About Kilauea Lighthouse...
Kilauea Lighthouse began lighting the way for mariners in 1913. It served as a pivotal navigation aid for ships sailing on the Orient run.
The historic light station consists of a concrete lighthouse, three field stone keepers' quarters, a fuel oil shed, cisterns, and a supply landing platform. It is one of the nations most intact historic light stations.
Even in the early years, travelers came to enjoy the area's scenic beauty and to explore the magnificent light. Today Kilauea Point is one of Kauai‘i's most visited sites with more than 500,00 visitors a year.
The landmark played a prominent role the life of the nearby sugar plantation town of Kilauea. The lighthouse is a symbol of the town; and the Point is one the island's best loved places.
Kilauea Point is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. After the light was decommissioned in 1976, the US Fish and Wildlife Service acquired it in 1985 and currently manages the 31-acre site as part of a 203-acre wildlife refuge.
The Restoration Project
Time and the harsh tropic marine environment have taken their toll on the historic Kilauea Lighthouse.
The Kilauea Point Natural History Association (KPNHA), a nonprofit organization, has recently kicked off the public portion of the capital campaign to restore the Kilauea Lighthouse entitled Beacon for the Generations to Come, Ka Lama Kuhikuhi No Na Hanauna.
The first phase of the restoration work was completed in November 2008 when the anchor bolts securing the lantern room to the concrete tower were repaired and replaced. There is an urgent need to begin the next major phase of the restoration. This will involve repairing the unique cast iron roof and lantern assembly, stabilizing the fragile lens, and repairing the concrete tower.
One hundred percent (100%) of the contributions to the KPNHA Lighthouse Fund will be used for restoration and preservation of the Kilauea Lighthouse. Funds remaining after the restoration work is completed will be used to maintain the lighthouse.
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