Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
A clifftop refuge with the red-capped 1913 Daniel K.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Kauaʻi · Photo: The original uploader was Ulfl at German Wikipedia ., Public domain
Quick answer
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a nature spot in Kīlauea, Kauaʻi. Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Entry is by advance reservation through the official booking site.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Kīlauea
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- nature, views, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- February and April–May
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About Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
A clifftop refuge with the red-capped 1913 Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and colonies of seabirds, including Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds. Humpback whales and spinner dolphins are often seen offshore in winter.
Tip: Bring binoculars; the albatross nesting season in winter and spring is the best time to visit.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: Entry is by advance reservation through the official booking site.
- Where: Kīlauea.
Best time to visit Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-February the sun sets at about 18:35 local time (calculated for Kauaʻi).
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon State Park.
- No. 13 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in Kauaʻi with kids.
If you like Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Nā Pali Coast — North and West Shores, Half a day
- Waimea Canyon State Park — Waimea and Hanapēpē, Half a day
- Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach — Hanalei, Half a day
- Hanalei Bay — Hanalei, Half a day
Staying near Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Where to stay in Kauaʻi compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
Plan 1 hour.
+Is Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge free?
No, it is low cost. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Bring binoculars; the albatross nesting season in winter and spring is the best time to visit.
+Do I need to book Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in advance?
Entry is by advance reservation through the official booking site.
+Is Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi is a gentle family destination with calm summer beaches, easy waterfall viewpoints, turtles and monk seals, and short adventures such as river kayaking.