The Hawaiian Island of Kauai was the home (hale) of Ali’i Nui (Queen) Kamakahelei. Her Majesty was Queen Regnant of Kauai from 1770 – 1794 and the foremother of HRH Prince Darrick, Prince of Kauai.
Kaua’i is famous for its stunning natural beauty from the majestic Waimea Canyon to the breathtaking Napali coast. It is bordered by white sandy beaches, crowned with steep mountainous terrain, and adorned with lush tropical rainforest.
It is often referred to as the ‘Garden Island’ and even their local newspaper, which has been in print since 1901, is called ‘The Garden Island’.
Kauai is also Hawaii’s oldest island being created approximately 5.1 million years ago. It is arguably the best Hawaiian island because it is so diverse and steeped in history.
Kauai is home to the wettest place on earth and each year, Mt. Waialeale receives an average of 450 inches of rain! The Wailua (two waters) River is home to several heiau, which are sacred places of worship for the Ali’i (the royalty family and chiefs). There is a summit heiau called Kaawako (the kava drawn along) that is dedicated to the forest and river god, Kane.
It is fitting that Kauai, the first Hawaiian Island that formed was the also the last independent Kingdom within the Hawaiian archipelago that resisted the dominance of King Kamehameha. And it is the descendants of the former Kingdom of Kauai, the House of Kamakahelei and the House of Kawananakowa that are the Ali’ Nui protecting the heritage and culture of the Kingdom of Hawai’i.
