There is nothing quite as photogenic as a lighthouse. Based on the fact they are used to keep ships from crashing into the rocks, you can pretty much always guarantee a fantastic view of a dramatic seaside coast. Kilauea Lighthouse is no exception. Perched on a steep rock face jutting out into the beautiful waters of the Pacific, the red and white of lighthouse perfectly contrasts the ocean. Throw in a little green from the cliffside and you have a picturesque scene Bob Ross would joyfully paint. The Kilauea Lighthouse in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is definitely worth stopping by to snap a photo. Here are a few tips for your visit.
You Can Use the National Parks Pass to Get In Free
While kids under 16 are allowed in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge free of charge, those of us with beards and a burning love for the 1990’s and earlier decades are charged $5 per person to enter. A reasonable price for what you get. But if you have a National Parks Pass you and your passengers can avoid the entrance fees.
The Best View is Before You Go In
If you’re just visiting for the promise of epic photos and a spectacular view, you may not even need to enter the lighthouse area. Right before you get to the gate of the entrance there is a lookout where you can see the lighthouse above the ocean cove to your left and cliffs of White-Tailed Koa’e Kea tropicbirds to your right. In my opinion, this is the best view. If you want to avoid crowds go before the refuge opens at 10 am.
So Many Birds
While it may not seem like it, there are more species of birds on Kauai than just chickens. Kauai has over 80 species of sea and wetlands birds. The best place to see these tropical birds in their natural habitat is at the Kilauea Lighthouse in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. If birds aren’t your thing, gaze off the cliffside to the water below and you may find green sea turtles, humpback whales, or dolphins.
Fun Facts
Who doesn’t like fun facts? Here are some interesting stories to keep in mind when visiting the Kilauea Lighthouse.
Parlez-vous français?
If your geography skills aren’t up to par I will remind you that Hawaii is nowhere near France. So it was a big problem when the instructions for installing the lens at the top of the lighthouse were in French. Nobody on Kauai spoke the language of romance so they had to send an urgent message to Honolulu for help.
Shark Shoot
Hawaiians like to party. Luaus, Pig Roasts and apparently shark shoots. This is going to upset a lot of people so I’ll just give the facts and leave it at that. During the launch party for the completion of the lighthouse, the whole town of Kilauea was invited for a luau. Once everyone got their fill of pork and poi, a cow carcass was lowered from the cliffside into the blue water. Quickly turning from shades of teal to pools of red, sharks began arriving in the cove for a free dinner. With the successful baiting, attendees took turns sniping the sharks from atop the cliffs.
Any other tips for visiting the Kilauea Lighthouse? Leave them in the comments or share them with us on social media!
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.