Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea, Big Island of Hawaii, HI, 96754
On the northernmost point of Kauai, the KÄ«lauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to see seabirds such as the Laysan albatross, the red-footed booby, and the Hawaiian goose, the state bird. While birding is the main attraction for many people, there's plenty more to do at the refuge, from whale-watching to photography.
The basics
While most of the refuge is off-limits to hikers, you can also take a short 0.23-mile (0.37-km) hike along the Kilauea Lighthouse Trail, which leads from the parking lot to the northernmost part. The refuge is a popular spot on Kauii day tours, including guided tours that include transportation, self-led audio driving tours, and even helicopter flightseeing tours.
Things to know before you go
Reservations are required for all adults ages 16 and over. You can reserve your spot online at Recreation.gov.
Hiking options in the refuge are limited to minimize the human impact on the local ecosystem.
The National Parks Service's annual America the Beautiful Pass allows access to the park.
How to get there
The refuge is located on the outskirts of Kilauea, about a 25-minute drive from Kapaa and a 45-minute drive from Lihue. Visitors are not allowed to walk into the refuge due to the steepness of the narrow driveway, which means if you want to visit, you'll need to come by bike, car, or on a tour that includes transportation.
When to get there
The refuge is open Wednesday–Saturday and closed Sunday–Tuesday and on major holidays (or the Saturday before them). Up-to-date information about opening days and hours is available on the wildlife refuge's website. You may spot whales during the rainy season, which starts in April and lasts through October, while winter is ideal to see migratory birds.
Menehune Fishpond
Kauai has a second national wildlife refuge, the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, located in the southern part of the island. While most of the refuge is currently closed to the public to protect its fragile ecosystem, you can get a glimpse of this preserved area by heading to the Alekoko Scenic Overlook, which offers views out over the Menehune Fishpond, which was built over a thousand years ago.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!