Kilauea Lighthouse on the island of Kauai is a wonderful place to spend an hour or two. The lighthouse also has a rich history and, like many lighthouses, has saved the lives of many over its lifespan.
The Kilauea Lighthouse was built between 1912 and 1913 on Kilauea Point, which had been purchased for just $1.00 11 years earlier from a Sugar Mill. The little lava peninsula is located on Kauai’s scenic North Shore, so it’s a lovely drive and a lovely spot to get out, stretch your legs, and soak up a little piece of Kauai history.
The most famous story of people being saved by Kilauea Kilauea Lighthouse is that of the pilots of Bird of Paradise. In 1927, two pilots from the US Army Air Corps were tasked with the very first trans-Pacific flight between California and Hawaii. They were supposed to land on Oahu, but got a little lost until they saw the bright light of Kilauea Lighthouse. Because night had fallen, their disorientation could have cost them their lives. Instead, they managed to simply fly around Kilauea Lighthouse until the sun rose and they could orient themselves. Then they were able to make it safely to their destination.
Kilauea Point is the perfect place to soak in some gorgeous Kauai scenery and do some bird-watching (a wildlife refuge is right nearby). Right now we’re at the tail end of whale watching season, but you might still be able to spot a humpback whale or two or three frolicking off-shore. Pretty remarkable! There is also visitors center for you to check out to tell you even more about the history of Kilauea Lighthouse. All in all, it’s a laid-back way to spend an afternoon on Kauai. Enjoy!
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