouse, more free hand-held binoculars can be borrowed at no cost for more bird watching. When we were there, late morning in mid September, there were not many species of bird to be seen but Nene geese were pottering about. A greater variety of birds is available to view at different times of the year, and dolphins and whales can also sometimes be seen.
The lighthouse site includes a very informative 'museum' display along with knowledgeable and friendly docents who are more than happy to chat. Near the entry kiosk is a gift shop, information display and toilets.
It's easy to spend a happy hour here, perhaps no longer than that, and well worth the entry fee.

Lots of cool coast birds here, nesting along the cliffs on the eastern coast of Kauai. Requires a national park pass, or admission. The Lighthouse also here.

Yup! It is all that. Spectacular views 360' But know you need to RESERVE a time to get in - recommend EARLY since parking gets tight as the day goes on. They have fixed binoculars, but bring your own too. Guide there was able to zero in on an albatross next. Fantastic - all of 30-40 minutes and WELL worth it!

We were only able to see the lighthouse from a distance becuase of torrential rains one day and then after that, it was closed due to restrictions related to corona. So sad!

I am writing this post for that occured last year but forgot! The lighthouse can be seen from a parking lot above the entrance to the park which cost $5 to enter. We did it and walked around the grounds. You get a great view of the bay with many birds flying around especially the Albatross. Great picture taking location!

We got to see the lighthouse, but the refuge was closed when we were there. A bit disappointing. Still worth the drive to see the lighthouse.

Amazing views and lots of wildlife. Definitely worth it to go and see before leaving Kauai. Binoculars for kids and adults to use free at visitor center.

The air was so cruel and the view was absolutely incredible!! The higher the elevation the cleaner the air. It was a little foggy at first but it cleared up within a few minutes , it also rained a little. Otherwise we would have given it 5 stars. Good experience!

The ocean views are really great. It costs $5 to get in and if you don't do the lighthouse tour you are paying for the views. The lighthouse tour requires additional tickets.

Parking lot is small and gets full, so be patient.

You can spend 20 minutes here, maybe 25 if you linger in the gift shop.

It's worth $5 IMO.

One of the most beautiful spots on Kauai. We went twice and because we were on the North shore it was very easy. Have to make a reservation now but go at least once. The birds are beautiful and we loved watching for whales out over the horizon. We saw many. Great place for people of all ages.

Beautiful views, very peaceful, birds flying everywhere, informative signage to read - definitely worth a stop!

Pretty amazing views from this vantage point. The lighthouse itself is also quite remarkable, but not sure if it's worth the $10/person fee... If you have a National Parks annual pass, this is free and totally worth a visit. If you're into sea bird watching, this is the place to be- red footed boobies on the mountain/cliff-side galore

Be sure to make reservations ahead of time so that you are able to enter the premises. Picturesque and idyllic surroundings atop a 180-foot ocean bluff. If I were living here, I certainly would get involved and volunteer to help out.

When you get to the end of the road, there is an overlook, but off to the left is the entrance to the park. Make sure you go to the park- it’s easy to assume it is just an access path.

The birds are amazing- quite honestly when they hover overhead, they look prehistoric. The views are amazing as well.

This is a paradise for birders. What a wonderful view — even from the upper parking lot! We found the drive easy. Due to mobility issues we did not hike out to the lighthouse itself. But it looks like that would be no problem for able-bodied visitors.

We have senior Nat'l park passes so admission was free.

Have been here many times but never during a govt. Furlough so we're glad it was open.

Our weather was perfect and it's an amazing place to view all sorts of sea birds as well as whales spouting off the point.

Also very clean as they ban chewing gum, food etc. Within the refuge grounds.

Loved this tour..only 5 dollars..in Kauai..great educational and great views very simple loved the lighthouse it is worth it for the price and the time

Not quite what we expected, but definitely worth the stop. Make sure you make a reservation on recreation.gov first. Lighthouse and birds

When staying on Kauai a visit to the Kilauay Lughthouse and Refuge is a must. Views are spectacular and with the wind today the waves were spectacular. The many seabirds are always intriguing with albatross hunkered down. A must visit.

We stopped on a Sunday, when the best access was closed. But, great views from the parking area at the gate. Lighthouse is pretty cool, too.

Beautiful views and lots of birds here. Make sure you check the calendar though because the site was closed during the entire weekend before the federal holiday so we couldn’t walk to the lighthouse.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in Kauai was established in 1985 to protect seabird nesting colonies. There were hundreds of birds everywhere we looked. We saw the Tropicbirds dancing over the little island just north of the point and captured a Booby carrying branches back to its nest.The Nēnē is Hawaii's state bird and is endangered. They evolved from the larger (and nastier) Canada Goose about 500,000 years ago. They disappeared from Kauai a century ago, but were reintroduced through the wildlife refuge in 1990. We saw them running all over the lawn by the lighthouse.

***Plan ahead and get your reservation online*** If you have a National Park Pass, be sure to bring it with you and use for your reservation (it only costs $1 for up to 4-people). You currently cannot go in the Lighthouse, but they have done a great job to make the grounds accessible and safe. There were so many sea birds and a few seals in the cove. If it's a sunny day, bring a hat or wear sunblock, as everything is pretty much unshaded. Binoculars would be great for those who want to check out the shoreline for animals and the nearby cliffs for birds. I didn't go during whale season, but I heard you can see a lot of them in the winter/spring.

One of our favorite stop offs. You can see the cliffs from the overlook outside the park or park inside and walk to the lighthouse. If you have a national parks pass, there is no charge for a visit. Didn't see whales but would go back for a second look.

We visited here especially to see the lighthouse. Be aware that there are no public bathrooms until you reach the refuge. The parking lot was full, as expected, but there was a ranger helping to direct traffic. We were a little surprised at the $10 entry fee, but luckily we had cash so we didn’t have to wait in the very long line. Gorgeous views of red footed boobies, frigates, and gulls. The lighthouse was closed but they have an outbuilding full of information on the lighthouse and the refuge itself. A plus for us was a table full of binoculars that you could use for free, just sign out a pair and sign back in when returned...it made our visit much more enjoyable. It is definitely worth a visit, I cannot imagine what the crowds would be like during whale watching season so keep the parking situation in mind if you decide to go during that time of year.

This is the northern most point of the Hawaiian islands. The view is great. It’s a great place to sketch a nature scene. Lots of sea birds to watch, and if your lucky you may spot a whale or two. I could of spent the entire day watching the surf pins against the cliffs; much better than watching a lava lamp.

THis is only $10.00 to tour the area and it is a breathtaking view and I especially enjoyed watching all of the birds in the nature reserve cliff area . Well worth it.

This is $5 and completely worth it! Beautiful views and wildlife! I wish we were here when the whales come in the winter!!

An excellent place to visit with adults and children. Signs posted showing types of birds and other creatures of the ocean. Birds are soaring in the sky.The oceanis spectacular from a variety of areas. Coastline also an excellent view.

Loved learning about the history and seeing the variety of birds flying over head. Another nice way to see island beauty.

This lighthouse was very beautiful. The ocean on that corner of the island was very beautiful. Saw geese and albatrosses flying and nesting while at the lighthouse. The grounds were very clean. The tiny museum was very informative.

We went to walk down to the lighthouse, but the refuge was closed because of the Bush funeral.

We were able to get a few good pics of the lighthouse and area.

Saw some nene birds along the way.

We went there to take some pics. But there were NeNe geese all around! So many fun pics to take and the view just from the upper parking lot we didn't head down to the lighthouse. There were just too many things we wanted to tackle that day we didn't go down to the Lighthouse. The views are awesome.

Many types of marine birds, identified with good signage - we saw most of them - red footed boobies, albatross, tropic birds, frigate birds, nenes (with babies), and ... chickens(!) Friendly staff at the lighthouse have many good binoculars to lend for adults and children, and topical children's books.

Informative tours inside the lighthouse with knowledgable guides (check days and hours). Lighthouse has an interesting history and an awesome original Fresnel 2nd order double bullseye clamshell lens. The 50 steps to the top were manageable on crutches, and there is a shuttle service between parking and the lighthouse for those who need it. Even without the lighthouse this is a very pleasant place to spend time enjoying the ocean view and the birds.

The spot is not only beautiful but you get to experience the cliffs filled with the native birds. The lighthouse is actually secondary to the views and experience

We were just passing by and saw the light house on the map so we decided to stop and visit. The staff was more than helpful for us dealing with a bit of handicap issues. The knowledge of the personnel there was great. It was wonderful to see and such beauty.

You approach from a paved road/path, which is very easy to do. We only had 15 minutes to enjoy this site, but that was adequate time to take some pictures and watch the birds.

A couple of things to know:
Adults over 20 (I think) must pay $10 to enter the area.
If you want to see inside the lighthouse you have to sign up for a tour inside the building to the left upon your arrival. They only allow about 15 people per tour and they only run a few per day. All tours were fully booked upon our arrival.
We enjoyed the binoculars around the area and took in the sights. Overall it was worth the $20 for our family.

This is a nice short stop to go and see. $5 cash only entry into the refuge lets you walk a short distance, slightly up hill, to a visitors center, lighthouse and signs teach about the local birds. You often can see whales or dolphins from the lookout there we are told. We did see dolphins in the bay below while we watched.

You do need to check in for a free guided tour of the lighthouse that’s maybe a half hour long. It might be interesting for adults but kids might just be bored by it unless they have an interest in lighthouses.

We learned a lot from the few info boards there. Also those with ADA assistance, rangers did beings a golf cart

Great place to go with the whole family...or by yourself.
$10 to get in or free if you are a National Parks member.
Great views..great birds everywhere.
We saw a red footed booby up close an there are Albatross as well.
Everyone ill love it.
You can spend 30 min. or all day.
Check the hours, they are not open everyday

Whether you’re a birder, plant enthusiast or lighthouse fan, this will be one of your faves on Kauai.
You’ll find it difficult to walk away from the magnificent panoramic view.

This site displays just spectacular views. There is an entrance fee. There is free parking. There is a winding road to access!
For those with walking difficulties, there is a cart which helps with the climb.
The gift shop is nice.

We were lucky to go during a holiday for free (due to Presidents Day.) But even with the fee it would have been worth it. We didn’t bother with the lighthouse itself but focused on the birds and the views. Plan on ½ hour...

We didn't realize we got two for one. That is, we paid admission to see the lighthouse and as we walked up, we saw all the bird signage and realized it was a wildlife refuge. It was fun watching the various birds fly over then identify them. So many birds, more than we saw anywhere else. Must see for bird lovers.

A must see, and don’t just park up top as you miss so much. We were here in January 2020 and heard some whales were showing up there, unfortunately the short time we were there we didn’t see them. But what a view as you go around behind the light house.

We did a hike around the point near the wildlife refuge and were amazed by the number and variety of birds

The lighthouse is often considered the destination, but it's the overall surroundings that are the star in my estimation. The signage gives great detail about the various things you see. This is a spot well worth visiting.

Just an absolutely wonderful experience. Saw whales and dolphins and numerous birds. Gorgeous landscapes. A reservation is needed. Put this on your list.

There really just isn't much to see here.

Yes, it is a nice view and the lighthouse is, well, it's a lighthouse. If you've seen one....

Entrance fee is $10 and the "park" is open from 10-4:00 most days.

But, there are plenty of great ocean views you can get for free.

Skip this and head to Makapu'u Point on Oahu. There's a lighthouse at Makapu'u also and the views are just as spectacular. Best of all, Makapu'u is free! If you want more spectacular views on Kauai, check out the Napali Coast.

Beautiful views of the coastline. Wonderful place for bird watching. Excellent area to walk around and take in the spectacular views. All in all just beautiful

My family and I recently stopped at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. This was our 3rd trip to Kauai, but the first time we ever went to the lighthouse. Admission is $5 for adults. Make sure you have cash. The kids were free. The ranger gave my daughter a Junior Refuge Ranger Activity Book to complete while we walked around. Most kids will need help with the book because there are a number of activities that need to be completed (all information can be found on the signs through out the area). Once completed kids take the book back to the ranger for exchange for a small patch. My 7 year old daughter really enjoyed it. There are many birds that can be seen at the refuge. We were disappointed that you can't go into the lighthouse. I would guess most people spend 30-60 minutes here.

The view is marvelous and wonderful picture ops. We found the parking lot above the light house with downward view the best. Plus this parking lot offered the best view we felt. Besides it was free. They wanted $10 to walk up next to the lighthouse and the view was not as good we felt. As you drive the road back keep a look out to your left for a wonderful coastal view lined with coconut trees.

I love lighthouses. Anywhere you go in the world that has one, will arguably have the best view of its coastline and there’s something peaceful in that (given that lighthouse caretakers didn’t have a peaceful job during inclement weather).

Then, add in the wildlife refuge and all you get to see and it makes for a wonderful experience.

PRO TIP: There are two parking lots - one for viewing the refuge and one for the lighthouse. Drive past the gates and continue down the road until you end at the parking lot.

Walking around the point gives such a gorgeous view of the north shore of Kauai. If you visit on a Wednesday or Saturday, entry to the lighthouse is included in your ticket.
If you want to tour the lighthouse, arrive early, ( entry is at 10 am ) and walk directly to the lighthouse. They only take 15 people at a time. Then, continue your stroll around the point.
If you have a National Park pass, bring it!

This is one of my favorite spots on earth. The views are spectacular, and we almost always see Nene, the Hawaiian goose. We have spotted dolphins, whales, and turtles from the bluff.
It is currently open only a few days a week, and reservations are required, so check before you go.

The look-out onto the lighthouse from the street was great, but so many people assumed that the dirt driveway leading down from it was accessible for all too.......we saw several cars backing up the driveway when the passengers realized that they needed reservations to access the wildlife refuge.

The wildlife refuge was a great stop! Wonderful sightings of sea birds.....we were excited to see the nest of an albatross too. We also enjoyed the access to the lighthouse here.

Please note that the refuge is open Thursday-Saturday only, beginning at 10:00 AM. We highly suggest making your reservation for that 10:00 opening time to avoid the crowds and have better viewing of the sea birds.

A must see in Kauai. Magnificent vistas. A bird watchers delight. Easily accessable. Photo opportunities abound. Make sure to bring binoculars for whale watching possibilities.

I was looking forward to visiting this location. But the night before there were flash flooding warnings communicated on the island. Due to weather conditions our group did not venture across the island to visit Kilauea Point noting we did not want to get stuck on a road, nor across the island, especially when our flight was scheduled for the next day. But due to the warning being communicated out in the evening, this was not prior to the 24 hour cancelation allowed. Regardless of the park not technically closing, visitors should be reimbursed if weather conditions are extreme and if warnings are given regarding flash floods. I called for a reimbursement but was declined. My experience was poor and disappointing. Weather is unforeseen, especially for flash flooding.

Great views and love the cove with the wave action. Windy as one would expect but the birds didn’t seem to mind and neither did we.

Not only can you see Red Footed Boobies, Albatross, and other birds, you can now tour the inside of the lighthouse. Tours are limited to 10 at a time and start on the 1/2 hour, ie 11:30, 12:30 etc. It costs $10 per person unless you have a Golden Eagle National Parks pass, then you entire carload is free.

Opens at 11:00 a.m. Don't come too early to be able to go in and see more of it. Very well-maintained, lots of magnificent view and birds soaring all over the sky. very short detour that is well worth you $5.00 entry fee. Gift shop staff are so helpful and friendly! Aside from being able to see the magnificent lighthouse, I had a chance to see a wedge-tailed shearwater and it's newly-hatched chick in its nest and watch one soar with the wind so close to the ground !

Spectacular views and a variety of wild birds. You can get the postcard picture of the Kilauea Lighthouse from here as well.

Small lighthouse and bird sanctuary. Lots of information about local wildlife, and they have binoculars to borrow to see nesting birds. Bring your national park pass if you have one!

Don't miss this gorgeous site. We saw many whales off shore, as they are protected within this refuge. So many birds!
Bring binoculars or borrow a pair there.

Wear sunscreen!

There is an overlook from the top that is free of charge, or you can drive down to the lighthouse where there is a fee. Both views are amazing and the color of the water is such a deep blue that it’s indescribable. It I s a wildlife refuge so there are a lot of bird soaring around. Just a beautiful peaceful place to see.

Warning, we just did the overview, which is just terrific. It is a beautiful cove, with white birds flying about and nesting in trees to the right and a rocky cliff with a lighthouse to the left. We had seen it before and would go back again. to go into the refuge you need reservations with recreation.gov, but it is not expensive. We were late and lazy to try. On the road there we saw many NeNe Hawaiian geese, either side and in the road, so need ot be careful, they do not run away.

It is worth hassle of getting a ticket to get in to the park. Birds are everywhere and the waves are dramatic. We ran into a lot of slow traffic coming up from Poipu so allow plenty of time to get there. Google Maps does not seem to get the times right on Kauai. Come a little early as the traffic also backs up at the kiosk at the ticket times.

Visited here as part of a working vacation. I found this to be a great place to visit and experience Kauai. Access to this National Park is tricky, like a lot of things in Kauai, the road is narrow and the parking can be tight. Get there early, or be patient. A lot of tourists don't spent a lot of time here, so parking spaces open up frequently. The $10 entry fee goes to the National Park Service, so this isn't a tourist trap. Your money goes directly into maintaining the park and protecting the birds. This is also an excellent place for lighthouse people, the light is well preserved and still operates, but only on special occasions. Be sure to take some time to breath in the air, this is the windward side of the island and the air you're breathing hasn't seen land since Alaska. I wish all our air was this pure.

This historical site is definitely a must-stop on your Kauai visit. There are several kinds of protected bird species flying around -- or in the case of the nene, wandering about. The lighthouse itself is well maintained -- small but beautiful, and there is a little museum next door that answers all your questions about this structure. If you have a National Park Senior Card, entrance is free. The gift shop is also worth visiting, with some neat stuff, and the staff was friendly and helpful.

You gotta see the lighthouse and take pics of the view and see the birds. Take your national park pass if you have it! Otherwise, it’s $5 to enter but well worth it. When you arrive there is a lookout point that is great for pics. If it’s busy, just proceed to parking (around the round about and down the small hill) and grab the pic on your way out. Parking is good below and we easily found a place and there was a friendly parking attendant as well. You can sign out binoculars in the visitors center for free to see the birds (and dolphins in the water). The lighthouse has tours on Wednesday and Saturday (I think). We went on Wednesday but didn’t time it right. The tours are first come first serve and has a limit of 15. You sign up about 15 minutes before the hour and they begin on the half hour. We didn’t make it that long to even sign up and wait but wanted to....maybe next time. This is a beautiful place you don’t want to miss!

If you are traveling along the north road thru Kilauea, just divert a few miles to this lighthouse. Have to travel thru some residential area to get to the lookout. The lighthouse was closed the day we were here but the lookout provided a fantastic view.

Interesting history and amazing view. We actually saw a couple whales off the coast from here. They had loaner binoculars and fixed binoculars. You can watch the birds float above, and nest on the rocks.One of my favorite parts was watching the waves crash on the rocks to the right of the walkway.

We visited the Kilauea Lighthouse as part of Best of Kauai tours. The lighthouse is at the northern tip of the Hawaiian Islands and situated in a wildlife sanctuary. The surrounding cliffs appear to be studded with white flowers but the’re birds, mainly red-footed Boobys. Many other sea and coastal birds were wheeling around us. Just lovely.

We saw fence or gate overlooking refuge, while we were viewing lighthouse from afar. Lighthouse was closed. Did not see that there was very good access to refuge for visitors,

I didn't expect anything much but a lighthouse, boy was I wrong! What a beautiful view before you get into the park. It's right before the entrance and we spent maybe 10-15 mins there. Just in awe of how beautiful it is. Nane Geese are everywhere so be careful when driving into the park. I thought we'd spend an hour here but we signed up for the lighthouse tour which is the ONLY way to get to see the inside of the lighthouse. Well worth it and very informative. It's brings everything to Light! ;) Before the tour began you can borrow binoculars to see all the Red Footed Boobies (birds) and search the ocean for mammals. They also have a gift shop. Go enjoy!

I live in Kilauea and get a season's pass every year so that we can go often to whale watch, spot dolphins, turtles, monk seals and various sea birds. Of course it will depend on the time of year and the conditions of the ocean but the views alone are worth the visit. When we have family that needs wheel chair assistance there is a golf cart shuttle service you can request from the ticket booth at the entry. The visitor center has interesting information and a nice little gift shop and something hard to find at times on the north shore of Kauai....good bathrooms. The lighthouse is just outside of the small town of Kilauea and easy to park, the path in is paved so easy for wheel chair access and is a short walk out to the light house of under 10 minutes. Activity sheets for elementary and young children available on request.
Take your camera and binoculars.

The wave crashing below the towering white lighthouse gave a perfect setting to see whales breaching just off the shoreline.

The Iconic Kilauea Point Lighthouse is a must see when visiting Kauai. Bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes/sandals. Learn the historical history behind the lighthouse. You can see thousands of seabirds resting on the cliff. It’s a great location for photography.

This is a must see area of Kauai. The scenery and wildlife is stunning. This is also a very peaceful area of the island. Currently there is controlled access due to COVID and reservations are required and should be made a month in advance. Don’t miss it!

Birds and more birds! Great ocean views, clean restrooms, great volunteers and staff! Never get tired of hearing the history of Kauai.

If you are taking a drive day of the island the Kilauea point is a must see. It is not what you are expecting as it is breathtaking.

Just stop for 15. Min and take in the view. If you are lucky you will see some flocks of Ewa birds having fun. The wind currents in the ravine are perfect for the birds to just hang in the sky. Play and have fun

As owners of a condo in Princeville, whenever we're on island we always visit the lighthouse, love the seabirds and the views!

Great views of the cliffs and birds nearby. Cute lighthouse with some birds on the grounds besides the obvious roosters.

This is a spectacular site with its history and significance presented very effectively. We went for our second visit a couple of days ago, late in the afternoon when it was mostly deserted (versus our first morning visit w/ crowded parking), and it was great. The illustrative exhibits are interesting, the opportunities to observe birds very good, and the site itself beautiful.

In the park stands the majestic lighthouse, a beacon to save mariners from peril. It sits on a rocky promontory at the north end of Kaua’i.
The rocky outcrop light has not only saved human lives, but has become a sanctuary for many’s a wild bird. You can see them swoop and nest over the cliffs and rocks.
The lighthouse path affords great views along the coast both north and south.In winter, the seas can let you view the migrant whales, who also see the Islands as Paradise…(Clever whales!)
The sea crashes off the rocks and cliffs below giving majestic views of the rawness and the power of nature. The place is wild, beautiful and mesmerizing. After your visit take a wander around the little town ok Kilauea with delightful coffee shops, restaurants and one-of-a-kind outlets.

It is a very well kept refuge for the birds.So many of them flying in and out of the mountain to the ocean to gather food. I would recommend a binocular to watch the birds.

The lighthouse is at the end of a narrow cliffside spit of land which heads into the ocean. The lighthouse itself didn't impress me much, but the bird sightings were amazing! We saw shearwaters, frigate birds, albatrosses, and many others flying or perched very close by. Many were nesting on the sides of the cliff. The views from the sanctuary are magnificent - don't forget a camera!! Since this is a national park bring along you senior national parks pass to get in for free!

A shame that this National Park is closed on Sundays and Mondays as it's such a beautiful spot! The panoramic view is amazing. Saw quite a few birds including Nenes.

It is a gorgeous lighthouse, that we saw from the chain link fence outside. It costs $10 per person (not per car) to enter and the sign says you must enter in a car (though we saw people walking in). The seabird life is incredible at this marine sanctuary and we had a great view from the fence of the nesting boobies. The other problem is if you don't pay to enter, there is no public bathroom for miles - do not try the gas station at the turn off from the highway!

It was a crystal clear day, so view from the lighthouse park was gorgeous! Love the efforts to keep this maintained.

Fortunately we have a National Parks Pass, so the admission charged was not an issue. It really is mostly a viewpoint, and the birds and the steep view are wonderful. The lighthouse itself was closed.

Our 11-person family visited this NWR and spent some 3 hours just enjoying the birds. It was nesting season for the Red-footed Boobys, and the Layson Albatrosses so we were able to get both great ground and arial photos. Great Frigatebirds were present as were brown boobys, Red-tailed and White-tailed Tropicbirds and the Nenes. The wheeling of the birds around the lighthouse and close-in off-shore island were spectacular. The Shearwaters hadn't arrived yet (first ones arrived 2 days after our visit) but we were all very happy birders anyway.

Saw multiple humpback whales surfacing about a mile off-shore and the spinner dolphins were frequently visible doing their acrobatics quite close in.

For some unknown bureaucratic nonsensical reason the staff won't open the public access until 10:00 am, so best photography time is lost (though you can photograph from their external parking lot - just outside the official gates, before 10:00 am, if you can find a parking spot - which is hit and miss).

It has a somewhat minimal public access area inside the refuge, which is shared with the Kilauea Lighthouse (which isn't woth the admission price), and the NWR staff were not particularly friendly (though with the high number of lighthouse visitors that they have to accommodate I can somewhat understand this).

A vey nice gift shop with decent bathrooms was appreciated. One of my adult sons (a very knowledgable birder) returned on 2 other days during our 9-day vacation and by the end of his visits to take his photographs the refuge staff were treating him very nicely. So the NWR staff redeemed themselves!

Defintely a place to visit, one of the best refuges in the entire US to photograph birds.

Amazing! There areso many unique and endangered bird aroud here! We just missed Shearwater season (Jan-Nov) where they are nesting all around the trails, but we saw albatross, frigate birds, boobys, and tropic birds within the short trail. Highly recommend this adventure and to bring binoculars (there are some viewing binos and ones to borrow if you dont have any though!)

The lighthouse sits on a cliff on the north side of the island several hundred feet off the surface of the ocean. The birds (frigate birds, tropicbirds, albatross, red-footed boobies) will often soar "motionless" right at your level taking advantage of the winds sweeping up the cliff face as they search for fish down below. It's amazing to watch. The light house is pretty cool too. Gates close at 4 pm. Worth the admission if you enjoy watching birds, although there is no guarantee they will be flying in force. We also saw wild Nene on the side of the road going to the point and Nene chicks on the lawn outside the lighthouse. Very cool.

We had been here years before and I found the area completely enchanting, literally one of my favorite spots from all my travels. So coming back to Kauai, it was a must. We passed by twice and was not able to get into the Lighthouse area as it was closed, but we still looked out from the tiny area right before it. We decided to actually look it up on the internet and lo and behold. they had cut back the days they were open, but they were open the next day and so we made certain we would be there. The weather was perfect and the sweeping views were as magnificent as I remembered them. We would have stayed longer, but we did not have a reservation ( I did not know they were available! ). The woman at the gate was very nice and because my wife is handicapped and had the lifetime pass and there was a handicapped spot open, she let us in, but asked we stay no more than forty minutes and we wanted to honor that. She asked if my wife needed a golf cart thing to drive us up to the lighthouse and that was gratefully accepted, as my wife was having problems walking ihis trip and it was a reasonably long walk on an upward angle there. The young ranger who drove us was fabulous. She was knowledgeable and full of energy. She stayed close by for possibly a half an hour so she could drive us back to the
Gift Shop ( -where she showed us where various birds were nesting in the bushes right around the building. Then she waited until we had finished our purchases. She approved of our selection of a miniature octopus ( how could she not ) and then drove us back to our car. Could not get better service. Kudos to Patty and the woman at the gate. For those who think the Federal government can do nothing right and that all their employees are terrible, they should come here to be enlightened. I should also mention that there were not nearly as many birds flying around this time. The first time we visited, it was like a scene out of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” I missed them. Come back soon.

This is a true gem of a location. Learn about local birds and wildlife while experiencing spectacular views!

Monday afternoon was the only time we could make a stop here and it was closed. You can still view this beautiful lighthouse from up above on the road, but when it's closed you cannot drive down the hill to see the decommissioned lighthouse up close. Still worth a visit.

As bird watchers we couldn't miss this stop. The red-footed boobies were nesting in the trees along the cliffs and the great frigatebirds and red-tailed tropicbirds were soaring overhead. We also took a tour of the lighthouse which was wonderfully done. Keep in mind that the tours are done by volunteers on Wednesdays and Saturdays so keep that in mind when planning. We enjoyed this location so much, we went twice during our trip to Kauai.

Home of most Treasured Ne Ne's . This is a super special place and a must see!!!! Take your camera's

Visited here to see the lighthouse and decided to take the tour (free of charge). The tour guide (a volunteer) was brilliant - he knew everything and kept the whole thing very interesting and informative and was very passionate about the place. A lovely experience and a high point of the trip. Lighthouse has been kept in beautiful condition and is on a lovely coastline - well worth a visit!

The lighthouse was a cool spot to go sightseeing not worth $10 per person to get in but cool to check out at least once had lots of birds to see also!

We stopped here a few times;we watched for whales from the top of the cliff, and on another day, we were able to join in one of the tours of the restored lighthouse. It is well worth the time.

Although it was closed on Mondays this stop was unbelievably georgeous watching waves pound the shore. Gotta see it, if only just once. The waters were deep blue and a picture of the lighthouse on the edge of the cliff will be remembered for a long time.

First note — bring your national park pass; it is honored here. Otherwise, it’s five dollars per person. The location is good as one would expect for a lighthouse (this one is at the northern most point of the state). It’s on a peninsula, so there is a wide angle of viewing directions to the ocean and back toward the island. The birds are varied (with signs describing a number you can see) and, in season, even include albatross! There is a small visitor center and gift shop and geological information in a number of places.

Easy to get to with beautiful views of northern part of island and lots of seabirds. Loved it! Do not miss!!

Today is Sunday, so the area is closed but you have great views from the parking lot of the lighthouse and ocean! Spectacular! When you leave you will also have a beautiful view of Princeville off to your right. We actually stopped to take a picture and saw a Nene bird family.

This is a relatively small wildlife refuge on the North shore of Kauai about 20 minutes from Princeville. There is usually ample parking and for a small charge you can walk up the paved path to the lookout. On the way see the amazing local birds which may be nesting in burrows on the cliffs in the spring. From the lookout areas you can sometimes see whales in the winter. Even in the summer there is plenty to see and now that the lighthouse has been repaired you can take a tour with the volunteers on Wednesday and Saturday. This is a great value for how beautiful this place is.

Great view. Nice little shop. Is a bird sanctuary with lots of birds soaring overhead.. in season, you can catch sight of humpback whales, but are gone by the end of April. Plenty of parking.

We went to this scenic place late morning, after the initial crowds and before the later ones. Fortunately, there were people in the parking lot to direct you to the limited spots that were available.

A modest, but uphill walk past the gift store, which is worth a look on the way out, then on to the lighthouse and viewpoints surrounding it. Be sure to sign up for the limited tour of the lighthouse if you aren't bothered by a fair number of stairs and fairly cramped quarters. A volunteer gives you the lowdown on the history of the lighthouse without overwhelming one in details.

Great views from within and outside the lighthouse, be sure to check out. A cloudburst can happen at any moment, so be prepared. About halfway out from the lighthouse facility, there is a group of eating places that will, if our experience was any guide, be flocked by residents as well as tourists.

This is a great place to stop for a short visit. Beautiful scenery. Great bird-watching, if you enjoy wildlife. There is a nice gift shop, and the trail out to the lighthouse is an easy walk. Plan to spend an hour or so to look around and take some great photos.

Short stop. Federal park area. Light house with info center and gift shop. Parking was limited. Nice view of the coast and birds.

I am not sure why I expected more, but I was really underwhelmed. We showed up just a short time after opening and the parking lot was filling up fast. By the time we left there was a long line for the parking lot that would probably take longer than we even spent at this sight. If you are an avid bird watcher or if you go during the whale watching season, then this stop would be amazing. Otherwise not so much. There is a $10 per person fee if you do not have a national parks pass, which somehow I missed in my reading. No big deal as we like to support a good cause. After the entrance it is a paved path surrounded by tall bushes. Then you come up to the grass knoll where the lighthouse is. It is an adorable little lighthouse and you can look inside the door and window even without the tour, but that is pretty much all that is there. There is a nice view of the ocean (again, a perfect spot during the whale watching season), but that is pretty much it. We stayed maybe 5 minutes.

Such a lovely place to visit the Wildlife Refuge and Kileaua Point Lighthouse. There were so many birds and views to see.

Great location for the natural history of the area, beautiful scenery, bird watching, and seeing the Kilauea Light House. Advanced reservations were needed and available online. In July 2021 the attendance level was minimal especially in the morning. Awesome photo opportunities. In the early part of the year , this location is ideal for whale watching (none are currently around).

There are many native birds that nest here at the refuge and if you take the time you will be surprised at what you see. If you have a good pair of Binoculars take them, if not they have some they loan out. You can normally see Both White Tailed and Red Tailed Tripic Birds, Wedge Tailed Sheerwaters, Albatross, Red Footed Boobies and Great Frigate Birds. This is one of the only places where you can see the Hawaii State Bird the "NeNe" (Hawaiian Goose). A visit to the lighthouse just adds to the experience.

Gorgeous! Doesn't cost anything to drive to this point. There were birds flying everywhere to make the coast and lighthouse view spectacular! Not to be missed!

National park, helpful people, fantastic scenery, wildlife.
All things I enjoy so I loved it. Plan on going back a couple of more time during my visit to the island.

We saw lovely views of the ocean and distant views of birds on a cliff across the water. However, we were a little disappointed that we didn't have any up-close encounters with the many birds that inhabit the area. The lighthouse was was rather small, but very picturesque. There weren't any parking spaces, and the attendant had us park on an unpaved hillside and it was kind of scary getting out of there!

Kilauea Refuge has a great view of Kauai’s landscape and tons of seabirds flying around. The cliff was covered with red footed boobies and the great frigate birds were doing some aerial maneuvers. Watch out for the nene as they have the attitude that they own the road. We didn’t do the lighthouse tour; the gift shop had a great selection of books, clothing, prints, and stuffed animals. parking may be limited depending on the time of day you are there.

Absolutely amazing time. There was hardly anyone there due to the reservation system. We were able to observe new chicks getting ready for their migration which starts in November, and the beginning of another species arriving for their mating season. Parking is very tight, but doable. as for the reservations found that the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge website wasn't up to date for it listed no openings. However you are then directed to Reserversation.gov to setup alerts for openings & almost immediately got openings for the days we were there (30-40 opening) for various times during the day. The surroundings were breath taking and will always go here when on Kauai. Please remember that you're driving through a residential area, so please drive slow.

The Red Footed Boobies were nesting, so there was tons of activity. We also saw Red and White tailed Tropicbirds, an Albatross and the NeNe's did not disappoint. The whales were active off the point the day we visited. It was well worth the time spent.

The lighthouse shot from the refuge gates shows the bay. Appointments to the wildlife refuse must be made at the website Redreations.gov. You have to create and account which is a pain. On the sight for an hour to get tickets but you cant book by phone or at the gate. Visits are for a short timeframe as parking is limited but it is certainly worth the visit. We saw chicks that are born there in holes as their eggs hatch. When they can fly, they navigate by the stars to join their parents in South America with no info or parental guidance, just genetics. Amazing

Definitely worth the stop for the beautiful views and photos. Quick and easy walk from the parking lot. They have binoculars that you can use for free while exploring the area around the lighthouse. We were there in February and saw several whales but not necessarily more than we saw on other coastal hikes during this trip to Hawaii. Unless you’re really into birds, you don’t need more than 30 minutes here. Other than getting a quick photo, the actual lighthouse was anticlimactic....The coastal views and wildlife were definitely the highlight.

Plan ahead and make the most of your visit. We arrived late in the day and found out that a National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass was accepted for admission. We didn't have ours with us so we decided to come early on a day they had a lighthouse tour. We arrived early and viewed wildlife before the gates opened and were informed after going through the admission gate, to stop at the visitors center next to the lighthouse to sign up for the free tour. They only have room for a small group at a time since the tour climbs the stairs. Shoes must be removed or protected booties worn for those that can't remove them, when entering the lighthouse.

enjoyed this beautiful park which features the historical lighthouse. since this is also a bird sanctuary we enjoyed seeing the frigate birds and the NeNe. There was also a large cliff with nesting red footed boobies.

Spectacular spot. Only need 30 minutes to get the full experience. Great views, so many birds, easy walk. About 10 minutes off the main highway. Stop at the historic Chinese store along the way.

Our day was rainy, but we were able to see a lot of the birds in the distance. My daughter also enjoyed the Junior Ranger activity.

Absolutely stunning views of the rugged coastline from the park. The lighthouse itself was closed due to renovations , but it’s a good photo op. Its a short hike on a paved path from the parking lot to the lighthouse but the rangers run a shuttle from the parking lot to the lighthouse for disabled guests needing assistance. They are all very nice, informative, and especially accomodating when our rental car broke down in the parking lot. They let us sit on the porch of the office, provided us water, and even gave us a list of taxis to call when Alamo refused to help. Kudos and Mahalo nui loa to all of the staff! Highly recommend registering with recreation.gov for a timed entry admission.

Beautiful spot, but not much to see/do for $20... they charge $10/person, which was fine but not the best money we spent on our trip... I think they should offer some kind of tour for that fee with such a limited offering at this site.

They charge a fee ($5-10) to tour the actual lighthouse and it's a fair piece to walk to from the upper parking area. We toured this lighthouse years ago so now when we are on Kauai we always just take the 5-minute detour off the main highway and just park in the parking area and see the excellent views from there. This is also a bird sanctuary with many birds nesting in the cliffs below. You have to be careful here to not run over their State birds as they are all over the place. This is an ideal place to stretch your legs for a few minutes while enjoying the views and the birds.

We have visited several times and really enjoy coming here. So much in fact , that we bought a lifetime pass. It only cost $80 and admits three, good at all national parks.Learning about the lighthouse itself is very interesting ! We enjoy the bird species and views , but we are most thrilled by the humpbacks! We have always seen lots of spouts and backs and a few tails. This time it was very windy the firs few times we visited, which make spotting whales more difficult, and they appear to be less active. Then on a couple of calmer days, we saw several breaches, some relatively close, lots of spouts, backs and tails, and one playful guy stuck his huge pectoral fin straight up in the air and waved it back and forth several times, creating tremendous splashes with each wave ! SPECTACULAR. We saw mothers accompanying calves, spouting and splashing . For whale watchers , it was incredible ! I do think calmes seas make the best whale viewing. A good pair of binoculars is necessary in m opinion. Mine are 10X50 and work well. The larger diameter objective makes it easier to spot things at a distance. Just be patient , listen to others around, and you will figure out what to look for. A very positive experience highly recommended !

This was super cool. Helped by a guy leaving saying “it’s worth it!” out his window. $10 entry. Be sure to sign out some free binoculars at the info station beside the lighthouse and get the info sheet on the various birds.

Beautiful National Wildlife refuge. Saw red footed boobies, albatross, white tailed tropic bird, nene geese with goose-lings. Whales in the ocean. Plan to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour

This is a great little stop. You do need to pre-book your trip - best to go early as there can be a wait to get into the car park. Views of coast and of the birds are great. It is a small property and they really only allow you 45 mins on site with your ticket (but you can buy additional time). We found 45 mins was enough.

This is a wonderful location to visit. The point sticks out into the Pacific and you get great views out across the ocean where you can see whales and dolphins. However the main purpose of the visit is to see the birds. You can see Laysan Albatross, shearwaters, Great Frigatebirds and several others. This is a great place to visit with all the family.

We had purchased tickets a week in advance but when we went in November there were plenty available for purchase on the same day.

When you arrive at the location you will find a small parking lot to the right and signs for a hiking trail. If you bought tickets, drive past this area. You will see an unsigned chain link fence type gated road that looks more like a service road; that's where you need to go. After a short drive down the hill you will come to a guard station/ checkpoint where they ask your name and the entry time you purchased. You are then directed to the parking area where you are free to look around for as long as you want. There is a small gift shop and visitor center with restrooms. The lighthouse cannot be toured.

Please be aware that there was no cell service at the checkpoint so be sure to have have a screenshot of your receipt just in case. If for some reason you decide not to pay for the up close view and stop at the first parking area the lighthouse will be small and you won't see the spectacular cliffs from the lighthouse.

We had timed entry tickets - which are a must - and entered right at 10 am - which was also a good decision. The staff/docents - in particular Tina - were helpful and full of good information. We saw six fascinating, beautiful species of sea birds without much difficulty.
We were a bit disappointed that we could not walk on the trails throughout the refuge as many of the birds were nesting, but we appreciate that the refuge prioritizes their populations' health.
It was a good experience and we would recommend it to anyone interested in nature, wildlife, or birds!

Beautiful views of coastline, a historic lighthouse and birds. Parking is tight, so show up around your scheduled time as they control the flow into this park.

The scenery was beautiful. Unfortunately we had to see it from afar and the only way in is with a reservation...which we didn't have. Looks like a great place and definitely in demand based on our inability to get a reservation. Plan ahead. Enjoy what we weren't able to.

My husband and I have worked at a National Wildlife Refuge for many years and love seeing new Refuges!! This has been on our list for awhile and we finally made it down! We were able to see several albatross, frigate birds, and more! Beautiful views all around! We did the lighthouse tour and it was great....nothing over the top but very informative!

Small little Refuge, but great information and lovely views!

This was the best part of our trip to the north shore of Kauai. Had to wait for significant storm (45 minutes) to pass, but it was worth the wait. Used my annual National parks pass to get in (otherwise $10), but its still worth it. incredible views of the north end, with many sea birds flying & nesting around. Also some incredible wave action crashing along th ecopast & offshore. Highly recommended for all.

Visited this with a tour group called the Directors Cut from the cruise ship “Pride of America” nice photogenic location. It was part of a larger trip and we only stopped for about 30 minutes.

Even if you don't get the reservation or have no desire to walk up to the lighthouse, the view from the overlook right before the gate makes the visit worth the drive. Especially if you are staying in Princeville and the surrounding area. Look up the birds online so you know what you are looking at. A picture you take from that point can serve as a Kauai postcard. You can stand there watching the birds for hours. Kids get a book of activities to complete for a badge/sticker, which makes the activity even more educational. The birds put on a fantastic show (and I don't even like birds). Happy we went!

It’s nice to know that the national Park pass works here. My friend had it & we both got in for free. It was nice to walk around and see the beautiful coast line and state bird, the nene. There was a hillside across the bay with many white dots on it. You had to look closely to see that it was the egrets coming and going.

I think it’s worth while to go there. Especially if you haven’t been to Kauai before.

Looks out over the ocean with views of the lighthouse. Thousands of Red Footed Boobies flock nearby, and you can see the occasional Giant Frigate Bird. Easy to get to, lots of parking.

I have been to this bird sanctuary and the lighthouse many times before; I go whenever I am on Kauai. This day was windy with some showers, and not many birds visible, but the views up and down the coast and of the waves crashing against the rocks around the point were spectacular. you can always see nene here (the Hawaiian state bird). Looked for whales and dolphins I had seen here in the past, but the wave conditions with so many white caps and wind made that impossible. I have seen spinner dolphins here int he bay to the west several times here in the past.

I forgot that this was a National Wildlife Refuge, and had not brought my Golden Age Passport with me, so had to pay the $10 admission, but it was worth the money.

I had been to Kauai before and had viewed the lighthouse from a distance because the lighthouse was closed. I went home and oil painted the scene, not knowing how dramatic the rock and sea were around the peninsula. In revisiting the island on my current visit, I will now have to revise my painting. The views were 'outstanding' and I was not disappointed by the birds on and around the island. On another matter, don't miss the view of the lighthouse from Anini Beach which overlooks Secret Beach. The cost to go to the lighthouse is $10 per person and is a National Wildlife Refuge. That being said, the 'America The Beautiful" pass gains you entry at no additional charge and satisfies the entrance for a total of four people. The 'America The Beautiful' pass can be purchased for $80 per year by non Seniors and Seniors can purchase if for a lifetime for $80 at the park entrance. Only one pass is needed for a couple, as it will admit 4 people at no additional cost. Admittance to many National Parks is over $25 per entry, so it doesn't take long to pay for a pass.

This is a great spot to stop on the north side of the island. Unfortunately, the day we visited it was not open so we only had access to a small viewpoint. Off to your left you could see the Kilauea Lighthouse and straight ahead are incredible views looking down on an area where you can see hundreds of birds in flight, and possibly spot turtles, whales, seals etc. swimming in the protected cove. We were sadly leaving the next day, so didn't have a chance to go back when open, but it obviously has incredible views and is a special place.

It was absolutely beautiful to walk out and see the coast around the lighthouse! There are tons of bird and its a great spot for bird watching as well.

We stopped on a Sunday, not realizing it is closed on Sundays. But, there is a parking area at the gate. You get a great view from the overlook.

$10 / person fee to walk around the corner to a lookout point with a small lighthouse. Great view once you’re up there, but not worth the admission. Saving grace...hopefully the fee goes to preserving the wildlife...

If you want to see native birds, tour a lighthouse, and have a vantage point to view the bay, this is a must-see location.

My wife and I visited here Sunday. It is an amazing view out to the light house and into the Pacific ocean.

Totally worth a stop, view a beautiful cove with crashing waves, possibly see whales, many birds, read a little about the flora and fauna. Nice video in the visitors center. And another great reason is to support our National Parks!

We loved visiting here. There are so many sea birds here, it was so fun to walk around and see them nesting on the coast, nesting in the ground right off the path, and soaring through the air. Some of them would ride thermals very close to the coast and you could watch them flying really close up. The visitor's center provides lots of really interesting information about the wildlife there. The lighthouse itself is pretty, and there are signs outside for a little self-guided tour to learn about the history of the lighthouse. This was one of my favorite places we visited on the island.

If you're traveling north to Hanalei or Princeville, stop for the beautiful ocean views at Kilauea Point. Endangered nene geese abound and will pose for photos. Volunteers generously share their knowledge of the lighthouse and surrounding area.