When Captain Cook reached the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, it was near Waimea, on the island of Kauai, that he landed. Not quite 60 years later, Kauai became the site of Hawaii's first sugar plantation. Despite these historical "firsts,' Kauai has lagged behind other islands in large-scale development of resorts and high-rise hotels. The result is a recipe for successful historic preservation: a rich history, and something left to preserve.
In the past three years, new preservation projects have appeared on the island's east and south shores; each is the work of a private developer who perceived both commercial as well as esthetic advantage in reconstructing historic sites. They add to Kauai's already impressive collection of historic sites, including Hanalei's 1837 Waioli Mission House and Lihue's Grove Farm Homestead (tours here require reservations at least a week ahead), giving visitors an opportunity to step back in time while exploring this most Hawaiian of the islands. We describe three tour stops and two lodging choices.
Reconstructed on the banks of the Wailua River built on the site of a centuries-old Polynesian settlement, Kamokila Hawaiian Village is a simple re-creation of an ancient Kauai settlement. Hurricane Iwa devastated the site soon after its opening in 1981; it reopened in June 1985.
Visitors are greeted with demonstrations of Hawaiian quilting and lei making; guides then spend an hour or more leading small groups through the village.
From Lihue, take State Highway 56 north 7 miles. After crossing the Wailua River, turn west on State 580 and continue about 2 miles to the village entrance. Kamokila is open from 9 to 4 Mondays through Saturdays; admission is $5, $1.50 for children under 12.
Kilohana: new life for a 1935 sugar-cane estate.
Rarely is a historic home transformed into a commercial site without losing much of its original flavor. Kilohana is an exception. This centerpiece of the former Wilcox estate has been carefully restored, with slight modifications made to tuck small shops into former bedrooms and offices. The living room has been left intact, however; period furnishings hint of the plantation manager's easy going lifestyle.