Nawiliwili, Kauai Hawaii #2 - #067

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The Pride of America arrives into Nawiliwili, Kauai around 8 am (our first day) and departs around 2 pm the NEXT day. 

There were many different activities for us to do in Kauai, so this is what we did on our second day.  

The Garden Isle of Kauai is a verdant paradise of lush valleys, rugged mountains, and beautiful beaches; a place where nature reigns supreme.

And our travel plans included a stop to visit this enchanting island, so our ship  docked at Nawiliwili Harbor, the island's main port - a beautiful port!

When Captain James Cook arrived in 1778, he observed that Nawiliwili was the physical and cultural heart of the area; fishermen used the bay to sustain their communities, and the area was also a popular place to farm taro, a staple in the Native Hawaiian diet which also plays a key role in their creation beliefs. 

By the beginning of the early 19th century, Nawiliwili Bay was becoming an important harbor on the island, the harbor's name comes from the many Wiliwili trees which once flourished there. 

It wasn't until 1930 that Nawiliwili had a safe harbor for passenger and cargo ships; sugar baron and philanthropist George Wilcox donated funds to make the harbor an ideal place for larger vessels to dock safely. 

You may even recognize the area, as it was the backdrop for the movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.

United the Hawaiian Islands...

King Kamehameha!

A great warrior, diplomat and leader, King Kamehameha united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810 after years of conflict. Kamehameha I was destined for greatness from birth. 

Hawaiian legend prophesized that a light in the sky with feathers like a bird would signal the birth of a great chief. 

Historians believe Kamehameha was born in 1758, the year Halley’s comet passed over Hawaii.

The most recognized Kamehameha statue stands in front of Aliiolani Hale (the judiciary building) across from lolani Palace and a short walk from the eclectic art galleries and restaurants of Chinatown.

Dedicated in 1883, this was actually the second statue created after the ship delivering the original statue from Europe was lost at sea.

Iolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and is recognized as the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii. 

Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and served as the official royal residence and the residence of the Kingdom’s political and social life until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.

Registered as a National Historic Landmark since 1962 and the only official royal residence in the United States, the Palace is one of the most recognizable buildings in Hawaii. 

Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, Iolani Palace tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani walked the grand halls.

The original statue was miraculously recovered and in 1912, the restored statue was installed near Kamehameha’s birthplace at Kapaau on the island of Hawaii. 

Visit North Kohala to see some of Hawaii’s most sacred places like Puukohola Heiau.  Here's some of pictures taken that can be found on our download.

At HPU we believe that it is our responsibility to give back to the community and respect the land we live in. Students, faculty, staff, and the broader university community are encouraged to find experiential learning opportunities with community impact that perpetuates our Hawaiian values of pono, kuleana, and aloha.

HPU is committed to excellence in student achievement by employing innovative teaching and learning strategies and experiential approaches rooted in our tropical island community.  

Here's some of the photos below included on our download!

Just as the island of O‘ahu is known as the “Gathering Place”, the revitalized Aloha Tower Marketplace is truly becoming Honolulu’s new agora for both HPU students and the local community.

Strategically located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, Aloha Tower has historically served as the first welcoming point to the island of O‘ahu. Today it still serves as a welcoming beacon for kama‘aina and visitors alike, as its strategic location in downtown Honolulu makes it a convenient starting point to visit numerous Honolulu landmarks.

Popular eateries including The Old Spaghetti Factory, Nashville, Gordon Biersch, Hooters, and Pier 9 by Sam Choy anchor this mixed-use commercial and residential community. There is also a Barnes & Noble College store that is open to the public.

Here's a few pictures that you can find on our download - a fun place to visit!