Photo Hunt - Rare

Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. Built in 1913, it had the largest lens of it's kind and guided ships heading to and from the Orient. In the 1970's its light was turned off and this landmark was replaced by a low-maintenance light beacon. The lighthouse is located on a narrow peninsula and remains one of Kauai's most popular attractions. Native vegetations and an informative visitor center attract thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua's past. Nearby is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to a diverse population of nesting seabirds and the only such sanctuary in the islands. Residents include the red-footed boobies, the Laysan albatross, and the great frigate bird with its 8-foot wingspan.

Crater Hill, landward from the lighthouse, is part of an extince volcano that looms above the refuge and is open to hikers. From this hill are terrific views of the North Shore coast and the seabird nests. Moku'ae'ae Islet, pictured here, is just offshore from the peninsula. It is a bird sanctuary and often home to the Hawaiian monk seal who may be seen lazing in the sun near the shoreline.

I took the second and third photos. The third photo is the islet referred to above. It was teeming with birds!