Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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- FSUgonolesLittleton, Colorado12 contributionsLovely national wildlife refugeOutstanding 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.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 December 2023
- dbrown46Vienna, Virginia534 contributionsPlan ahead and use your pass if you have oneWe 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.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 April 2024
- Lisa MTucson, Arizona45 contributionsWorth your time.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.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2024
- CasandraTPSydney, Australia3,962 contributionsBirds, birds and more birdsIf 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.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2024
- dwwenzelLigonier, Pennsylvania5 contributionsCool birds, beautiful views.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!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 August 2024
- Daydream74467413 contributionsGreat viewsThis 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.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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dawn534
Princeville, HI12 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
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.
Written 21 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr_Xaos
Palatine, IL1,299 contributions
Mar 2023
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.
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.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slowlaner
17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
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.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJJC_Family
Virginia794 contributions
Nov 2022
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.
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.
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy L
Allen, TX1,552 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
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).
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert R
Woodbridge, VA638 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
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.
Written 12 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltheworld461
Fort McMurray, Canada3,064 contributions
Jan 2020
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.
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.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb L
Edgerton, KS8 contributions
Mar 2022
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 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.
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn Y
1 contribution
Jan 2023
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.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream744674
13 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
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.
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I made a reservation online but didn't receive a QR code. Is a QR code required when checking in when you arrive or can I just give them my reservation number and/or show them my booking email?
Written 12 September 2023
We visited the Kilauea Wildlife Refuge in March of this year. We were able to gain admission by showing a copy of our tickets to the park ranger (i.e., we didn't need to provide a QR code). Unless they've since changed something, you should be able to provide a copy of the ticket or similar proof of purchase to gain entry.
Please note that the Wildlife Refuge doesn't have good reception/signal for phones and whatnot. Make sure to either have a physical printout of the tickets/email or a copy readily available on your phone prior to arrival. Some visitors had issues because they couldn't pull anything up on their phones at the entry gate.
Written 12 September 2023
Can visitors still walk to the lighthouse with the government shutdown in place?
Written 8 January 2019
From a local Kauai newspaper:
"Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is closed due to the government shutdown. On the refuge’s website, a notice advises:
“Where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse. Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk.”"
This was from Dec 28 though. Many National Parks and Monuments have now completely closed due to problems with visitors leaving trash and overwhelming the capacity of the restrooms. I would assume that it is officially closed even to walk-ins at this point.
Written 8 January 2019
10 am to 4 pm. Closed only on major holidays.
Written 28 May 2017
Aloha !!! My husband & I are coming to Kauai in two weeks (April 2017). Are we able to purchase the Senior National Parks pass at your office - do you currently have them in stock ?? Mahalo :-)
Written 12 April 2017
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