We have transitioned to a new website. Please visit us at the link below for our new updated site at www.kauairefuges.org.
Mahalo nui loa!
Who We Are…
Kīlauea Point Natural History Association doing business as Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges is the non-profit friends group which supports the conservation, education, and preservation work of the Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex - including Kīlauea Point Refuge, Hanalei Refuge and Hulēʻia Refuge. We work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service team to support the precious wildlife of Kaua‘i. By funding education programs at local schools and awarding annual scholarships for college students pursuing environmental studies, we also encourage awareness of our natural resources. With donations, plus funds from bookstore operations, we finance research and educational projects, rehabilitative care, volunteer training, special events at the refuge, and equipment for wetlands management. Learn More.
New Predator-Resistant Fence at Kīlauea Point NWR
The Kīlauea Point NWR team has announced that work will soon begin on construction of a new predator exclusion fence around the Refuge boundary, which will help protect the thousands of native birds nesting there from mammalian predators. Construction will begin in early 2022 and is expected to be complete by September 2023.
The fence will enclose 168 acres of the Refuge and all non-native mammalian predators (cats and rats) will be removed from within the fence boundary. The fence is tall enough to prevent animals from jumping over, has a curved hood to prevent them from climbing over, mesh that is small enough to prevent animals as small as mice from squeezing through, and a skirt that extends underground to prevent them from digging under it. All materials will be marine grade stainless steel. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Experience the Wonders of Kīlauea Point
For nature lovers, wildlife abounds. Seabirds soar overhead, whales breach off shore, and several bird species nest and raise their young at the refuge. For history buffs, the recently restored century-old Kīlauea Lighthouse offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area. And for everyone, the panoramic views of the rocky coastline, and the surrounding green mountains show the incredible beauty of Hawai‘i. This is truly a special place – a sanctuary for wildlife and people.
The Kīlauea Lighthouse
The recently completed restoration of the century-old lighthouse has returned it to essentially its original state in 1913. Twice a week, lighthouse lovers can climb up into the tower that once projected a beam 22 miles to sea. This structure stands at the edge of Kīlauea Point, 180 feet above the ocean. Displays at a nearby station tell the story of life in the early days at the Kīlauea Point Light Station. The three year restoration project was made possible, in part, by close to one million dollars in private donations. Learn More.
“The Kīlauea lighthouse and wildlife refuge is one of Hawaii’s true treasures. Each year thousands of birds, whales and people visit the spot. The efforts of volunteers, donors and KPNHA are integral to the existing of this amazing historical and natural refuge. ”
please support our work
We appreciate your continued support of our work to promote the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Hanalei Refuge and Hulē‘ia Refuge. Mahalo nui loa!
For more information from the FWS team, please visit them at: Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.