Description: Next on our list of must-sees on Kauai’s north shore was the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. After depositing our $3 per person into the wooden box at the entrance, we headed up the hilly path toward the lighthouse. Looking over the cliff and across to crater hill, we could see evidence that this was indeed a bird sanctuary. With our binoculars, we could specifically see white egrets roosting in branches on the steep cliffs.
The view from the lighthouse is stunning. The grass and other vegetation is so green, and then there’s the backdrop of deep blue. We hoped we might see monk seals lounging on Moku’ae’ae Islet, but no such luck. It was fascinating, however, to watch the sea foam roll and boil at the base of the islet. If the whales had arrived yet, this would have been an awesome place to watch!
The lighthouse itself was built in 1913. The gorgeous glass lens remains in the structure and is the largest of its type. The lighthouse is no longer in use, and has been replaced by a light beacon that now stands in front of the lighthouse.
Walking back toward the parking lot, we came across a pair of Nene, the Hawaiian State bird. Nenes are on the Federal Endangered Species List, with less than 1000 birds left on the islands. This loving pair was parading their three chicks around for the adoring tourists to see.
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