Holo Holo Blog

As the oldest in the chain of Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi is full of opportunities to explore its rich history. Relatively underdeveloped compared to the other islands, Kauaʻi’s landscape tells a story in itself. The untouched Nāpali Coast, petroglyphs, ancient hālaus, and the preservation of native species offer a peek into the past. Come along with us to some of our favorite spots to feel Mother Kauaʻi’s mana and soak in the history of what makes our island so special.

• GROVE FARM – The Grove Farm Museum allows visitors to step physically back in time and into the roots of the sugar industry. The restored plantation home dates back to the first missionaries to arrive on Kauaʻi in the 1800’s, specifically the Wilcox family. George N. Wilcox is remembered for his great feat of engineering–implementing an irrigation system that made sugarcane a staple export for Kauaʻi. Although he was not native to Hawaiʻi, he shared his findings with planters across the island and worked alongside native Hawaiians to help stabilize the economy through sugarcane production. The Wilcox sisters Mabel and Elsie, made great contributions to public health and politics, and the entire family is remembered for their innovation and community-minded attitude. Tours are available Mon, Wed, and Thurs.
• HEIAU OF WAILUA – In and around Wailua River State Park, you’ll find the Wailua Complex–a group of significant cultural and archaeological sites that are prominent in oral tradition in Hawaiʻi. The sites include heiaus, typically used for hula or worship, a bellstone (which was relocated to the Kauaʻi Museum,) ,and remnants of a birthing stone and petroglyphs. Rumored to be built by Menehune, these historical sites are positioned with purpose, often overlooking the ocean or at the base of a river mouth. The palpably spiritual locations are only made more beautiful by the history behind them.
• KĪLAUEA LIGHTHOUSE – Set out on a dramatically beautiful sea-sprayed cliff is the Kīlauea Lighthouse. Built-in 1913, the picturesque lighthouse once lit the way for boats finding their way ashore–likely en route to Hanalei Bay. Now, the lighthouse and surrounding area is best known for its conservation efforts as a safe haven for several endangered bird species as well as native plants. Tours include the history of the lighthouse and tips on how to contribute to efforts to preserve the land conditions for thriving flora and fauna. *Note that tours will be closed to the public until April 30, 2024, to make repairs after some infrastructure damage due to recent storms.
• KŌKEʻE STATE PARK – Many legends originate within the valleys of Waimea Canyon and beneath the cover of the mountain-top forest of Kōkeʻe. The museum is open daily from 9 AM-4:30 PM, and it has exhibits and artifacts that embody the history of the Mauka side. Growers take note–the botanical prints displayed from the 1800s can be compared to the same flowers growing wild in Kōkeʻe today. Wood samples only found within the forest of Kōkeʻe are as intricate as they are rare and a woodworker’s dream. The knowledgeable staff can share the natural and cultural history with you, including the haunting of the Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow and the carving of the Awa’awapuhi Valley by a giant eel! Supernatural and nature lovers alike will love this stop.
• KŌLOA HERITAGE TRAIL – This self-guided tour provides a walking (and driving) guide to the history of the south shore. Ten miles in total, there are 14 stops along the way that will take you to Hawaiʻi’s first sugar mill, a Buddist temple, botanical gardens, a fossil bed, a volcanic cone, a natural blowhole with a fantastic story, and many other significant sites. Check out the details on the tour here.

Hungry for more history? Check out the Geological History of Kauaʻi.