Kilauea Point Lighthouse Construction
In 1907, it was deemed that the northernmost point of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands needed a lighthouse to serve as a landfall light for ships traveling from the Orient. In 1909, thirty-one acres were purchased for the construction of the Kilauea Point Lighthouse, and construction began three years later in 1912. Kilauea Point, a narrow, lava peninsula protruding from the northern shore of Kaua`i, was purchased from the Kilauea Sugar Plantation Company for the consideration of one dollar.
But because of its remoteness and lack of good roads in the area, a method of delivering supplies by sea had to be developed before construction could begin. The lighthouse tender would anchor offshore and then dispatch small boats laden with supplies to the cove on the west side of the point. Since there was no beach, the boats would anchor to cleats cemented into the lava rocks at the point. A boom derrick, constructed on a ledge ninety feet above the water, would pluck the supplies from the boats and place them on a loading platform 110 feet above the water.
As excavation got underway in August of 1912, it was soon apparent that the rock was not as solid as had been indicated in the original survey forcing the workers to dig down eleven feet to find solid volcanic rock. Work on the 52-foot tower began, and the ironwork for the spiral staircase and lantern room was shipped from Ohio. Three keeper’s dwellings were also constructed several hundred yards south of the tower. The homes were made of volcanic rock found on site, and each had a living room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, storeroom, and laundry. Reinforced concrete cisterns were also supplied to collect rainwater from the roofs of the dwellings.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls on Kauai is one of the Top 5 favorite waterfalls of Hawaii according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. Hawaii is home to hundreds of spectacular waterfalls of all heights and sizes on just about every type of terrain – from deep in the mountains and rain forests of Kauai to seacliffs along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast. There are waterfalls accessible only by hiking trails or helicopters, and some near populations like Honolulu, Hilo, and Lihue. You can literally drive right up to the top of Wailua Falls. A lookout offers a terrific view of the 80-foot plunge, which fans of the TV series Fantasy Island might recognize from the opening credits. The waterfall is especially impressive when heavy rains fill the Wailua River, sending voluminous water over the entire span of the fall’s lip. Access: Turn off Highway 56 onto Maalo Road. Wailua Falls is at the end of Maalo Road.
Also in the Top 5 Hawaii waterfalls are:
Akaka Falls (Big Island) – Akaka Falls was the favorite Hawaii waterfall, receiving nearly three times the votes of its closest competition. Few Hawaii waterfalls of this height are as easily accessible as Akaka, which contributes to its immense popularity. Nearly halfway into a short loop-trail through a rainforest, and past another stunning cascade, Kahuna Falls, your view suddenly opens up. Akaka Falls plunges 422 feet into its deep, foliage-lined gorge. Access: From downtown Hilo, head north on Hawaii Belt Road. Turn right on Route 220 (after 13-mile marker) into Honomu town. Akaka Falls is at the end of Route 220.
Waianuenue Falls (Big Island) – Like Wailua Falls on Kauai, Wainuenue Falls (Rainbow Falls) is at its most visually impressive when heavy Mauna Kea rains fill the river that feeds it. Beyond Rainbow Falls’ breathtaking 80-foot plunge, there’s its broad foliage-covered gorge, deep plunge pool and natural lava cave to appreciate. A short trail from the parking lot offers a view of the falls from its top edge. Access: From downtown Hilo, head east on Waianuenue Avenue then bear right onto Rainbow Drive. Turn right, into Wailuku River State Park.
Kaliuwaa Falls (Oahu) – The hiking trail to Kaliuwaa Falls (Sacred Falls), has been closed to the public for eleven years. State officials have said that opening the trail to the public again is unlikely. But you can still view Sacred Falls by air tours, which offer an amazing view of the 80 foot waterfall and canyon straight up into the Koolau mountain range. Access: Closed to public. Visible by air tours.
Waimoku Falls (Maui) – To get to Waimoku Falls you have to drive the Hana Highway all the way to Haleakala National Park’s oceanside Kipahulu Visitor Center. Then there’s a two-mile hike up Oheo Gulch, crossing Pipiwai Stream several times and a thick bamboo forest. The reward when the trail ends is a full view of 400 foot tall Waimoku Falls. Access: 3- to 5-hour hike on Pipiwai Trail from Pools of Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools) at Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu Visitor Center, 10 miles south of Hana on Hana Highway.
Kilauea Point Lighthouse History
Kilauea Point is the northernmost point of land in the main Hawaiian Islands, and therefore was the first landfall seen by ships arriving from the Orient. And, with a height of more than 200 feet above the ocean, the peninsula was purchased “for the consideration of one dollar” in 1909 to build a lighthouse. Construction began in 1912, and the Kilauea Point Lighthouse was dedicated on May 1, 1913.
The lens was designed by Augustin Fresnel and fabricated in France. A Fresnel lens has hundreds of glass prisms that concentrate and focus the light passing through the lens. It was originally lit by an incandescent oil vapor lamp, and produced a double flash every ten seconds with an intensity of 250,000 candle power, which could be seen 20 miles out at sea or 90 miles away in the air. In 1930, the lamp was replaced by an electric light bulb, which doubled the intensity, and increased again to 2,500,000 candle power in 1958.
In 1930, two eighty-foot steel towers, a generating plant, and a 200-watt radio beacon were added. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Kilauea Point Lighthouse was darkened for the duration of World War II. Technological advances like RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging) and LORAN (Long Range Aids to Navigation) soon made the use of lighthouses as navigational aids obsolete. In 1976, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse and installed an automated beacon for local boaters and aircraft. In 1979, the lighthouse and its three lighthouse keepers’ homes were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kilauea Point and the lighthouse became part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, when it was established in 1985.
Kilauea Point Timeline:
1909 – Peninsula is acquired for one dollar.
1913 – Kilauea Point Lighthouse is officially dedicated.
1930 – Oil-vapor lamp is replaced by electric lamp.
1930 – 200-watt radio beacon is installed.
1958 – Illumination increased to 2.5 million candlepower.
1976 – Lighthouse decommissioned, automated electronic beacon installed.
1985 – Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge is established.
1988 – Refuge is expanded to include Mokolea Point and Crater Hill.
1979 – Kilauea Point Lighthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1992 – Waters offshore designated a National Marine Sanctuary.
Hanalei Kauai
The town of Hanalei is one of the Top 5 Small Towns of Hawaii according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. This town on the north shore of Kauai seems to inspire all who cross the single lane bridge and find its charms. Hanalei has an unusual shopping mix – from its country stores and art galleries to its boutique clothiers, adventure outfitters, and retailers of mysticism. And its dining choices are everything from burgers, and deli sandwiches to sushi and upscale yet casual tapas. But, being surrounded on all sides by luxuriant valleys, rugged cliff faces, and a collection of golden sand beaches is what makes Hanalei so special.
Also in the Top 5 Hawaii small towns are:
Haleiwa, Oahu – Haleiwa is a world-renowned, big wave surf town. During winter surf season, Haleiwa’s sidewalks, retailers, shave ice stands, eateries and surf and dive shops teem with a funky mix of residents, big wave watchers and professional surfers. When the big waves calm down the rest of the year, this North Shore is still alive with aloha.
Hawi, Big Island of Hawaii – A few years ago, a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs moved in. Attracted to the same tranquil small town life that kept longtime residents in Hawi, they restored the town’s decaying storefronts, filling them with unique and unusual boutiques, eateries, bookstores and galleries.
Lahaina, Maui – Visitors to this once whaling capital of the Pacific are lured by Lahaina’s appealing mix of small town retailers, eateries, clubs and lounges and familiar national restaurants and boutiques. A walk through its historic district reveals old word architecture from Lahaina’s plantation era and stunning views from Front Street across the Auau Channel to Lanai.
Paia, Maui – Paia is Maui’s groovy little surf town. This picturesque former plantation town is more than the gateway to the long and twisting highway to Hana. Paia is a must-stop town worthy of its own day of exploration. Its rustic storefronts are home to a hip yet casual mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, clothiers, coffee cafes, antique stores and, surf shops.
Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast
Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast are two of the Top 5 favorite natural wonders of Hawaii according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific owes its distinct beauty to millions of years of rainwater coursing down the Waimea River from Mount Waialeale’s peak (the wettest places on earth) and turning black lava rock to bright red dirt. The result is a 10-mile, 3,000 ft. deep canyon. Whether viewing it by helicopter, by hiking trail, or at a handful of popular lookouts perched on its edge, Waimea Canyon is a spectacular site. There is nothing in this world as gorgeous as the Napali Coast. The 16-mile Napali Coast on Kauai’s northwest side is a garden of unblemished natural treasures. There are sheer sea cliffs reaching more than 4,000 feet from ocean to summit, secluded stretches of golden sand beach, isolated waterfalls, and valleys.
Also in the Top 5 Hawaii natural wonders are:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) – The Kilauea Volcano is like nowhere else in the world. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a place where you can walk right up to a volcano, hike through fern-filled tropical rain forests, cross a lava desert, gaze at the planet’s most massive volcano Mauna Loa, watch steam and ash pour into the sky, walk through a lava-built natural tunnel, and see and hear molten lava pouring into the sea.
Haleakala National Park (Maui) – Haleakala means “house of the sun,” and the park’s volcanic crater is its biggest attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors each morning for amazing sunrises. From Haleakala’s summit 10,023 ft. above sea level you can see five other islands. The park also encompasses lush Kipahulu Valley and the popular Seven Sacred Pools.
Diamond Head (Oahu) – The extinct volcanic cone of Diamond Head is perhaps Hawaii’s most recognized natural landmark. A 45-minute hike from the cone’s interior floor to its highest point overlooking Waikiki, Honolulu, and Oahu’s entire south shore is one of the island’s most popular.
Hanalei Valley and Kalalau Valley
Hanalei Valley and Kalalau Valley are two of the Top 5 favorite Hawaii valleys according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. A popular lookout to Hanalei Valley is conveniently located on the side of the road just before descending to the town of Hanalei. The valley’s lush beauty and picturesque taro farms make it one of the most photographed spots on the Garden Island. It is also home to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, a safe haven for endangered birds and Kauai wildlife. Kalalau Valley lies on the Napali Coast and is accesable only by boat, helicopter, or overnight hiking. This breathtaking valley was once home to large acreages irrigated wetland taro fields (loi kalo) farmed by native Hawaiians.
Also in the Top 5 Hawaii valleys are:
Waipio Valley (Hamakua Coast, Big Island) – This large and beautiful valley on the Big Island is six miles deep with a mile-long black sand and boulder-strewn beach. A steep road leads down into the valley from a lookout point located 2,000 feet above the valley floor.
Iao Valley (Wailuku, Maui) – Iao Valley has towering, foliage-filled cliffs crafted by eons of rainfall and erosion of the surrounding West Maui Mountains. The valley’s most famous natural landmark is Iao Needle (Kukaemoku), a vegetation-covered lava pinnacle created by streams, which have cut down the rock surrounding it.
Manoa Valley (Honolulu, Oahu) – Manoa Valley is at the foot of the Koolau mountain range with the Lyon Arboretum botanical gardens and a large network of state-maintained trails along the valley’s ridges up into the Koolau’s.
