The People of Kauai
The Garden Isle’s pristine ruggedness, sparkling white beaches, and luxurious accommodations amidst lush tropical paradise are not the only things that make this Hawaiian island unique. Kauai’s people are also an important part of its charm and another good reason for tourists to return to this island year after year. Aside from their reputation as a very friendly group of people, the locals of the "Garden Isle" are known to be athletic, artistic, and expressive. Other than these, they are also a loyal and intelligent group of people who are willing to put themselves in danger just to protect their island home from overdevelopment.
Common traits
The people of Kauai are considered as one of the friendliest people in all of the Hawaiian Islands, and this is not just a matter of opinion that most Kauai natives have of themselves. The natives of the island have actually been voted the friendliest by the Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards, from a survey that is conducted every year.
New and old visitors alike warm up to the sunny dispositions of its locals, despite the fact that rainy days are not uncommon in Kauai. Despite its reputation as one of the wettest places on earth, the island makes do with other activities to thrill and entertain guests even as the rain pours. Being hospitable hosts is one of them. Although guests are expected to remove their shoes before entering any Kauai home, the same home is always prepared to look after guests with good food and entertainment.
The people of Kauai are also known for their excellent stewardship of the island, remaining vigilant for any signs of modernization that could potentially lead to the exploitation of their island home. A typical example was the ruckus created by Kauai natives against a Superferry docking on its shores. The vessel, a military spec transport ship, is capable of carrying up to 800 people to the island at a time. Kauai natives held such a high objection to the vessel coming to its shores. There was an instance when Kauai surfers prevented the ferry from docking, forcing it to make its way back to Honolulu. Kauai natives avoided being branded as a group of xenophobic island people after this incident by making themselves clear. They said that the ferry violated environmental impact rules, did not follow regulations, and must not be allowed to set foot on the island.
The island is inhabited by about 58,000 people, a majority of which are of Asian origin. The rest is more or less the same proportion to native Hawaiians, Alaskans, and American Indians. This has resulted in the unique multi-cultural atmosphere that sustains locals. The same atmosphere is enjoyed by visitors from all over the world, with added flavor coming from the influx of musicians, artists, and other colorful personalities who simply want to make the island their home. Indeed, the island always comes alive with musical presentations on the beach or at museums and art exhibits by local artists.
Because of the island’s location amidst lush tropical vegetation and craggy mountains overlooking crystal waters and prime surfing spots, the natives of Kauai are naturally active people who view surfing and hiking as part of their normal, everyday activities. Although Kauai locals love their food and there is plenty to go around, gaining weight has never been a problem when they can easily catch some waves or take a short hike to enjoy the island’s scenery after a long sumptuous Polynesian meal. Even the simple activity of beachcombing in Larsen’s Beach is enough to keep a few unwanted pounds at bay.
History
The people of Kauai came from the Marquesas and other Polynesian islands about 1,500 years ago. The Marquesans brought with them traditional food crops, including taro, which is now used to make Poi, a typical Kauai delicacy. Tahitians discovered the island about 1,000 AD. and overpowered the Marquesans, driving them off to other islands. The early settlers are responsible for the diverse plant life found on the island. Westerners started to arrive on the island during the 1700s, with the most famous of them being Captain James Cook who arrived with his two ships, the HMS Discovery and Revolution. Merchants and missionaries soon made their way after Western traders made their holds on the island.
Most of the island’s people descended from the immigrants that came in waves during the birth of the sugar industry in Kauai, specifically in the district of Koloa in 1835. Immigrants from Japan, China, the Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Germany, among other countries, flooded to the island in search of an idyllic life among the palm trees and pristine beaches of the Garden Isle. This rich infusion of cultures, traditions, and history has resulted in the colorful cultural mosaic. In recent years, the island has become one of the most desirable places to live since it was opened to the public as a prime tourist destination in the 1990s.
Despite becoming a US territory in the 1900s and attaining its statehood on August 21, 1959, natives of the Garden Isle have kept the spirit of independence that has made them unique from all the natives of the other Hawaiian islands.
Kauai’s little people
The island is known for its legend of little people, known as the Menehune. Locals believe that the Menehunes were the island’s earliest settlers and were believed to have worked at night to accomplish some of the amazing structures, most often stunning stonework, found all throughout the island. However, archaeologists believe that the Menehunes were actually not a mere legend but real people who once lived in Kauai. The Menehunes were said to have come from the Marquesas Islands and were already living in Hawaii long before the Tahitians arrived at the islands some time between 0 and 350 AD. Because the Polynesians were more war-like than the Menehunes, they were able to drive out the Menehunes north through the chain of other Hawaiian islands. Experts also believe that the word "Menehune" does not literally refer to a group of people with a characteristic of short stature, but people who were considered to belong to a lower caste.
The Menehunes were considered expert rock builders, although they did not use mortar in their projects. A good example of their creations in the island is the Menehune Ditch, which snakes along the Waimea River. The ditch is accessible from Highway 50 and inland to Menehune Road in Waimea. Another example of their legendary creations is the Menehune Fishpond on the Nawiliwili Harbor, which consists of stonework that used to span 25 miles. According to a legend, the fishpond was created in just one night, with thousands of the little creatures passing stones one by one. The fishpond is accessible on foot or by paddling up the Huleia Stream on a canoe. Hikers can walk from Nawiliwili Harbor up to Hulemalu Road. A marker will lead intrepid visitors to the fishpond.
The spirit of aloha
The people of Kauai live according to the spirit of aloha, the spirit that makes the island warm, friendly, and welcoming even to strangers. First-time guests will find it a pleasant surprise to see natives and locals who are always ready with a smile or a wave when they see guests on the road or anywhere else on the island. The readiness of the people to wave, smile, give a helping hand, or make way for guests on the road are proofs that Kauai natives take the aloha spirit to heart, which is not merely doing to others what they want to be done to them. As what Reverend Abraham Akaka said during the island’s statehood celebration, the Golden Rule is aloha. "It is welcoming the stranger and seeking his or her good, loving a stranger even if love is not returned."
This spirit is felt warmly by tourists from all over the world. Those who were fortunate enough to make friends and find a second family among locals promise to come back to the island year after year. Aside from exploring the depths of Kauai's natural beauty, some tourists also take some time off the city life to seek refuge in the laid-back atmosphere of living in this island. Their vacation are not only spent taking a hike to different tourist destinations but also in celebrating important events with the locals and other tourists that help preserve its culture. The colorful festivals show much of the island people's cultural tradition. The festival celebrations alone will prove how artistic and expressive locals are, making this island a haven for some musicians, painters, and artists. They get inspiration from Kauai's beautiful landscapes and panorama, as well as from its laid-back, nature-loving people.
These people are not only known to express love and show respect to one another but also to nature. They consider Kauai not only as a world renowned tourist destination, but a blessing from nature as well. For this reason, they have fought hard to preserve its natural wonders and cultural heritage, despite threats of modernization.
The goodness of their hearts mirrors the pristine beauty of this island.