Most visitors to Kauai would have
heard about the legendary Kilauea Lighthouse, either from
previous travelers to this island landmark or at least in
passing from locals. Of course, it is a pretty well-known
tourist attraction standing tall as it has been for so many
years, on the far north point of all Hawaiian islands – not only
because of the rich history it is associated with, but also
because of the civic efforts in progress for reviving it to its
former glory that even tourists can be a part of.
Want to know how you can contribute to restoring one of the most
glorious symbols of Kauai island to its former respectable
status, even as a causal visitor to Hawaii and even get to keep
a unique souvenir with a rather inspiring message on it? Well
then, you’ve just got to read on for that!
As it so happens, the Kilauea Lighthouse has not been ‘shining’
in the traditional sense for almost 30 years now – yes, its
lights of this imposing fifty-two feet tall structure have sadly
been off and not guiding any more sea-farers to Kilauea Point,
except those wanting to come see what remains of the volcanic
vent that had erupted last some 500,000 years ago. Of these
explosive – literally so – beginnings, what remains is only a
limited portion, measuring 568 at the base of the Kilauea Point,
which the United States government bought a hundred years ago
(1909); thereafter, they started constructing the lighthouse on
it, which was ready to serve the public in 1913.
For many years to come, the Kilauea Lighthouse provided
necessary navigational support to various commercial shipping
crafts that sailed the Hawaiian archipelago, usually coming in
or going towards the Orient. Its strong beams of light aided
sea-faring vessels to and from these directions on the Hawaiian
seas to navigate easily even as they were as far as 90 miles out
at open sea, due to the largest type of lens available then
fitted on the lighthouse.
An automatic beacon replaced the traditional lens beam light in
1976, when the Coast Guard deactivated the lighthouse of its
past functioning. In 1979, it was declared a National Historical
Landmark.
The reason why this lighthouse makes it to Kauai's most visited
spots’ list is – it has over 500,000 visitors annually coming in
to take a look – is because of the relentless restoration
efforts in progress for this most historic of all Kauai’s
buildings, as mentioned before. Local organizations such as the
KPNHA, a non-profit group, kick-started repair work for this
monument because they first realized that the harsh marine
environment of the tropics and the passage of time had taken a
considerable toll on the building, and so launched the campaign
for restoring the Kilauea Lighthouse ‘A Beacon of Hope’ for
coming generations as they regard it.
As an aware and caring citizen or visitor to Kilauea Lighthouse,
you can choose to make a donations online or in person to
Kilauea Point Natural History Association that is responsible or
buy a personalized brick with “Keep The Light Shining” message
engraved on it by leaving your imprint forever in funding a
small but significant part of restoration efforts for a great
Hawaiian landmark.
Now, wouldn’t that be a truly different way to enjoy a Hawaiian
holiday – by being a part of the Big Island’s history even as
you make your way into a bright future?
