The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

    The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is located at Kilauea Point which on the northernmost tip of all the Hawaiian Islands. Because it is the most northern tip, Kilauea Point was so valuable as a shipping navigation site that the United States Government purchased Kilauea Point in 1909 and built a lighthouse there. By 1913 the lighthouse was working to help commercial shipping safely sail. By 1976 an automatic beacon was used and the lighthouse was no longer needed to safely navigate ships. Because of this the government decided to designated the lighthouse and land a National Historic Landmark. In 1985 all of the 203 acres were transfer from the Coast Guard and turned into Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established to offer native and migratory birds a place to nest, feed, or just a rest on there long journey. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few Hawaiian refuges open daily to the public. So on a visit to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge not only can you see a historic, beautiful lighthouse, you can also see an albatross close up!