Ninini Point Lighthouse Kauai

Discover a fascinating historic lighthouse on Kauai, tucked away on a windswept point near the entrance to Nawiliwili Bay.

Region: Lihue
Highlights: Historic automated lighthouse overlooking Nawiliwili Harbor
Interesting Fact: Passenger jets approaching Lihue Airport frequently pass directly overhead.
Accessibility: A dirt road from the Kauai Lagoons area leads to the lighthouse. Some visitors walk from nearby resorts, while others drive.
Map: Google Maps

Perched on a windswept point overlooking Nawiliwili Harbor, the Ninini Point Lighthouse stands as one of Kauai's most overlooked historic landmarks. The 86-foot-tall concrete tower has guided ships safely into the harbor for decades and remains an active navigational aid today. Though unmanned, the lighthouse's automated beacon continues to serve vessels traveling along Kauai's southeastern coastline.

Unlike the more famous Kilauea Lighthouse on the island's North Shore, the Ninini Point Lighthouse receives relatively few visitors. There is no visitor center, interpretive signage, or fenced viewing area. A heavy steel door secures the structure, and the surrounding grounds are largely undeveloped, giving the site an isolated and authentic feel.

The lighthouse as seen from the Timbers Kauai lobby.

The lighthouse sits at the end of a dirt road near the Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences. In fact, guests at the resort enjoy excellent views of the lighthouse from parts of the property. Also nearby are the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort and Marriott's Kauai Beach Club at Kalapaki Beach. Some visitors staying at these resorts make the journey to the lighthouse, either on foot or by vehicle.

From Kalapaki Beach, the lighthouse is approximately 1.5 miles away—a pleasant 30-minute walk or a short 7-minute drive. If walking, morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to visit, as there is little shade along the route. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

However, no matter where you are on Kauai, a visit to the lighthouse is very doable. Very near the Lihue Airport, you can visit the lighthouse before returning to the airport at the end of your Kauai visit.

TIP: Use Google Maps or a similar navigation service to determine the best route from your location.

The route from Kalapaki Beach passes through the Kauai Lagoons area before transitioning onto a dirt road known on Google Maps as Ninini Point Street. The road follows the edge of Lihue Airport, and the lighthouse sits almost perfectly aligned with the airport's main runway. Spend a few minutes at the site and there's a good chance you'll witness a passenger jet descending low overhead as it approaches the airport—a unique sight that adds to the experience.

Ninini Point Lighthouse History

The current Ninini Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1932 by the United States Lighthouse Service to help guide ships entering Nawiliwili Harbor. At the time, the harbor served as an important commercial gateway for Kauai, making safe navigation essential. The reinforced concrete tower was first illuminated in 1933. Its original light produced approximately 1.2 million candlepower and was visible up to 17 miles offshore. In 1960, the beacon was upgraded to 2 million candlepower. The lighthouse was automated in 1984, and the original lantern room was replaced with the automated beacon that remains in operation today. The facility is currently maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The site's navigational history stretches back even further. Prior to the construction of the present tower, several earlier lights served mariners at Ninini Point. The original structure, known as the Nawiliwili Harbor Light, was erected sometime before 1897. Built of wood and standing 34 feet tall, it utilized an incandescent oil-vapor lamp with approximately 160 candlepower and was visible for about five miles offshore.

In March 1917, the U.S. government purchased the 3.2-acre lighthouse property from the Lihue Plantation Company for the sum of just $8, according to records maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. By 1929, the Lighthouse Service had requested approximately $22,000 in congressional funding for a permanent lighthouse, paving the way for the structure that stands today.

Final Thoughts

While it lacks the visitor facilities and popularity of some of Kauai's better-known attractions, the Ninini Point Lighthouse offers a rewarding glimpse into the island's maritime history. The combination of dramatic ocean views, historic significance, and the unusual sight of airliners passing low overhead makes it a memorable stop. For those willing to venture a little off the beaten path, the lighthouse provides a quiet and distinctive perspective on Kauai's past and present.