Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
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Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 after its transfer from the United States Coast Guard, and consists of 203 acres of protected land.
Kilauea Point, a narrow, lava peninsula protruding from the northern shore of Kaua`i, is located on the northernmost tip of the islands and is one of the few Hawaiian refuges open to the public. It offers breathtaking views and hikes overlooking the Pacific, and it is one of the most popular spots for visitors and residents of Hawaii alike, with an average of 300,000 visitors a year.
Migratory birds such as the Pacific golden plover, seabirds such as the Laysan Albatross, and Hawai`i's State Bird (the Nēnē) are some of the wildlife that use this refuge. Humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, and spinner dolphins can also be observed here.
[edit] Kilauea Lighthouse
Kilauea Point was purchased from the Kilauea Sugar Plantation Company in 1909 and construction of the Kilauea Light began in 1912. A lighting ceremony was held May 6, 1913. In 1939, the Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the lighthouse, which was lit each night until World War II, when the light was deactivated so as not to aid the enemy. After the war, the lighthouse resumed operation. In 1974, the lighthouse became part of the Coast Guard's Lighthouse Automation and Modernization Program (LAMP). The modern tower was activated in February of 1976. The original tower was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 18, 1979.
[edit] External links
- Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Recreation.gov website
