Kilauea Lighthouse Tours and Activities

Kilauea Lighthouse which includes bird life
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Enjoy stunning coastal views and wildlife spotting at this iconic landmark that has guided ships along the island’s treacherous coast for over a hundred years.

At the northernmost tip of Kaua’i Island sits the historic Kīlauea Lighthouse. Built in 1913 as a beacon for passing ships, the lighthouse is now one of Kauai’s most popular attractions where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy picturesque ocean views.

The Kīlauea Lighthouse is a distinctive white 52-foot (16-metre) structure perched on Kauai’s northern peninsula. In the first half of the 20th century, it guided ships from the Orient along the island’s dangerous coastline. Its light was visible for 90 miles (145 kilometres) in all directions. Deactivated by the Coast Guard in 1976, it was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Although the light has been replaced with an automatic beacon, you can still see the unique double flash that has been the lighthouse’s signature since its creation.

The lighthouse is located in the middle of the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 1985 to conserve seabird nesting colonies. Take a self-guided walking tour through the refuge and keep watch for the many bird species that call the area home, such as red-footed boobies, albatrosses and frigates. Learn about the history of the area and the local wildlife from the information plaques located throughout the peninsula.

Above the refuge looms Crater Hill, part of an extinct volcano. Hike up this hill for spectacular views of the north shore coast and Moku’ae’ae Islet just offshore. Scan the waters for Hawaiian monk seals and spinner dolphins. From December through May, you can even spot humpback whales. 

Browse the on-site bookshop and gift store run by the Kīlauea Point Natural History Association. Purchase souvenirs and learn more about local ecosystems.

The lighthouse is a 45-minute drive north of Lihue. There is a small admission fee, but children can enter free. Park in the paved lot near the visitor centre and then take the short walk to the lighthouse. Kilauea Lighthouse is open daily during daylight hours. 

Plan a trip to see Kilauea Lighthouse

Makai Club Resort
Hotel Coral Reef
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Kilauea Lighthouse Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Cliffs at Princeville
The Cliffs at Princeville
3.5 out of 5
3811 Edward Road, Princeville, HI
The Cliffs at Princeville
AS SEEN ON TV-  Rated #1 Northshore Rental/Retreat with the "Wow" Factor
AS SEEN ON TV- Rated #1 Northshore Rental/Retreat with the "Wow" Factor
Kilauea
AS SEEN ON TV- Rated #1 Northshore Rental/Retreat with the "Wow" Factor
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
4 out of 5
3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, HI
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Club Wyndham Ka ‘Eo Kai
Club Wyndham Ka ‘Eo Kai
3 out of 5
3970 Wyllie Rd., Kauai, Princeville, HI
Club Wyndham Ka ‘Eo Kai
Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas
Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas
3 out of 5
4970 Pepelani Loop, Princeville, HI
Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.