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Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge vs Lanikai Beach
Both are praised by professional reviewers. On balance, Lanikai Beach ranks marginally better than Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Lanikai Beach scores 85 with praise from 3 sources including Fodor's, Frommer's and Michelin Guide.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Fodor's
Where
Michelin Guide
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Lighthouse Road, Kilauea, Kauai, HI 96754
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"A beacon for sea traffic since it was built in 1913... a national wildlife refuge, where thousands of seabirds soar on the trade winds."
Full review
Where
"Bird watching at its finest. Take this opportunity to view red-footed boobies, Laysan albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and other seabirds in their natural habitat."
Full review
Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"Red-footed booby birds, soaring frigates, spouting humpback whales, basking monk seals and frolicking spinner dolphins are just some of the wildlife your family may see."
Full review
Frommer's
"A 200-acre headland habitat—the only wildlife refuge open to the public—that includes cliffs, two rocky wave-lashed bays, and a tiny islet."
Full review
i
The primary draw for many of the refuge’s half-million visitors is the Kilauea Point Lighthouse.
Travel + Leisure
"Go on a bird-watching walk at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to one of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in the state"
Lanikai Beach
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
Independent
Mokulua Drive, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"Peaceful jade green waters, powder-soft white sand, families and dogs frolicking mindlessly, offshore islands in the distance. It's an ideal spot."
Full review
i
Be sure not to park in the marked bike/jogging lane.
Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Picture paradise: a white, sandy beach fringed with palm trees and fragrant tropical plants, licked by crystal-clear, aqua-blue surf."
Full review
U.S. News & World Report
3.0
"Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the Mokulua Islands, a haven for kayaking and surfing."
Full review
Frommer's
"This is one of the best places on Oahu to greet the sunrise. Watch the sky slowly move from pitch black to wisps of gray to burnt orange as the sun rises over the two tiny offshore islands of Mokulua."
Full review
Independent
"The crystal waters of Lanikai Beach sparkle under water sports enthusiasts on kayaks and paddleboards. If they’re lucky, a Hawaiian green sea turtle may pop its head out to say hello"
