The lighthouse shot from the refuge gates shows the bay. Appointments to the wildlife refuse must be made at the website Redreations.gov. You have to create and account which is a pain. On the sight for an hour to get tickets but you cant book by phone or at the gate. Visits are for a short timeframe as parking is limited but it is certainly worth the visit. We saw chicks that are born there in holes as their eggs hatch. When they can fly, they navigate by the stars to join their parents in South America with no info or parental guidance, just genetics. Amazing

It is worth hassle of getting a ticket to get in to the park. Birds are everywhere and the waves are dramatic. We ran into a lot of slow traffic coming up from Poipu so allow plenty of time to get there. Google Maps does not seem to get the times right on Kauai. Come a little early as the traffic also backs up at the kiosk at the ticket times.

One of the most beautiful spots on Kauai. We went twice and because we were on the North shore it was very easy. Have to make a reservation now but go at least once. The birds are beautiful and we loved watching for whales out over the horizon. We saw many. Great place for people of all ages.

We obtained tickets online for the opening hour. When we arrived, there were a few cars waiting for the gate to open. There were many people near the cliff taking photos and viewing the birds and the ocean. It was pretty easy getting inside once they opened the gate. There was not much going on inside the refuge. We did not see many birds besides the ones in the distance, as well as some nene. There was a ranger available and they provided free binoculars that you could self-check out but we were not able to see much. Bring your good camera and a tripod. You might be able to spot some cool birds.

Wildlife Refuge isn’t very large and has a capacity limit, which is controlled by having to book your reservation in advance. Wife and I had an earlier appointment in the morning, so there weren’t a lot of other visitors already at the refuge. There were several cars waiting at the gate, and several groups of people standing near the fence/cliff taking pictures. When our tour time arrived, we were able to enter through the gates and drive the short but narrow path down and around to the refuge parking area(s). We walked over to the visitor center and gift shop before continuing on the path up to the point. We saw several types of birds, although most of them were either in flight or nesting on the far away cliffs. Refuge provides binoculars for visitors to use, which was helpful to get better views of the birds. There was a ranger patrolling the area and helping guide people and/or answer questions. There were also a number of signs with information posted around the area. Not very elaborate, but the visit was worth the short drive and the hour walkabout. At only about $10 per person, it’s a fairly inexpensive way to experience an aspect of Kauai that you might not otherwise be able to do so.

Beautiful views of the ocean, birds, and lighthouse even before the closed gate. Must have reservations, and there is a fee, but they take drive up reservations after 12:30pm. We got in pretty quickly after 1:00. It's free with a senior parks pass. Must do if you love lighthouses. also a golf cart for assistance on the walk.