LIHU‘E — One of the most historic and identifiable landmarks on Kaua‘i, Kilauea Lighthouse, has received an early present for the holidays as a winner of Hampton Hotel’s Save-A-Landmark contest for 2011, a Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau news release states. Kilauea
LIHU‘E — One of the most historic and identifiable landmarks on Kaua‘i, Kilauea Lighthouse, has received an early present for the holidays as a winner of Hampton Hotel’s Save-A-Landmark contest for 2011, a Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau news release states.
Kilauea Lighthouse is one of five landmarks nationwide and the only one in Hawai‘i to win the annual contest that invited people to vote for a favorite landmark and earn a monetary gift from Hampton for its preservation in 2011. Votes were cast online from Oct. 25 to Nov. 30.
“Hawai‘i’s historic and cultural sites are an important part of who we are as a destination and community,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, in the release.
Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1913 with the purpose of serving as a beacon for ships traveling between Hawai‘i and the Orient. The lighthouse stands at Kaua‘i’s northernmost location at Kilauea Point and is visited by more than 500,000 people annually, the release states.
Adding to the appeal of visiting Kilauea Lighthouse is seeing the many seabirds that have made the ocean cliffs and grassy slopes of Kilauea Point their habitat, including Laysan albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and red-footed boobies. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 to protect these breeding grounds.
“Kilauea Lighthouse is one of Kaua‘i’s treasured icons and a must-see stopping point whenever visitors drive up to the north shore,” said Sue Kanoho, KVB executive director.
Jane Hoffman, executive director of the Kilauea Point Natural History Association, said the support from Hampton Hotels comes at a perfect time, as Kilauea Lighthouse is undergoing restoration work that began in summer to preserve it for future generations. The association’s target completion date is May 4, 2013, the 100th anniversary of Kilauea Lighthouse, and, to date, $870,000 has been raised towards the $1 million goal.
“We are absolutely thrilled about this gift from Hampton Hotels and grateful to all those people around the world who cast their vote for Kilauea Lighthouse,” said Hoffman. “This is a century-old landmark that is being well-cared for by the people of Kaua‘i. This gift from Hampton Hotels will contribute to the continued restoration of Kilauea Lighthouse for the future enjoyment of island residents and visitors who come to Kaua‘i.”
Established in 2000, Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program has contributed more than $2.5 million and thousands of hours toward the research and preservation of roadside landmarks.
For more information, visit www.kauaidiscovery.com or call the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau toll-free at (800) 262-1400.
