Kīlauea (literally, "much spreading" in Hawaiian) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kaua ʻ i County, Hawai ʻ i, United States. The population was 2,092 at the 2000 census.

Kilauea is a small town on the northern shore of Kauai, one of the eight islands that make up the state of Hawaii. According to the Hawaii State Info website, 2,092 people reside in Kilauea, which is 1.5 square miles. It is nicknamed the “Guava Capital of the World” because it has the largest guava plantation in the world.

Kilauea is historically an active volcano, and continues to be active today. It was formed between 300,000 and 600,000 years ago. The town legend has it that when Pele, the goddess of volcanoes got angry, the volcano erupted with lava, thus creating the name Pele’s Tears. Since the volcano is still eruptive, it has caused some devastating events. Some communities and temples have been destroyed in result.


Geography

Kīlauea is located at 22°12′40″N 159°24′35″W  /  22.21111°N 159.40972°W  / 22.21111; -159.40972 (22.211103, -159.409609).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²), of which, 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²) of it is land and 0.66% is water.

The town receives a great amount of rain because it is situated on the northern coast of the island, and it also receives a lot of sunshine due to the proximity to the equator. The island of Kauai is known to be the lushest of the Hawaiian Islands. Kilauea is surrounded by river valleys, tropical gardens, rivers, and mountain ranges. On average the temperate is around 70 degrees. In the winter, lows can reach around 60 degrees. Summer day time temperatures tend to be around 80 degrees, but with the humidity it can seem much hotter.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,092 people, 692 households, and 519 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,395.0 people per square mile (538.5/km²). There were 743 housing units at an average density of 495.5/sq mi (191.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 47.80% White, 0.67% African American, 0.57% Native American, 26.58% Asian, 6.21% Pacific Islander, 1.05% from other races, and 17.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.12% of the population.

There were 692 households out of which 43.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.02 and the average family size was 3.42.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 29.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,313, and the median income for a family was $48,824. Males had a median income of $30,089 versus $24,107 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,184. About 10.1% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

The majority of residents in Kilauea are Caucasian and Asian, and the remaining population is made up of Hispanics, African Americans, and American Indian Alaskan Natives. The average population growth rate in Kilauea is 5.93%. The living cost is 67% greater than the other American states, with the median household value being $212,900. Compared to other states, the unemployment rates are low. The median household income is $41,312 and the median resident age is 36.3 years. The democratic government spends approximately $5,927 on every student in Kilauea.

Economy

The state of Hawaii, including Kilauea, relies heavily on tourism. There are more work-at-home jobs and small shops and businesses in Kilauea. Stores like Wal-Mart and other big companies are found as one ventures south and approaches the bigger cities on the island of Kauai. The employment rate in Kilauea is growing at 16.04%, and the unemployment rate is about half of what it is in the mainland of the United States. Kilauea is at constant risk because of its proximity to volcanic action, but its future depends on its tourism and its fresh unique produce.

Beaches

The North Shore, where Kilauea is located, is famous for its breathtaking and secluded beaches. Most of the tourist filled beaches can be found in the South Western parts of the island. The two most popular beaches near Kilauea are Kalihiwai and Anini, which are about a 5 minute drive away. They are more popular to locals because tourists are unaware of the beaches’ existence. These two beaches are drastically different from one another. Kalihiwai is known for its perfectly smooth and white sand. Many local surfers go there because the waves are known to be enormous. People are found either surfing the giant waves, or bathing in the river which can get really dirty during certain times of the year. Anini is known for its rocky sand and spots for picnics and family gatherings. Most people go there to windsurf, and you can wade out into the water for about a mile because it is so shallow and very clear. Secret Beach is a nude beach and is located in eastern Kilauea.

Major Attractions

A very popular site is the Kilauea Light House. It was constructed in 1913, and stands 52 feet tall. The light house marks the most northern point of the island. When the light house was in service, it could beam a light reaching 90 miles out to sea. Since 1976, the inside of the lighthouse has been closed to the public, but the immediate surroundings and the viewpoints are still a great attraction. These view points are very popular for whale watching. There is also a nearby federally protected wildlife sanctuary, The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. More information can be found on their official website .


The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985, making it the 425th refuge of the National Wildlife Refuges. It is located adjacent to the Kilauea Light House. Visitors come here to watch birds like red-footed boobies, brown boobies, red-tailed and white-tailed tropicbirds. The purpose of this refuge is to protect the population and habitats of seabirds and Nene (the state bird), and to educate people about the history and wildlife of Hawaii. All workers are there voluntarily, and spend thousands of hours each year learning about and protecting the wildlife and its natural habitat.

Kilauea has acquired the nickname, “Guava Capital of the World” because it is home of the Guava Kai Plantation, the largest in the United States. Every year there are about 10 million guavas grown on this 480 acre farm. Self guided tours are offered, and visitors are encouraged to sample while in season.

The Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization. Na ‘Āina Kai, “land of the sea”, is a 240 acre moss and fern canyon neighboring a sandy beach. Unique flora and fauna can be found in these gardens, accompanied by over 90 bronze sculptures. The goals of Na ‘Āina Kai are to preserve the land and natural habitats of wildlife and provide visitors with education of tropical forestry and agriculture.

The Silver Falls Ranch provides visitors with either private or group horse rides around town. Its 300 acres nest next to Kamookoa Ridge, which is known for its unique and natural waterways. In the midst of these 300 acres is 80 acres of a botanical garden on the base of the Makaleha mountain range. Group tours are lead by guides and are available to all levels of horseback riders. All tours pass through the botanical garden which contains over 150 different types of palm trees. Visitors are encouraged to sample wild strawberries, blueberries, and guava. Notable rides within the ranch are the Hawaiian Discovery Ride, the Silver Falls Ride, and the Tropical Trail Adventure.

Hotels

The one resort in Kilauea is the Kilauea Lakeside Estate, established in 1980. This estate is located in a wildlife refuge overlooking a private 20-acre lake. The estate is a popular choice for honeymoons and for families wanting a luxurious stay in a secluded and peaceful area. What is notable about the Kilauea Lakeside Estate is that all of the income is donated to charities. One of these charities is a foundation called Save Waikoloa 5013c which is responsible for helping to preserve the wildlife and natural habitat in Kilauea.

There are three bed and breakfasts in the town of Kilauea. The Kauai Bed and Breakfast is a one bedroom apartment located on the Kilauea River Valley. The Hale Luana Bed and Breakfast is family oriented. It is a quaint two bed room hotel with views of the ocean and mountains and an outdoor pool. The Palmwood is a fairly new inn located on the ridge of the Moloa'a Valley. The construction was inspired by Ryokan inns which can be found in Japan.


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