by Gail Bertram

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

A Brief History of Kauai

Born from the fiery core of the earth and nurtured in the cool waters of the Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands are brimming with passionate vitality that is guaranteed to rejuvenate sun-seekers and the culturally curious alike.

Formed almost five million years ago, Kauai is thought to be one of Hawaii's oldest islands, but it is still in its lush infancy when compared with the ancient ruggedness of the nearby Americas. Kauai's emerald cliffs rise from the blue canvas of the ocean and harbor a treasure trove of historical significance that is waiting to be explored.

The Ancient Polynesians, from the Marquesas Islands, first settled on Kauai approximately 1500 years ago, between 400 and 500 A.D. It was from the bountiful Pacific that these people caught their food, and from the lush, volcanic soils that they grew their crops. Evidence of these early civilizations has been unearthed on Kauai's southern shore, where the tools these ancient fishermen once used with such success are still found in archaeological digs.

They thrived on Kauai for centuries, until the fierce Tahitians overpowered them and established the Tahitian culture that still underpins Hawaiian society to this day.

In the late eighteenth century Captain Cook harbored "Resolution and Discovery" in Waimea Bay and, in the years that followed his so-called discovery, an influx of people from the west surged towards this newfound paradise.

Although the westerners brought new concepts, foods, and trade to Kauai, they also brought disease, effectively decimating the defenseless native populace, who had no immunity against illnesses that were rife in London's streets and Lisbon's plazas.

By the early 1800s, missionaries had set their sights on Hawaii, intent on bringing the Christian word to the New World. Although the missionaries had a restrictive impact on native Hawaiian culture, they were also responsible for documenting the beliefs of the native peoples, thus giving us an insight into Kauai's past.

Cultural Attractions

It was a time of change, and the history of Kauai, from the Ancient Polynesians to the Western missionaries and on into modern day, have all had their touch upon the land. Visitors can explore a number of historical sights and immerse themselves in Kauai's rich and spiritual past.

1. Nu'alolo Kai - The ocean's reef protect the secluded shorelines of Nu'alolo Kai, making the beaches and hanging valleys beyond the perfect location for ancient Hawaiians to build their civilization.

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