A beacon for sea traffic since it was built in 1913, this National Historic Landmark has the largest clamshell lens of any lighthouse in the world. It's within a national wildlife refuge, where thousands of seabirds soar on the trade winds and nest on the steep ocean cliffs. Endangered nene geese, red-footed boobies, Laysan albatross, wedge-tailed shearwaters, white- and red-tailed tropicbirds, great frigatebirds, Pacific golden plovers (all identified on educational signboards) along with native plants, dolphins, humpback whales, huge winter surf, and gorgeous views of the North Shore add to the drama of this special place, making it well worth the modest entry fee. The gift shop has a great selection of books about the island's natural history and an array of unique merchandise, with all proceeds benefitting education and preservation efforts. www.fws.gov/pacificislands/wnwr/kkilaueanwr.html. OPEN: Daily 10-4, except on federal holidays.