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Description:
Kilauea Point Refuge's rocky cliffs have been a premier seabird nesting area for thousands of years, providing protected coastal nesting and roosting habitat for seven species of native Hawaiian seabirds. It is probably one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the main inhabited Hawaiian islands.Reintroduction efforts for the endangered nene goose were begun on the refuge in 1991 as part of a statewide recovery program. Regular predator control efforts and a buried fence line around the perimeter of the refuge are necessary to protect breeding seabirds and nene. Native plant restoration efforts have been ongoing since the refuge was established in 1985. Habitat management efforts also include opening up and maintaining nesting areas for the recently colonizing Laysan albatross and improving feeding habitat for nene. Built in 1913 as a navigational aid for commercial shipping between Hawaii and Asia, Kilauea Lighthouse on the refuge stands as a monument to Hawai'i's colorful past. For 62 years, it guided ships and boats safely along Kaua'i's rugged north shore. In 1976, the Coast Guard deactivated the lighthouse and replace it with an automatic beacon. In 1979, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Directions:
Turn off the Kuhio Highway at the entrance to the town of Kilauea and follow the signs to Kilauea Lighthouse. The refuge is at the end of Lighthouse Road.
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