"Kilauea" Top 5 Page for this destination Kauai Things to Do Tip by mindcrime

One morning we drove north. We turned right between 22 and 23 mile and we approached Kilauea town, actually the area with stores (pic 2) and cafes so we had our breakfast there. It used to be another plantation town, a big sugar company had its base here at the end of 19th century and closed down in 1971. We drove a bit more to reach the Kilauea National Wilflife Refuge. Before the entrance there is a lookout spot where you can stop for a while and take some nice pics of the historic lighthouse (pic 1). It was built in 1913 and had the largest clamshell lens in the world.

To see the lighthouse from close distance (and get inside) you have to drive a bit down the road, park (for free) and pay the entrance fee ($5). Some visitors think that they will walk in the park but you will be allowed only to walk the path that will take you to the Kilauea Point Historic Lighthouse. Some tourists dont like that (and feel cheated) but we have to respect (and understand) that this is a refuge of wildlife and yes they need to be protected. So some signs (pic 3) are there for you and not the birds because they can’t read :) With good lenses and cameras you can admire the rare birds though, like the five species of sea birds. The view from the area around the Lighthouse is great anyway, you can check the small island (pic 4) that houses many of them or the Kaapea (Secret) beach (pic 5) on north shore. With binoculars you may see whales and dolphins at the ocean. There is also a small info kiosk with many photos and displays and a souvenir store with some nice books also. The refuge is open daily 10.00 to 16.00 and some days they offer small guided hike to Crater Hill. We missed that because of the breakfast earlier :(

On our way back we stopped at the end of Kolo road to check the Christ Memorial Episcopal church. It was built in 1941 with lava stone walls but the cemetery next to it dates from the end of 19th century when a Hawaiian Congregational church was here.

It was time to reach Kuhio Highway again which you will understand is the highway that you will drive most of your time in this island as it covers a looong way.
Directions:drive north on Kuhio Highway. Kilauea town is at the right hand after mile 23. Lighthouse is at the end of Kilauea Road