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Kukuihaele Lighthouse

Iso White 6s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kukuihaele Lighthouse

The Kukuihaele lighthouse, built in 1937, stands as a 10-meter square hourglass-shaped reinforced concrete tower. Its white exterior and interior ladder distinguish it architecturally from other island lighthouses. The light emits an isophase white signal every 6 seconds, visible for over 18 nautical miles. Situated on a headland about 13 miles southeast of Kauhola Point, the surrounding land is fenced for pastures. The lighthouse operates as an active aid to navigation. Public access to the site and tower is restricted.

Why it matters: Its unique square hourglass design and construction date set it apart among the island's concrete towers, providing coastal navigation for mariners along the southeastern Hawaiian coastline.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso White 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso W 6s
Focal Height
47m
Geographic Range
18.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1937

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kawaihae(16.8 km)
Admiralty No.
G7218
ARLHS No.
HAW-031

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
square hourglass-shaped
Tower Color
white
Material
reinforced concrete

Structure: A 10m square hourglass-shaped reinforced concrete tower with an interior ladder, painted white.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Hawaii
Sea Region
Located about 13 miles (20 km) southeast of Kauhola Point. The surrounding land is fenced for pastures.
Latitude
20.1272°
Longitude
-155.5511°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kukuihaele Lighthouse at night?+
Kukuihaele displays the characteristic Iso White 6s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Kukuihaele Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kukuihaele Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is KAWAIHAE at 16.6 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Hilo (36 NM SE), Kailua Kona (38.3 NM SW), Kailua (38.7 NM SW), HANA BEACH PARK (45 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kukuihaele Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kukuihaele Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Kukuihaele Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kukuihaele Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.