Discovering Famous Kauai Historical Sites

There is an abundance of Kauai historical sites since the island is over 5 million years old and is the oldest in all of Hawaii. Several explorers from Polynesia, Europe and America have already visited the island over several centuries so some structures and places have a legend to tell. Find out more about Hawaiian culture, history and tradition and unveil the secrets to some of Kauai’s treasures.

Built on Belief

There used to be several bellstones located all over the different islands of Hawaii. These were struck at a specific point to resonate a unique tone that can be heard from distance locations. The bellstone is rung to inform people from nearby villages and islands of a special event such as a royal birth.

The bellstone at Highway 580, Wailua, East Kauai is found downhill from two big boulders that were specifically placed to calibrate the Hawaiian calendars according to the winter and summer solstices. To reach the bellstone, go to Mile Marker #1 on Highway 580 or Kuamo’o Road until you reach the dirt road leading to the ocean. Follow the path until you reach the two big boulders. The Kauai historical site is 100 feet from the guardrail. It is illegal to move or deface any of the two boulders.

The Captain James Cook Monument is located at Hofgard Park, Waimea, West Kauai. It was erected in memory of the British sailor who influenced a lot of Hawaii’s history when he reached the Waimea Harbor in 1778. He led 2 ships namely Resolution and Discovery and is considered to be the pioneering westerner to ever set foot on Kauai. The Captain however, was killed by local villagers over a small rowboat dispute. The original monument can be found in the sailor’s hometown in Whitby, England.

Several bridges served important roles for many important Hawaiian villagers and events. Try visiting Hanalei Bridge at Highway 560, North Kauai. Vehicles can actually pass through the bridge since it has a 15-ton weight capacity.

The single lane requires all vehicles on one side to cross first followed by others on the opposite side. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is located at Highway 50, South Kauai which is a foot bridge rebuilt after the 1992 hurricane destroyed the original one. Kauai historical sites include a lot of temples or heiaus such as Holoholoku Heiau, Malae Heiau, Napali Coast Heiau and Hikinaakala Heiau.

Famous Historical Landmarks

The Kilauea Lighthouse is located at the northernmost tip of the major Hawaiian islands. It was built in 1913 and used to have the largest lens of its kind guiding ships to and from the Orient. It stopped guiding ships in 1970 but still serves as popular tourist location. The lighthouse is also near the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge so people actually come to witness some rare birds and marine species.

Fort Elizabeth in Waimea, Southwest Kauai was built by the Russian doctor George Scheffer with the help of King Kaumuali’i in 1816. The original purpose for building the fort was not realized when Scheffer was brought back to Russia. King Kamehameha gained control of it afterwards.

Another natural Kauai historical site is Sleeping Giant in Kapaa, East Kauai. This is a Nounou Mountain ridge that has a very similar appearance to a sleeping giant. Invaders were warded off by Kauai villagers by lighting fires behind the mountain which illuminated the figure. Hiking trails that lead up the mountain are available for tourists.