Lighthouse Restoration 2026
The Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse was built in 1913 and underwent an extensive renovation in 2011-2013, with a grand reopening at its Centennial Celebration in 2013. Over the years, extreme weather conditions and storms at the Refuge took a toll on this iconic piece of history. Therefore, renovation work commenced in August 2025 to ensure that our beacon will stand proudly against the elements for many more years to come.
The Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse remains one of the most intact light stations on the nation and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Due to the nature of the work to be performed, the restoration work under this project was funded through a federal storm damage grant. In addition, Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges provided an emergency allotment of $65,000 to help successfully conclude this phase of work. Mahalo nui loa Friends!
The extensive scope of work included:
Fresnel lens: remove, disassemble, clean and restore, and reinstall the Fresnel lens, led by a Certified Lampist.
Lantern Room: remove and replace the glass panels and replace glazing.
Sill Cover Plates: remove old sill cover plates, fabricate and install new corrosion-resistant stainless-steel plates.
Ventilator Ball: Inspect and disassemble the ventilator ball, remove corrosion and reassemble.
Service Room Wall Vents: repair masonry openings, install new stainless-steel vents.
Work concluded in May 2026 and our beloved beacon looks better than ever – and is safe against the elements for years to come.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of FWS Volunteer Mark Simone, we have a wonderful photographic journey of the restoration work for you to enjoy within the galleries below.
Tower Refurbishment - Photo Credit: Mark Simone/USFWS.
Lens Disassembly - Photo Credit: Mark Simone/USFWS.
Lens Refurbishment and Assembly - Photo Credit: Mark Simone/USFWS.
Enjoy a special talk entitled “Lightning Lights: The Need for Speed” delivered by James Woodward, Lighthouse Consultant, as part of our Princeville Moʻolelo series on April 21, 2026.
James “Woody” Woodward discussed the evolution of the mercury float lighthouse lens, and introduced us to the overall history of mercury: where it comes from, early uses of it and modern uses as well. Learn more HERE and view the video archived on our YouTube page.
