The Kilauea Lighthouse Trail at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in Kilauea, Hawaii (Kauai) is an easy 0.4-mile out-and-back or loop trail that features the iconic Kilauea Lighthouse and scenic views of Kauai's northern shoreline.
Along the trail, visitors can learn about the history and wildlife within the refuge. According to signage along the trail, in 1912 when construction began, there were no roads on Kauai, so everything was shipped by boat. A retaining wall was built on the west side of the point to allow the transferring of materials from those boats, which still stands today and is a fairly obvious soar thumb on the coastline, if you can locate it.
Parking, Reservations, and Fees
Hikers will need a reservation to park at the lighthouse. If you show up early enough, they may allow you in without a reservation. Note that there's an entrance fee to get in, which is $10 per adult (16+) as of June, 2022.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed at the park.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
Along the trail, visitors can learn about the history and wildlife within the refuge. According to signage along the trail, in 1912 when construction began, there were no roads on Kauai, so everything was shipped by boat. A retaining wall was built on the west side of the point to allow the transferring of materials from those boats, which still stands today and is a fairly obvious soar thumb on the coastline, if you can locate it.
Parking, Reservations, and Fees
Hikers will need a reservation to park at the lighthouse. If you show up early enough, they may allow you in without a reservation. Note that there's an entrance fee to get in, which is $10 per adult (16+) as of June, 2022.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed at the park.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
