Laysan Albatross - photo by Jim Denny

Seabirds are not only inspiring to watch as they gracefully glide on the air currents above the ocean surface, but they are a valuable asset to local fishermen who depend on them to locate the large Ahi or yellow-fin tuna which frequent the waters around Kauai. Large gatherings of mixed seabird species flock together to feed on smaller fish pursued by the tuna.

Short of being in the middle of one of these congregations there is no better place in the Hawaiian Islands to view them up close than the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Of the twenty species of seabirds that are known to frequent the vicinity of Kauai, Ni'ihau, Lehua, Kaula, and Moku 'Ae'ae (a small island directly off Kilauea Point), six can regularly be seen at this scenic peninsula and two others (the White-tailed Tropicbird and the Brown Booby) occasionally show up.

The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public every day except Federal holidays. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee is $2 per adult.