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    Kilauea Lighthouse

    4.3 (240 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Kilauea Lighthouse Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Kilauea Lighthouse

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    Travis P.

    Bummer the lighthouse was being fixed up from storm damage but still a cool place to checkout for 30-45 minutes. I got a reservation online for $22 for two people and felt it was worth it especially since it goes to helping take care of the land. There were nice views, bathrooms, a gift shop, and a few things to checkout. There is also some parking before the entrance but be sure to pay and park your car inside, I saw people getting turned away for trying to walk in. I believe they accept ticket purchases there without reservation unless it's full.

    Entrance sign
    Stevo O.

    This is such a nice area and so clear! Apparently whales spawn here and travel through this area on their migration. The facility was undergoing some renovation, so was not accessible to the public until June or so. I would not mind working the lighthouse with such a wonderful view and nice surroundings too.

    Map of Kilauea and Ko'olau areas
    Barbara L. A.

    The lighthouse which was built in 1913, is inside the Kilauea Point Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge area and is accessible by a short uphill walk, about 5 minutes, unless like me you stop and gaze at the beautiful view. There is an entrance fee as for all National Parks, it's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I think the fee was $10 but I have a free handicap parks access so check price to make sure it's current. Nene (Hawaii goose ) are plenty in the refuge, in the area near the lighthouse and crossing the access road, so please be extra careful; Nene are protected and are the Hawaii state bird. Nene strut like they own the place, which they do; aren't afraid of humans, and are closely related to the Canada goose. There were a lot of other birds nesting on the cliffs nearby, and flying around between nests and keeping an eye out on the people walking the grounds. The birds flying above you are Petrels, Black-footed Albatross, Auks, Red-footed Booby, Frigate birds and Terns; do look at the panels along the way to read about them, the ones I didn't mention. Humpback whales migrate along this shore from Alaska for mating season December to April. Inside the lighthouse its history is written on panels; read the cool story of the "Bird of Paradise" flight in 1927 saved by the lighthouse beacon. Docents are on site should you want more information on the Refuge as well as the lighthouse. In 2013 it was officially named for US Senator Daniel Inouye. Enjoy your visit !

    Marjorie A.

    To be honest I was a bit disappointed with the activity. I am not into birds for the most part but respectful of the conversation effort of the refuge. For me, I really only wanted to see the lighthouse and take in the view. The view was nice but not worth the effort to make the reservation and pay the fee. Know in advance...there is a timed entry and view time limitation for a reason. Parking is very limited. Visit if you have time but this is not a 'must do' activity when on the island.

    Jillian G.

    Beautiful views at the Lighthouse both of the lighthouse itself and the landscape around it. Accompanied by free binoculars and a nice little museum/gift shop. Nice bathroom facilities on the premises. A bit pricey for admission - $10 a person - but probably goes to upkeep and preservation efforts. Worth it to stay a while if it's cloudy/rainy to see the views open up when the sun comes out. We also spotted a few whale spouts.

    Cynthia M.

    If I could give this 10 stars I would! This place is absolutely stunning! Make sure you purchase your ticket online ahead of time because parking is very limited. If you can't get in or you'd rather bypass the lighthouse, you can still get great views off of a small parking lot where you can walk up and see it from afar. You can even spot whales here if you catch them during whale season & you have luck. We were able to, but didn't get great photos. There is plenty of wildlife, gorgeous views, and a wonderful breeze! This is a must stop, in my opinion.

    Emily T.

    My husband and I drove here close to when the sun was setting. Unfortunately the lighthouse, wasn't open on that day so we couldn't pay to in, but they have a little parking lot where you can park and observe the lighthouse and view from the lot. It's a stunning view! Lots of gorgeous birds and a cute little bird reference sign so you can try to identify the different bird types!

    Feb W.

    Came here twice but both days they are closed. So unfortunate ayt! Haven't had the chance to see the lighthouse closer which is kind'a bummer. Anyhow from afar it is still a picturesque view and I always had a great time staring from afar and the horizon makes it perfect for photo-ops. The lighthouse was active for 62 years providing a valuable navigational aid. It was then preserved and its habitat surrounding area and is home for migratory birds. I recommend you bring binoculars with you to have appreciation of the place. It is still worth the time to come here even if the place itself is closed. Take note that it is only open on Wed-Sat 10am to 4pm & reservation is required. There is also a fee to enter unless you are military or pass holders. For more detailed information go check out their website. Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow Yeeps.

    Lynn O.

    I'm not sure if my review is justified. But the last three times I've been here over the past 2 years, they were closed. I don't know if the hours are reduced, they happened to be closed during the times I went, or they just don't open the gates anymore since covid. The best we could do was park outside the gate, walk up to the fence, and look at the lighthouse and cliffside in the distance. It is beautiful, don't get me wrong. But I want to go inside the gates and near the lighthouse.

    Hours of operation
    Margaret P.

    While we didn't get a chance to see the lighthouse from up close (they're closed Sun-Tuesday), we did get a chance to get to the gate entrance. From there, they had a few parking spots to park at so you can get a view of the lighthouse from a distance. The viewpoint from the entrance is one you see from movies! It really is beautiful, and you can see the lighthouse from a distance. I wish I was able to get up close and personal, but I guess it just leaves us with something to check out next time we make it out to the island. PSA: They accept the America the Beautiful pass here if you have it, so don't forget to bring it with you from the mainland.

    Julie E.

    Beautiful ocean views at the Kilauea Lighthouse. A bit off the main road. The preserve and lighthouse itself are closed however there's still an area to pull off the road and appreciate the overlook. We stopped around 9:30am on a Wednesday. It was quiet. Maybe 3 other cars parked and we were only ones there by the time we left.

    Love this coastline perspective of Kīlauea Lighthouse from the overlook viewpoint.
    Seth A.

    This Kilauea Lighthouse or otherwise known as Kilauea Point according to Google Maps, is a masterpiece of a vantage overlook for capturing the colorful Kauai coastline. Seriously, it's like out of a postcard! When you stop by here and witness the views of Kilauea Lighthouse in the distance along with the crystal blue Pacific Ocean waters, you'll be blown away by the setting in my opinion. It is so worth it to make a quick visit, even if you're not exploring the actual Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. That leads to 2 options... - Admire the sceneries from high above (which it appeared most tourists were doing) or.... - Make advanced reservations (which are required) for getting an up close and personal view of the lighthouse and the largest population of nesting seabirds in Hawaii. If you arrive solely for taking pictures from the vista point, parking is free. It'll take you 10 - 15 minutes to enjoy the sights. You will be impressed! Beside the fencing area of the Kilauea Point Refuge Sign, there were specific instructions about the reservations required for entering and driving your car down to the lighthouse parking area. It said.... - Make reservations at recreation.gov - Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. - Or, download the recreation.gov App. - Spontaneous Drive-Up Reservations are accepted after 12:30pm as long as parking space permits. - Hours for the refuge are 10am - 4pm daily. - Entrance fees are $10 per person with discounts applied to senior citizens and active military personnel. Children 15 years and under are admitted for free. And...a lot of folks were interested in doing more than briefly standing at the viewpoint. The viewpoint takes a few minutes, so most people (not realizing they needed advanced reservations) wanted to get more out of the experience. Ultimately, it's probably worthwhile to explore down at the Wildlife Refuge because it's so cheap for entry ($10) and you'll capture even closer glances at not only the lighthouse, but the unblemished sceneries from "atop a 180-foot ocean bluff" according to fws.gov (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service). Whatever route you decide, make it a priority to come by this Kilauea Lighthouse Point. At the least, you will be rewarded with an inspiring memory from Kauai, one of the prettiest Hawaiian islands to visit.

    Eric B.

    Beautiful location. Extraordinary views. We even managed to see some humpback whales. If you come here, know that parking at the top is free but sparse. You can't walk down to the lighthouse. If you want to visit the lighthouse direct you need reservations. The view is spectacular, the staff, surly at best. Rude rangers who talk without listening. I guess dealing with tourists can do that to you. If not for the ranger, this would be a five star review. Either way, be advised.

    Walk to the lighthouse with my little explorer

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    The view! The birds! And if you're lucky the whales! There is an entrance fee but it's worth it.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Kilauea Lighthouse

    Can i go after hours to see the sunset?

    Unfortunately, you can't make it out to the lighthouse after hours as the gate is closed. We were hoping to be able to do the same thing.

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    Review Highlights - Kilauea Lighthouse

    The gift shop is very nice and bought a watercolor of the lighthouse to remember or special vacation to Kauai.

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    Queen's Bath - At a glance - Queen's Bath (Kauai, HI), Sunday, 8/3/2025

    Queen's Bath

    4.4(346 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    While staying in Princeville, we decided to check out Queen's Bath, and it was absolutely worth the…read moreeffort. Parking in front of the entrance is extremely limited, and the surrounding residential area doesn't allow non-permitted parking. I ended up dropping off my wife and her friend so they could start the trek while I parked at the nearby golf course, which added about a half-mile walk to the entrance. From the entrance, the hike down to Queen's Bath is about half a mile. It's not too long, but there are a few tricky spots that require some careful footing. It's definitely manageable for most people, including kids, as long as you take your time. Once you arrive, you're rewarded with a beautiful natural tide pool filled with seawater and fish. Some people were even jumping from the surrounding rocks into the water below. The spot was lively, with plenty of tourists and families making the hike down to enjoy the view and the experience. A little extra work to get there, but the payoff is huge. Queen's Bath is a must-see if you're in Princeville.

    PSA: If the gate is closed, do not go in! This hike is not bad when dry, but quickly gets dangerous…read morethe wetter/muddier it gets. The gate is there for your protection. If you do get the chance to go in, you will be amazed by how beautiful the area is! The baths were soo pleasant to swim, snorkel, and relax in. Walking along the rocks between the baths was easy as long as you watch your footing as the rocks are not flat. I highly, highly recommend coming here if the weather holds up for you!

    Photos
    Queen's Bath - Waterfall along the path.

    Waterfall along the path.

    Queen's Bath - One of the several swimming coves.

    One of the several swimming coves.

    Queen's Bath

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    Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill - 5th generation farmer Lyndsey planting huli (taro seedlings). Learn from her on a tour! PC: Kahahawai Photography

    Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill

    4.6(25 reviews)
    6.1 mi

    We did this tour as a family, over Thanksgiving. The guide is the owner. She is enthusiastic,…read moreknowledgeable, and, as my wife and the other women in the group noted, glamorous for someone toiling in the fields. Basically the activity turns on her story telling. Her accounts of flash flooding are vivid. She sure is accomplished. Her anecdotes are authentic, sincere, and funny. There isn't all that much walking, and they bring chairs out for people who need to sit. One fellow fell over in the mud (the leg of the stool sank and he toppled over; he was unhurt). There are three parts. First, there is the taro farm. Second, there is the rice mill. Third, there is lunch. The taro farm is a real, multi-generation family enterprise. I don't understand how they make money. It looks as if it is all done by hand. And taro is not a luxury item. You help them gather the eggs of invasive snails. Presumably they have some other task if needed and that doesn't work. The rice mill is fascinating. It's too bad it doesn't work anymore. You look at everything that has ben restored. You also drink fresh coconut milk, extracted right from the gourd in front of you, and you eat tarot snacks they make as you watch. The lunch is excellent. We enjoyed, among us, all of the menu choices. The quantities also are vast. The food truck would be worth visiting on its own, without any of the rest of the activities.

    We took the tour of this mill and taro farm tour 5 years ago. The 3 of us (adults) thoroughly…read moreenjoyed it. The exuberance this family has in the farming, milling, and agricultural is amazing. We walked out on the taro fields. We were shown the snails that unfortunately are now embedded in the fields and love to eat taro. So many things could have been avoided if man hadn't brought them here. We had no idea there were agriculture thieves who raid groves and fields then sell them underground or on the sides of roads. We were given some samples of food made from the local ingredients. Then we were driven to their delicious Hanalei & Juice food truck for some of the island's best Kahula Pork you'll ever have.

    Photos
    Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill - Brittany, assistant tour guide

    Brittany, assistant tour guide

    Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill - Lindsey Haraguchi showing off taro

    Lindsey Haraguchi showing off taro

    Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill - Lindsey

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    Lindsey

    Holoholo Charters - Kauai family friendly boat tours

    Holoholo Charters

    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    25.7 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    25 years in business

    What an amazing experience! Really words and pictures will never do any justice. This is something…read moreyou will just have to experience in person. The staff made us all feel like family and showed us a great time. Put it on your bucket list!

    The sunset cruise with Holo Holo Charters down the Nāpali Coast was an unforgettable experience. We…read morebooked it to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday, and it was perfect from start to finish. Captain Max was incredible--his sense of humor kept us laughing even as the rain and mist rolled in. The two women on the crew (I wish I could remember their names) were fantastic, making sure everyone was comfortable and answering all our questions with a smile. The playlist on board was spot on, setting the perfect vibe. I wish I could find it on Spotify! Despite the weather, the views were breathtaking, and getting a little drenched just added to the adventure. The food was delicious, especially the smoked pork, salad, and fresh fruit, and my husband loved the mai tais. Even without the sunset, the whole experience was magical. After chatting with other travelers, I'm convinced we had one of the best tours available. especially after talking to a couple at our hotel pool who had paid more than we did and only got snacks limited alcohol. I can't recommend Holo Holo Charters enough, and I'm already looking forward to trying their breakfast or snorkel cruise next time. If you're looking for an amazing adventure, this is it!

    Photos
    Holoholo Charters - Captain Kelly

    Captain Kelly

    Holoholo Charters - Per Captain - Rare Turtle

    Per Captain - Rare Turtle

    Holoholo Charters - Breathtaking

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    Breathtaking

    Kalalau Trail - Doesn't do it justice.. north shore Kauai

    Kalalau Trail

    4.7(312 reviews)
    14.2 mi

    We did this Kalalau trail in 2022 when visiting Hawaii and it was absolutely amazing! Please know…read morethis trail is HARD, and tough if you are not a major hiker, just know your limits! I think we ended up hiking around 8+ miles or so as we hiked down to the beach and checked and climbed a lot of boulders and did some rock climbing as well that was pretty tough but worth the adventure. Bring a lot of water and you have to make reservations in advance to take a shuttle to the base as you can't take your car there. We brought sandwiches and had a picnic at the beach, seriously bring a lot of water and snacks and food and be careful of the beach waves as they have signs all over that there are riptides and not to get in the water, basically follow all safety rules!! It was a difficult but an incredible hike; we got so much bursts of rain which felt magical and I am excited we crossed it off the bucket list

    This is definitely for the adventurous and there's no part of this hike that's easy. There's a…read morebeach at the start, that's the only part that doesn't require some effort. It's worth it for the experience. If you want picturesque Nā Pali Coast views take a boat or air tour. During the hike at about 2/3 into the first 2 mile stretch there's a breathtaking stop of the coastline in one direction and beach in the opposite direction. We just did the 4 mile round trip (beach and back). It's a beautifully rustic secluded beach. Like the hike itself that final stretch to the beach is an effort (a path of many rocks and fast moving stream to cross). You'll get muddy. You'll sweat. At the end you'll be happy you did it. Pack a large (definitely large) bottle of water. A PB&J sandwich and banana holds up well. Start early too. For the 4-mile round trip we took the 9 AM shuttle and were back by 2 PM. For longer hikes, start earlier. You have to book the shuttle in advance. It's surprisingly well organized and so easy. Once we checked in (at Princeville) it was an express 30-minute trip to the park. The return takes you to Hanalei where you'll change shuttles to Princeville--but they knew where we were staying and took us directly there. Everyone is helpful, friendly, and they keep track of you (they don't want to lose anyone). All the effort goes into the hike not the logistics of getting to and from the park, they make it that easy.

    Photos
    Kalalau Trail
    Kalalau Trail
    Kalalau Trail - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

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    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Kilauea Lighthouse - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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