Geology

History

However, by the time King Kamehameha I died in 1819, Hawaii's socioeconomic system was already undergoing dramatic changes. Many of the ancient customs of the traditional "kapu" system were overthrown, and the burgeoning whaling industry and the missionary movement were beginning to alter the islands' former way of life.

Hawaii slowly became populated by mainlanders trying to make money off of the islands' natural riches. And as in many parts of the world, the indigenous traditions of the Hawaiian islands ultimately gave way to sometimes violent pressures from missionaries, to be replaced by Catholicism and Christian morality. By the mid-19th century, the sugar industry had taken hold of Kauai. Ladd & Company, a New England business with missionary ties, took hold of 980 acres of land at Koloa. This fertile area in southern Kauai was much coveted by sugar companies, and its prolific crop played a major role in the U.S.'s interest in annexing the entire territory of Hawaii.

By the late 19th-century, the United States was actively involved in shaping the islands' politics. Although the majority of Hawaiians opposed annexation, President McKinley signed an annexation agreement on July 7, 1898. Hawaii was finally granted statehood on August 21, 1959.

Weather

Typically, winter is the rainy season on Kauai, and the weather is less predictable than during the summer months. Often the island is pounded by rainfall for a week straight, and then the following week is sunny and clear.

The average coastal temperatures vary little from summer to winter, ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit in August to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in February. In higher inland elevations, however, the thermometer can drop to 30 degrees Fahrenheit on a cold winter night.

Check out the current weather conditions before you go.

When To Go

The People

Although contemporary culture in Hawaii is similar to that of the rest of the U.S., Hawaiians strive to preserve cultural traditions. Language and hula classes are common, and traditional arts and crafts thrive. The social tradition of giving flower necklaces, or leis, illuminates the richness of the Hawaiian culture. Different leis have different meanings. Tourists are given leis of plumeria, while a bride might wear a lei of pikake. There are special leis for hellos and good-byes, and each island has its own particular lei.

Cuisine

For dessert, try a local favorite, shave ice--it's like a snow cone but even better. Or, sink your teeth into some chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, available at nearly every drugstore, grocery store, and souvenir shop.

Recent Developments

Most of the properties damaged by Iniki have been rebuilt, and many of Kauai's faster growing plants have again taken root. Although to the untrained eye the island's flora and fauna seem to be well on their way to recovery, the post-storm distribution of plant and animal life has changed. Since the hurricane, four species of endangered indigenous birds have not been spotted on Kauai, and it will take years for scientists to determine the long-range effects of Iniki on the island's delicate ecosystem.

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