Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? You’ll need to decide which island to visit! Consider a trip to the beautiful “Garden Isle” of Kauai, where there are breathtaking natural attractions around every corner. You can hike near the mountains, wade in the ocean waters, visit unique local towns, and much more. There’s no better place to get an authentic taste of the Hawaiian lifestyle and culture than Kauai!
When you’re staying in one of our Kauai rentals, you’ll find plenty to do and see with just a short drive. Between your outdoor activities, dining excursions, and relaxing in your rental, you might want to learn a bit of history about the area.
Be sure to check out some of the fascinating lighthouses on Kauai!
Kilauea Lighthouse
Arguably the most recognizable and popular Kauai lighthouse is Kilauea Lighthouse, officially called Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse. This 52-foot structure has been standing for more than 100 years and makes a beautiful sight on the northernmost tip of the island. To get there, you’ll need to drive about 45 minutes north from the town of Lihue.
The Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1913 and served as a beacon for ships for six decades. In the 1970s, the light was replaced with the automatic beacon it has today. Visitors travel from around the world to see the stunning lighthouse and the picturesque view of the water. This attraction also brings attention to its namesake, Daniel K. Inouye, who served as a U.S. senator for Hawaii for nearly 50 years and was the first U.S. representative for the state!
When you visit the lighthouse, you’ll be inside the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll see plenty of wildlife as you explore. Keep your eyes peeled for native bird species in the skies and humpback whales in the waters below! This area is one of the best spots for Kauai hiking, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to take lots of pictures!
Guests may visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must book a reservation to gain entry, which you can do by visiting Recreation.gov. There is plenty of parking for standard vehicles as well as two handicap-accessible parking stalls.
Plan Your Visit
Kauai is calling your name! Will you answer the call? Contact the team at RE/MAX Kauai today to get your vacation started.
Ninini Point Lighthouse
If you’re looking for a less crowded lighthouse in Kauai, check out Ninini Point Lighthouse. This destination isn’t a popular tourist attraction, but it’s just as worthy of your attention! To get there, you’ll need to make your way through some back roads in the Lihue area, so it’s best to use GPS or ask a local for help.
Nawiliwili Bay didn’t have a deep water harbor that ships could navigate until the beginning of the 20th century when Nawiliwili Harbor was created. With the construction of the harbor came the need for a lighthouse. Several temporary structures served the area for about 30 years until it became clear that a more permanent lighthouse would be necessary. Increasing levels of boat traffic necessitated a structure to help vessels make it into the harbor in any condition.
This 86-foot lighthouse was constructed in 1932 and helps those sailing in the Nawiliwili Harbor. When you visit the area today, you’ll notice that the lighthouse doesn’t have a lantern room or a Fresnel lens. These aspects of the lighthouse were removed in 1984 when an automatic beacon was installed. The Ninini Point Lighthouse has served as an important piece of Kauai’s history for decades and is certainly worth a visit.
Kuki’i Point Lighthouse
Last but not least on our list of lighthouses in Kauai is Kuki’i Point Lighthouse. This destination offers phenomenal views of natural wonders like the Haupa Mountains, Kalapaki Bay, Nawiliwili Harbor, and more. If you decide to visit the Ninini Point Lighthouse, this attraction is just a short distance away!
The Kuki’i Point Lighthouse is one of the lesser-known lighthouses in the area. It’s often overshadowed by the Ninini Point Lighthouse, as Kuki’i Point is smaller (standing at just 22 feet). Still, if you do make your way down to Kuki’i Point, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views, minimal (or even nonexistent) crowds, and peaceful conditions for relaxing and unwinding.
Park along Kalapaki Circle to make your way to the lighthouse. You’ll need to walk to the top of the golf course area, where you’ll see a steep path on the right. This path will lead you to the shoreline! Just be careful as you’re making your way down the path; large waves often break on the rocks and make the surroundings wet and slippery.
When you reach the lighthouse, be sure to admire the view of the water. This area attracts tons of local bird species, and you might even see a whale in the waters nearby! Luckily, there’s no admission fee or time limit to enjoy this attraction, so you can come at your leisure and spend plenty of time admiring your surroundings.
Book Your Kauai Rental Today
Whether you want to go on a Kauai lighthouse hike or learn about the area’s maritime history, these three destinations should be on your itinerary. Guests of all ages can enjoy the gorgeous views and think about what life might have been like for the lightkeepers of the past who operated the lighthouses for travelers from across the world.
Once your long day of sightseeing is over, you’re going to want a comfortable and welcoming place to rest your head at night. That’s where we come in! RE/MAX Kauai is proud to be your top resource for Kauai vacation rentals, no matter how big your party is or how long you plan to stay. Book a quick trip or stay for weeks on end! Either way, you can rest easy knowing you have a dedicated space to call your own.
All of our rentals provide the comforts of home while always reminding you that you’re in an island paradise. Enjoy amenities such as complimentary WiFi access, an in-unit washer and dryer, a fully stocked kitchen, spacious common areas, and more. You’ll also have nearly immediate access to the beach and can easily reach popular towns for shopping and dining!
RE/MAX Kauai stands out from the area’s other vacation rental companies thanks to our competitive rates, luxurious amenities, and impressive customer service. We believe that you should have nothing to worry about on your vacation. That’s why we work hard to provide exemplary rentals and customer service that’s always here when you need it. Our team can answer any question you might have or recommend some fun things to do on Kauai.
