Born of a titanic volcanic eruption, and estimated to be over five million years old, Kauai has existed longer than every other major Hawaiian island. Kauai is also the only island that was not conquered by King Kamehameha I in the early nineteenth century. Kaumualii, ruler of Kauai, simply forfeited the land to avoid further bloodshed. The Kingdom of Hawaii was finally established in 1810. A past of fervent spirituality and industrial success fills this island's history with intrigue. Various sites await those who would like to delve into it deeper.
Before the first Polynesians arrived centuries ago, the mythical Menehune tribe is said to have inhabited only one island of the entire Hawaiian archipelago: Kauai. The Menehune were tiny stonemasons who built things like temples and moats overnight. They always vanished mysteriously at dawn. Alekoko Fishpond is the site where they supposedly pulled off an immense feat; legend has it that the pond was built in one night! It's unfinished on the eastern side because the sun rose before they were quite finished. Nowadays, the Menehune are blamed for bad luck.
Another traditional belief was that worship, sacrifices, and ceremonies needed to take place at temples called heiaus. Many of these still stand today, the largest being Poliahu Heiau, which was named after a snow goddess. Placards set around the area provide information about the site. Poliahu Heiau should be entered from the southeast corner. Heiaus are still considered sacred to Hawaiians, and visitors must keep in mind that people come to meditate within them often. Nearby, birthstones called Pohaku Hoohanau make up another special site. People born near these massive boulders were guaranteed high rank as adults.
Kauai has more than spiritual history and legends to offer. The Kokee Natural History Museum displays artifacts, teaches about local wildlife, and explains the natural history of the island. One must drive past the stunning Waimea Canyon in order to reach the building. "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" is worth stopping for; every passerby should take a break and soak up the view. Compared to Kokee, the Kauai Museum in Lihue is much less quaint. Textiles, photographs, ancient tools, and even rotating galleries attract people from all walks of life.
On the southern side of the island, Old Koloa Town charms all who enter. Koloa is home to Hawaii's first sugar plantation, run by Ladd and Company in the thirties. People can check out the plantation ruins or head straight to the historic center to learn more about the town. Grove Farm Homestead Museum is another closed-down sugar plantation worth visiting. This 80-acre property was turned into a museum in 1978. Tours are in high demand, and since there are only six given per week, reservations should be booked far in advance. This tour is not one to miss! The awe-inspiring aesthetics of Kauai have earned it the title of Garden Isle, but forget that for a moment. Its history alone is reason enough to visit and explore.
This guide to the intriguing history of Kauai was brought to you by Shannon Beineke.