One of the most dramatic lighthouse settings I’ve ever seen is on the north shore of Kauai — in fact, it is the most northern point of the Hawaiian Islands. It was originally called the Kilauea Lighthouse but today is known as the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was completed in 1913 and over the years became damaged by the elements. It was refurbished and 100 years later in 2013 was dedicated to U.S. Senator Inouye, who helped raise the funds necessary for its restoration.
This lighthouse stands 52 feet tall and rests atop a rocky peninsula some 180 feet above the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. When I first saw this lighthouse, it was dusk and it was an amazing sight — photos do not do the beauty of the setting justice. One of the photos from that sighting was featured as last weekend’s One Clue Mystery photo (see below). George G recognized where we were — congratulations, George!
A few more photos from that initial encounter…
From the lighthouse parking lot you descend to the lighthouse peninsula….
The lighthouse grounds are nice to explore, with dramatic ocean views and opportunity to see lots of sea birds. The lighthouse itself is open on the ground level. Be sure to look at the displays. The lighthouse is one of Kauai’s most popular attractions.
The lighthouse had an impressive Fresnel lens, originally powered by a kerosene lantern and floating on a bed of liquid mercury to make its rotation easy. Because of the now known dangers of mercury, this element could no longer be used when the lighthouse was restored, and its beam no longer rotates so it is lite only on special days. The beam can reach 22 miles out to sea.
Surrounding the lighthouse is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which opened in 1985. The refuge is rich in native plants and seabirds, especially on the island just beyond the lighthouse. Here you can see red-footed boobies, the Laysan albatross, and the great frigate bird. It is also an excellent place to see the rare Hawaiian goose known as nene. During certain seasons humpback whales, and dolphins can be seen in the ocean.
Finally a short videoclip taken during our visit to the Kilauea Lighthouse…
