Monument sights in Kaua'i
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Russian Fort Elizabeth
The remains of the Russian Fort Elizabeth (1816-64) stand above the east bank of the Waimea River. It looks like a boring abandoned stone wall but the historical backstory might surprise you.
In a nutshell, the Russians were interested in Hawaii as a supply spot between Russia and the Pacific Northwest, where they monopolized the seal and otter fur trade. A Russian diplomat ingratiated himself with Kaua'i's King Kaumuali'i, who figured the Russians might help him overcome King Kamehameha's dominance. In September 1816 the diplomat began the construction of Fort Elizabeth, but within a year he was forced to leave, due perhaps to King Kamehameha's orders or to general suspi…
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Prince Kuhio Park
In a quiet field of green, a monument commemorates Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, born nearby in 1871. He was the Territory of Hawaii's first delegate to the US Congress and he spearheaded the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which set aside 200,000 acres of land for indigenous Hawaiians, many of whom are still waiting for it.
You'll also find Ho'ai Heiau, the remains of a fishpond and an ancient Hawaiian house platform. Prince Kuhio Park is about 0.5 miles down Lawa'i Rd, across from Ho'ai Bay.
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Lucy Wright Park
The Captain Cook landing site is noted with a plaque on a nondescript rock on the western side of the Waimea River at Lucy Wright Park. Notice how it's named after a prominent Waimea resident and not the captain himself? It's located on Ala Wai Rd, as soon as you cross the Waimea Bridge. This county park also has a ball field, picnic tables, rest rooms and showers.
Camping is permitted on a flat grassy area, the roadside site lacks much appeal; see for information about camping permits.
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