Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Where can you make eye contact with a great frigatebird? Or watch Laysan albatrosses taxi down their own runway for takeoff? <P> On the north coast of Kauai, where Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is alive with permanent and migrating seabirds. <P> This giant rookery is where the nene, wedgetail shearwaters, red- and white-tailed tropicbirds and red-footed boobies are among thousands of birds sharing cliff space and offshore sea- stack Moku'ae'ae in the raucous day-to-day activities at the point. <P> Nearby Albatross Hill is a nesting habitat for Laysan albatrosses during winter months. <P> At certain times of the year, Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles can be seen along the shore. Dolphins visit during spring and summer months, and from November to March, the waters are a temporary home for humpback whales as part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. <P> A short walk leads to Kilauea Point Lighthouse and Visitor Center, where information on bird life, plant life and a history of the lighthouse is available. <P> Tip: The refuge conducts tours from Kilauea Point east to Crater Hill that leave the visitor center at 10 a.m. Monday-Thursday. Reservations: (808) 828-0168. <P> The refuge and lighthouse are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. $3, adults; children under 16 admitted free. <P> Directions: Take route 56 north from Lihu'e. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is about a 30-minute drive. <P> Look for directions to the refuge on the roadside. <P><I>Honolulu Advertiser Staff and News Services</i>

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