A 180-foot ocean bluff at Kauaʻi’s northernmost point, crowned by the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and its Fresnel lens. The refuge protects nesting seabirds such as red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds and Laysan albatross, along with nēnē. From the point you may spot humpback whales (October–April), spinner dolphins, monk seals and green sea turtles.
Why we love it
It’s the best wildlife viewing you can do on Kauaʻi without a boat: seabirds soaring off the cliffs, nēnē on the lawns, and whales spouting offshore in season.
Current conditions: Recreation.gov shows ticketed entry resuming Oct. 14, 2026 after the Hurricane Lowell closure, on the normal Wednesday–Saturday schedule (checked Oct. 20, 2026). Lighthouse tours remain suspended.
What to expect
Entry is by timed ticket only, booked on Recreation.gov. Each ticket is good for 45 minutes from its start time, so book two back-to-back slots if you want to linger. You drive or bike in (no walking down the entry road), park, then walk about five minutes up a gently sloped paved path to the point. A golf cart is available on request at the fee booth. Bring binoculars. Lighthouse tours are suspended, and storm-damage repairs to the lighthouse, including its lens and lantern-room glass, are underway.
Know before you go
- Reservations
- Required for everyone 16 and older at recreation.gov (facility 300018). Tickets release up to 60 days ahead. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a refund.
- Days open
- Wednesday through Saturday only, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Gates close at 3:30 p.m., and some Saturdays before federal holidays are closed.
- Passes
- America the Beautiful passes are accepted (each covers up to 4 adults). Book the Interagency Pass Holder ticket and bring photo ID.
- Access
- Vehicle or bike only. The paved path to the point takes about five minutes.
- Lighthouse
- Lighthouse tours are suspended until further notice, and storm repairs are in progress.
Photo: Ron Cogswell from Arlington, Virginia, USA via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
