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Ninini Point Lighthouse

XM37+XM Lihue, HI, USA

Name and Location

The Ninini Point Lighthouse stands sentinel over the Pacific Ocean, located on the western coast of Kauai, Hawaii, USA. The lighthouse is situated at coordinates 21.9549776° N, 159.3357703° W, near the town of Lihue, Kauai County.

Construction and History

The Ninini Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1928 to serve as a vital aid to navigation, warning ships of the treacherous coastline and surrounding waters. The lighthouse was built by the United States Coast Guard during a period of significant growth and development on Kauai.

Architecture and Materials

Designed in the Classical Revival style, the Ninini Point Lighthouse is an imposing structure standing 54 feet (16.46 meters) tall. Its white-painted concrete tower is capped with a distinctive red roof, featuring a lantern room at the top. The lighthouse's exterior is adorned with ornate stonework and decorative ironwork.

Light and Navigation

The Ninini Point Lighthouse originally featured a fixed white light, but it was later modified to display a flashing characteristic (Fl 3 s). This unique pattern helps mariners distinguish the lighthouse from other beacons in the area.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the public for guided tours or visits. Its historic significance makes it an important cultural and architectural treasure, but its automated status means no manual operation is required.

Notable Views and Landscape

Ninini Point Lighthouse stands on a rocky coastline, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity.

Anecdotes and Folklore

  • Local legend has it that the lighthouse's unique design was inspired by the island's ancient Hawaiian temples.
  • Prior to automation, the lighthouse was tended by a resident keeper and his family.
  • The lighthouse was originally powered by electricity generated from a diesel engine.

Technical and Operational Details

The Ninini Point Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#84000417). It has been automated and no longer requires manual operation.

Details

NameNinini Point Lighthouse
CityLihue
CountryUsa
Coordinates21.9549776, -159.3357703
Year of construction1928
StoriesLocal legend has it that the lighthouse's unique design was inspired by the island's ancient Hawaiian temples.
Architectural styleClassical Revival
Construction material"Concrete"
Tower height16.46
Heritage statustrue
RenovationsOriginally powered by electricity generated from a diesel engine.; Prior to automation, the lighthouse was tended by a resident keeper and his family.
Access descriptionAutomated and not open to the public for guided tours or visits.
Landscape typeRocky coast
View descriptionRugged coastline, tropical vegetation, and the Pacific Ocean.
Guided toursfalse
Nearby attractions["National Register of Historic Places","Coast Guard Historian's Office"]
Light characteristic"Fl 3 s"
Automatedtrue