History of Kauai

Kauai is the oldest island of Hawaii. Kauai’s first settlers appeared on the scene in approximately fourth or fifth century A.D. to be among the privileged few to set eyes on the earliest of the Hawaiian islands in its most untouched form. The adventurous settlers brought basic food items, among them taro, which is used to make poi and is today considered a highlight at Hawaiian luaus.

Centuries passed before Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. He first landed in Waimea and even visited the private island, Niihau, which is part of Kauai’s proud history as it was the only island not conquered by force by King Kamehameha I, who conquered all the other Hawaiian islands. Eventually, Kauai’s King Kaumualii peacefully offered Kauai to Kamehameha to avoid more bloodshed.

One of Kauai’s most enthralling legends is that of the Menehune, a mythical race of small people talented in construction and engineering who created incredible structures, such as aqueducts and fishponds, often in a single night. They were believed to have lived in the woods and were shunned by the Hawaiians. Today, the Menehune are blamed when things go awry (misplaced keys and so forth) and the cherished myth of the Menehune continues to live in Kauai.

During this era of western discovery, King Kamehameha I was attempting to unify all the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. Kauai and the small, neighboring island of Niihau were the only islands to deter his efforts. Eventually, Kauai’s reigning king decided to peacefully unite with Kamehameha.

The fertile soil and bountiful rainfall provided excellent conditions to cultivate taro. The plant’s edible starchy tubers were pounded into poi and became part of the staple diet of the native population. Taro plantations are still scattered across Kauai today, contributing to the island’s beautiful green fields of heart-shaped taro leaves.


Some Historical Sites on Kauai
Poliahu Heiau
Located along the Coconut Coast, this Hawaiian temple still houses ancient idol sites along terraced land and is the largest heiau on the island.

Hauola Place of Refuge
Ancient Hawaiians fled to this sacred spot to seek sanctuary after breaking the law or being defeated in battle.

Waioli Mission House
Built in 1837, the Waioli Mission House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with its antique furnishings that take you back 160 years.

Grove Farm Homestead Museum
This 80-acre sugar plantation depicts life in old Hawaii during the plantation era (1864) and showcases the restored Wilcox family home.
www.grovefarm.net

Kauai Museum
Established in 1960, Kauai Museum contains exhibits, artifacts, dioramas, and murals portraying the history of Kauai, its people and its unique culture.
www.kauaimuseum.org

Larry Barton, RA, CENTURY 21 All Islands Kauai
P.O. Box 223700, Princeville, HI 96722
(808) 639-7532 Cell   /   (808) 240-2417 Direct line   /   (808) 826-9884 Fax   /   Email Larry