Kilauea Point

Kilauea Point is the northernmost spot in the main Hawaiian islands that is open to the public, and it is a national wildlife refuge. A paved path leads to a historic lighthouse perched above the sea, with cliffs alive with nesting birds. Red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, shearwaters and tropicbirds glide past at eye level, and from late autumn into spring Laysan albatross come to nest. The endangered nene, the Hawaiian goose, wander the grounds. In winter, humpback whales are often visible offshore. A visitor center offers exhibits and ranger-led programs. A modest entry fee supports the refuge.

Birdwatchers and casual visitors alike love Kilauea Point because the wildlife is so close and so abundant. The headland rises 180 feet above the sea, and the updrafts along the cliffs keep seabirds hovering in front of the viewing area. Red-footed boobies nest in shrubs nearby, and their courtship displays are entertaining. Wedge-tailed shearwaters burrow in the ground in summer, and albatross chicks hatch in winter. Binoculars are helpful, and the rangers and volunteers set up spotting scopes and answer questions.

The lighthouse, built in 1913, once guided ships crossing the Pacific. Its lens is among the largest of its type in the country, and the structure is a National Historic Landmark. Interpretive signs describe the area's role in navigation and wartime, and a short walk takes you to the cliff-edge viewing areas. Dolphins and monk seals may appear below, and in winter whale spouts dot the horizon. The Kilauea Point area has a fascinating geologic origin as a volcanic cone, and the ocean has carved the cliffs dramatically.

Check opening days and hours before you go, since the refuge keeps a daytime schedule and is closed on some days. Parking at the point is limited, so arrive early or visit later in the day, and expect wind. Bring a jacket, sunscreen, binoculars and water. The visit takes about one to two hours, and nearby Kilauea town has cafes, shops and the Kong Lung center. Combine it with a stop at Anini Beach or a lunch in Hanalei for a complete north shore day.

The refuge also works well for visitors who like to learn. Rangers and volunteers often give short talks, and the exhibits explain how seabirds find fish across vast stretches of the Pacific, how the nene returned from near extinction and why predators such as rats and cats are a serious threat to ground-nesting birds.

Bring a field guide or a bird-identification app, and take your time at each viewing point, because the wildlife changes with the time of day and the wind. On blustery days the birds are especially close, and the sound of surf below the cliffs adds to the drama.