From the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 to Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959, the Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history — and sites full of history. Though the Hawaiian Islands are home to several fascinating historic parks, there is only one spot that we can claim as one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets.
Just south of Waimea on the coast of Kauai, is Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park, a fascinating and often-overlooked slice of Hawaiian history just waiting to be discovered.
Anson Chappell/Flickr
In the early 1800s, Russia attempted to establish a foothold in the Hawaiian Islands, and Fort Elizabeth was built as a result of an alliance between the High Chief Kaumuali’i and the Russian-American Company.
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
The “treaty” granted Russian Tsar Alexander I a protectorate over Kauai, with the implication that Russia could capture the entire island chain from Kamehameha if desired. It is said that Kaumuali’i never intended to give up his power, but that the Russians would help him reclaim his own kingdom.
John Hyun/Flickr
Constructed in 1817 on the east bank of the Waimea River overlooking Waimea Bay, the structure was built in the shape of an irregular octagon. Approximately 300 to 450 feet across with walls 20 feet high, the building housed a small Russian Orthodox chapel, the first Orthodox Christian church in Hawaii.
Netlenta/Wikipedia
The goal was to create a fueling station in the Pacific Ocean and establish a stable trading for the shipping company, but Russia’s involvement with Hawaii was short lived and ended just a few years after it began.
Brave Heart/Flickr
Today, Russian Fort Elizabeth is the last remaining Russian fort in Hawaii and a fascinating historical park.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Though the historic fort has been reclaimed by nature in the past century, the historic park found here today is home to an interpretive trail that allows guests to step back in time and experience a slice of Hawaiian history that is too often overlooked.
Teemu808/Flickr
With unique history, phenomenal scenery, and photo ops, Russian Fort Elizabeth should be on every Hawaii history buff’s bucket list.
Anson Chappell/Flickr
Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park is located at Kaumualii Hwy., Waimea, HI 96796 and is open all day, every day. For a more detailed history of the fort and Russia’s involvement with Hawaii, visit the National Park Service website. Have you ever visited this unique historic park? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
Anson Chappell/Flickr
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
John Hyun/Flickr
Netlenta/Wikipedia
Brave Heart/Flickr
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Teemu808/Flickr
To discover another slice of Hawaiian history, visit this ancient heiau overlooking Oahu’s Waimea Bay.
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