The Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge — along with many wildlife refuges across the country — turns 100 this year.

Embracing islands and atolls stretching 1,200 miles northwest of Kaua'i, the refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909.

Roosevelt put aside land to protect birds — especially the ibis and Laysan albatross — that were being slaughtered for their feathers by the millinery trade, arguing that "live birds in their element were infinitely more beautiful than dead birds upon women's hats."

In 2006, the HINWR became part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

Earlier this year, more than 100 people including members of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the community gathered on Kaua'i to celebrate the centennial, the attendees dwarfed by the thousands of birds that make the cliffs on Kilauea Point their magnificent — and noisy — shoreline home.

"Our mission hasn't changed," said Kilauea's refuge manager Shannon Smith. "We're still dedicated to preserving habitats for wildlife ... and we still have work to do."

What's the best part of her job? "The wonderful staff and community members dedicated to the mission that make my job easier," Smith said.

Except for field stations on Tern and Laysan islands, the remote islands of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument are not inhabited by humans or open to the public.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, however, welcomes visitors and is one of the greatest places on earth to observe seabirds and the endangered nene. Observation scopes are available.

The refuge is also home to the historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse, which sits on the northernmost point of Kaua'i. Each October, the refuge celebrates National Wildlife Refuge Week. Call 808-828-1413 for planned events. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed federal holidays). $5; under 16 are free. www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint.