Point National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Kilauea Park Anini Beach Park
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Point National Wildlife Refuge is located on the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts who want to see a variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal and green sea turtle.
Some good reasons to visit the refuge include its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the refuge's coastal sand dunes, wetlands, and native forest habitats.
One of the most popular points of interest at the refuge is the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1913 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and role in Hawaii's maritime heritage.
Other notable features of the refuge include the Mokolea Lava Pools, a series of tide pools that are home to a variety of marine life, and the Kilauea River, which is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.
Interesting facts about the refuge include its role as a nesting site for several species of seabirds, including the albatross, frigate bird, and red-footed booby. The refuge is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs.
The best time of year to visit the Point National Wildlife Refuge is between November and April, when the weather is mild and the refuge is less crowded. However, visitors should be aware that the refuge is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and the lighthouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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