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Kauai History
Kauai is the oldest of the populated Hawaiian islands. Now home to over 50,000 residents, Kaua'i was first inhabited by the Marquesans who sailed here from Polynesia in 400 A.D. In 1000 A.D., the Tahitians discovered the island's beauty and overpowered the Marquesans. Many of the plant life you see on the island was brought here by the Polynesians.
It wasn't until the 1700s that westerners came to the island. The one you've probably heard about the most was Captain James Cook. He landed two large ships - a sight never seen by Hawaiians before - on the west coast of the island in Waimea Bay in 1778. These Englishmen traded trinkets for food and learned about the local culture from their Hawaiian hosts.
Some historians now believe, contrary to popular opinion, that Capt. Cook was not the first European to discover these islands. It is thought that the Spanish navigator Gaetan was blown off course while traveling to Mexico in 1542. He marked these islands on his charts, but finding no treasures (like gold or silver), he never bothered to return here.
Delve deep into Kauai's culture and history when you visit the:
Kaua'i Museum - 4428 Rice St. in Lihu'e - Exhibits there include artifacts from the missionary and plantation periods, Hawaiiana, geology, flora and fauna. (808) 245-6931
Kamokila Hawaiian Village - The closest thing you're likely to see to an ancient Hawaiian village. See food demonstrations, crafts & ancient games. (808) 822-1192
Kilohana Plantation - Step into the 1930s on Kaua'i when you visit a restored plantation estate. The 35-acre grounds offer tropical gardens, a working farm, and a century old plantation village. (808) 245-5608
Koke'e Natural History Museum - Located next to Koke'e Lodge in Koke'e State Park. Houses displays of Kauai's plant and animal life. (808) 335-9975
Grove Farm Homestead - Founded in 1864 by George Wilcox, the Grove Farm Plantation was run from this Homestead. The original plantation house is still there along with workers' cottages, worksheds, gardens and more. (808) 245-3202
Waioli Mission House - Preserved and restored in 1921, this house was home to Abner & Lucy Wilcox - missionary teachers who came to Kaua'i in 1846. Get a great, informative tour from the ground's caretakers. (808) 826-6447 |
