Bits and pieces of Kauai's interesting history have left traces on the island. There are a good number of archaeological sites, including temple platforms and menehune structures. Although the days of big plantations are over, they, too, have left their mark to be found in small towns and large homes here and there.

The Wailua

The area of Wailua was a sacred and royal place in old Kauai, and there are a number of interesting sites in the vicinity. Inland up Route 580 (“The King's Highway”) can be found the Poli'ahu heiau, a huge construction measuring roughly 242 by 165 feet. It's a war temple dedicated to the god Ku.

Near the mouth of the Wailua River are more important sites including the Holoholoku heiau and the nearby “birthing stones” on which noble women gave birth to future kings. Another heiau, Hikinaakala, can be found on the shore of Wailua Bay and is thought to have been a place of refugee where kapu-breakers could stay safe and be pardoned.

Located at Wailua, the Kamokila Hawaiian Village reconstructs life in the old days with reconstructed structures and cultural demonstrations. They are open daily from 9 A.M.–4 P.M. Admission is $5. 822-4866

Traces of the Menehune

The Alekoko Menehune Fish Pond can be viewed from a lookout on Pali Road. Its size (about 900 feet long) and massive construction were sufficiently impressive for the old Hawaiians to attribute its building to the mysterious menehune.

The Menehune Ditch is located near Waimea and consists of a stone wall lining an irrigation canal. The squared blocks are very uncharacteristic of old Hawaiian building techniques, and only a small portion remains standing. There's not much to see, but if you're interested in Hawaiian antiquity and old legends, it might fascinate you.

Historical Sites

Kauai Museum www.kauaimuseum.org

Housed in two buildings in Lihu'e, the Kauai Museum displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions concerning Hawaiian culture, especially that of Kauai, including archaeological and historical artifacts.

Captain Cook Statue at Hofgaard Park

In 1778, the expedition led by Captain James Cook became the first known European encounter with the Hawaiian Islands. A statue of the great mariner stands in Hofgaard Park in Waimea, the site of the village where first contact was made.

Russian Fort Elizabeth

The remains of the fort are located off Hwy. 50, near the mouth of the Waimea River. The fort was built in 1816 during the dubious episode in which chief Kaumuali'i struck a bogus deal with a representative of the Russian-American trading company. The chief thought he might get help in overthrowing Kamehameha I but instead, the Russians were kicked off Kauai. Not much is left of the fort, but it is still an interesting bit of history.

Wai'oli Mission House 245-3202

The house is located in Hanalei Valley and was originally built by Protestant missionaries in 1837. The house and its grounds are open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 A.M.–3 P.M. Admission is free.

Grove Farm Homestead 245-3202

This beautiful old sugar plantation home can be visited on tour only. Tours take place at 10 A.M. and 1 P.M. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under.

Gay and Robinson Sugar Plantation www.gandrtours-kauai.com

This active plantation gives tours to show you how sugar is produced from cane field to table. It is one of only two such processing facilities left in Hawaii and the only one on Kauai. The visitors center itself is free and is open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M.–4 P.M. and 11 A.M.–3 P.M. on Saturdays. The sugar tour costs $30 for adults and $21 for children. The plantation also offers scenic tours to Olokele Canyon and ATV tours of the Makaweli Ranch.