Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Temporarily Suspends Public Visitation

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Temporarily Suspends Public Visitation

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is temporarily suspending public visitation until further notice to help reduce the potential for spread of COVID-19.

Heather Abbey Tonneson, Project Leader for the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex said, “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time. We have evaluated all potential options to mitigate any exposure concerns and have decided to temporarily suspend public visitation to the Kīlauea Point NWR at this time to protect all visitors and local communities, as well as our staff.” In accordance with the current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal and state guidance, including limiting social gatherings to 10 people or less and suspension of all tour-related activities, we feel this action is necessary to help slow down the transmission of COVID-19.

We are currently evaluating options for alternative ways of providing public education, and look forward to returning to regular visitation hours for the public, as soon as is responsible and feasible to do so. Please check the refuge website for the most up to date information. Staff are also available by telephone during business hours to answer any questions you may have at 808.828.1413.

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and enhance migratory bird nesting colonies, federally listed species, and native coastal strand, riparian, and aquatic biological diversity, as well as to support incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreation. The refuge is home to some of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in the main Hawaiian Islands and the historic Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse. In 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Nihokū and Mōkōlea Point. Learn more about the refuge at www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint and follow us on Facebook.