Kauai's first inhabitants appeared around the 5th century A.D. Over a thousand years passed before Captain James Cook, in obvious need of a better map, "discovered" the island while voyaging to Alaska. Kauai remained the last independent Hawaiian island until King Kaumualaii offered it to King Kamehameha in 1810 to avoid further bloodshed, which simply means the king surrendered the island because he didn't want his head sliced off and paraded through the streets in triumph. Want more tales from the past? These historical sites located on Kauai are sure to prove fascinating to history buffs and tourists:
Captain James Cook Monument
Hofgard Park, Waimea, West Kauai
Reportedly the first European ever to set foot on the Hawaiian Islands, captain James Cook sailed in to Waimea Harbor in January of 1778. Cook was killed in 1779 while touring the islands in a dispute over a rowboat. Located in historical downtown Waimea, the Kauai Historical Society will kindly sell you a touristy priced guide book to aide you on a self-guided tour; and if I were you, I'd remember what happened to Captain Cook before I began haggling.
Prince Kuhio Park
Lawa'i road, Po'ipu, South Kauai
Remember when you were a teenager and tried to convince the girl in your Consumer Math class that you were the heir to the throne of some obscure Pacific island? Well Prince Kuhio really was the heir to the throne of a Pacific island, the Hawaiian throne. Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, born in 1871, worked tirelessly for native Hawaiian rights as a delegate to Congress. Hawaiians celebrate the Prince's birthday each year with island-wide cultural events.
Hanalei Bridge
Highway 560, North Kauai
If swimming in shark infested waters, surfing mammoth waves, or observing lava flows from erupting volcanoes doesn't produce enough adrenaline, drive on over to highway 560 and cross the Hanalei bridge. Built in 1912, this one way, rickety bridge serves as a gateway to the north shore communities of Hanalei and Ha'ena. As you're crossing, remember, nothing screams safety like using chicken wire to prevent pieces of the bridge from falling into the river below.
Hanalei Taro Fields
Highway 560, North Kauai
Remember when you were a kid and wanted to be a taro farmer, but since you didn't live in Southeast Asia or a Pacific island you had to give up your dream? It's time to relive that dream, assuming of course the Hanalei Bridge doesn't fall apart causing your to plummet to your death on your way there. The fields allow a glimpse into an ancient way of life for historians and offer amazing picture opportunities for tourists.
Menehune Ditch
Menehune Road
Waimea, West Kauai
Legend claims leprechaun-like little people constructed the Menehune Ditch in one night. Archeologists, as you might expect, disagree, theorizing it was built by drunk space aliens over the course of three days. Credible archeologists suspect it was built before even Polynesians arrived on the island, but they're not sure how. Regardless of how it was constructed, only a portion of the huge irrigation system made from smoothed lava stone that brought water into the taro fields from the Waimea River still exists.
Russian Fort Elisabeth
Waimea, Southwest Kauai
Remember when you laughed at your know-it-all friend and hung him on a hook by his underwear when he claimed a Russian fort existed on Kauai? Well, it's time to apologize because in 1816 King Kaumahuali'i thought he could overthrow King Kamehameha with the help of the Russians. Although the plan failed, history buffs can take a self-guided tour and read informational plaques that will dazzle partygoers of all ages. You may want to take pictures, however, so you don't end up on a coat hook, screeching in pain as your underwear cuts into your left buttock.
Kilauea Lighthouse
Kilauea Road
Kilauea, North Kauai
When traveling by ship, most passengers prefer not crashing violently into rocks, sinking to the bottom of the ocean, and being eaten by sharks. That's why sailors invented lighthouses. The Kilauea lighthouse, on the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands has guided ships heading to and from the Orient since 1913. An informative visitor's center and native vegetation attract thousands of tourists seeking an historical landmark and scenic views.
This guide to the historical sights of Kauai (and the glimpse at his sad, sad childhood) was brought to you by Trent Lorcher.
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