Kīlauea Wildlife Refuge Increases Entrance Fee Beginning Oct. 1

Kilauea Lighthouse. Photo by Caroline Farley

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reminding the public that fee increases at the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge that were proposed in February 2018, will be implemented beginning Oct. 1. The $3 amenity fee for tours of the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse will be implemented at a later date, to be determined, according to a news release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Current entrance fees of $5 at the refuge have been in place since 2008. The Service will increase the entry fee to $10 for people 16 years of age and over. Prices for the annual $20 Kamaʻaina pass, as well as the America the Beautiful passes, will continue to be honored and available. Previously, cash or local check have been the only methods of payment, however, beginning Oct. 1, credit cards will also be accepted.

The refuge is evaluating the feasibility of increasing the number of days that the refuge is open to the public for visitation from five to six days per week. Due to steadily increasing visitation to the refuge over the last several years, which has resulted in increased traffic congestion and parking shortages at the refuge, the Service is also evaluating options for alternative transportation and/or a reservation system for entry into the refuge. If a refuge shuttle is implemented in the future, an additional $5 amenity fee will be charged to help fund operation of the shuttle.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge receives approximately 500,000 visitors each year who contribute to the local economy. In addition, approximately 80 percent of all money collected from pass sales and entrance fees remains at the refuge to be used for visitor services and facility improvements.

Entrance fees will support a wide range of projects that improve refuge conditions and provide a variety of visitor experiences including the restoration and maintenance of the historic Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse; maintenance of historic structures and other crucial infrastructure; providing quality environmental education programs to youth and adults; training and working with over 100 volunteers and staff to promote visitor experience and safety, outreach and interpretation, and habitat and wildlife monitoring; providing enhanced amenities such as brochures, videos, website management, and resource protection.