Visit This Underrated Hawaii Lighthouse For That Wonderful, Scenic Experience You Crave
By Megan Shute|Published January 14, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
With more than 750 miles of coastline, one might assume that the Hawaiian Islands are home to more lighthouses than any other state, but it’s not. And while that specific title is awarded to Michigan, the Hawaiian Islands are, in fact, home to some absolutely enchanting lighthouses, including this underrated gem nestled along Kauai’s southeastern shore.
There is something so inherently serene about lighthouses, and the enchanting Ninini Point Lighthouse nestled in Nawiliwili Harbor is no different.
Kauai’s Wailua River is Hawaii’s only navigable river, though there were no natural deepwater harbors along the island’s coastline. To remedy this situation, a portion of Nawiliwili Bay was dredged and protected by a breakwater to form Nawiliwili Harbor.
Marking the northern entrance to Nawiliwili Bay, Ninini Point was leased by the Hawaiian government from the Lihue Plantation in the late 1800s as a site for a lighthouse.
Several light structures have been constructed on the point throughout the years, but the first was a 40-foot, wooden frame tower surrounded by a lamp room that housed a light and reflector at approximately 70 feet above the sea.
During World War II, the Ninini Lighthouse was darkened, along with all other Hawaii lighthouses, but on December 31, 1941, a Japanese submarine surfaced near the entrance of the bay and shelled the harbor. Several of the shells — including one that made a direct hit to a large gasoline storage tank — fortunately, failed to explode and damage was limited to $500.
The lighthouse was automated in 1953, and while the lamp room was removed thereafter, the lighthouse — as well as the land and water surrounding it — is simply jaw-dropping. There’s nothing quite like watching the crystalline waves crash against this rugged stretch of shoreline — especially at sunrise.
To reach Ninini Lighthouse, follow Highway 50 towards Lihue, then turn right on Rice Street. Approximately 1.5 miles down Rice Street, turn left on the road that leads past Kiele and Lagoons Golf Courses. Park near Ninini Beach, and follow the trail past the 13th hole of the Lagoons Golf Course past the beach and to Ninini Point.
Have you ever visited the gorgeous Ninini Point Lighthouse? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
