Research aids Overview

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between June, 1914 and October, 1915. Included are articles on famous shipwrecks, the northwestern islands, and histories of Waimea, Lihue, Koloa, and Wailua» Download this Finding Aid

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between March 1916 and February 1919. Includes interviews and conversations with, reminiscences of individuals, Hawaiian stories and legends, and articles on Wailua, Mahaulepu, Kawaihau, Cleopatra’s Barge, Hanalei, Lihue, and Koloa.Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between November, 1919 and May, 1923. Includes Hawaiian legends & stories, and articles of a Waimea trial, the Malumalu Industrial School, the Waioli Mission and a tour from Waimea to Koolau. Download this Finding Aid.

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between May, 1924 and December, 1929. Includes articles on Waialeale, the Waimea Mission Station, Captain Cook, the Menehune, and archeology of Kauai. Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between May, 1930 and October, 1934. Includes articles on the Koloa School, Waiawa, Hanalei and a tour of Kauai. Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between May 1935 and October 1939. Includes articles on Koloa, ancient hulas, Kauai chants, Waialeale, the Russians, and Queen Emma on Kauai.Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between May 1940 and May 1945. Includes articles on Queen Emma, Na Pali, Kaumualii, Waialeale, Heiau, and wild cattle. Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous papers on various Kauai subjects. These papers were presented by various individuals on Kauai between May 1946 and June 1957. Includes articles on WWII, Na Pali, Kalalau, petroglyphs, Kaneiolouma Heiau, Mahaulepu, Wailua, early Waimea, and preserving Hawaiiana. Download this Finding Aid »

The Kaua’i Historical Society Organizational Records consist of records produced by the Society from 1914 to the present. Kaua’i Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization founded on Kaua’i in 1914 by a group of residents interested in preserving Kaua’i’s historic sites and the memories of longtime residents. Its purpose is to collect, preserve and disseminate the history of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau for the benefit of the public. After incorporation in 1969, the Society began to offer history-related programs, field trips and newsletters to keep its members informed, and was an advocate for the preservation of Kaua’i’s historic sites. Current activities include maintenance of historical archives, library, video and photograph collections, public programs on historical topics, publication and distribution of historic information, and special projects to collect and preserve historic information. Until 1990, the Society was operated largely by volunteers, often board members. KHS accepted the donation of Grace Guslander Museum in 1990, and with it the came the responsibility of keeping the collections open to the public. A professional staff was hired and record keeping changed. Filing systems were reorganized due to the increase in the volume of records. The Society’s records were first archived in 1995. A second archival project, completed in 2011, brought the collection up to date. Several large groups of records, which were not addressed in the first project, were added in the second: personnel records, grants and library collections. In addition, the expansion of projects into new areas, fund raising efforts, and publications added greatly to the size of the archive – from 17 boxes to 65. Originally arranged in 12 series, and expanded in 2011 to 15, most of which are ongoing series that will be added to yearly. They are founding documents and historical records, minutes, committee records, annual reports, personnel, correspondence, newsletters, programs and publicity, publications, projects, fund raising and donations, financial records, insurance records, grants, and library collections.Download this Finding Aid »

Typescripts made about 1932 of original letters, journals, and reports of American Protestant missionaries on Kauai, written primarily to Levi Chamberlain, S.N. Castle, E.O. Hall, and their business partners in Honolulu. Most of the papers relate news of the life and work of the missionary and his family; progress in building homes, schools, and missions; farming or planting efforts; and information about supplies and ship transportation. There are a number of letters about early sugar operations at Koloa. Download this Finding Aid »

Records created and held by the County Clerk of the County of Kauai, with some original records that were sent to the Clerk or County Council (formerly the County Board of Supervisors). Most of the records date from the 1980s. The records are arranged in four series: Correspondence and Related Records, Records of the County Council, Records of County Departments and Agencies, and Records of Other Organizations, Groups, and Topics. Download this Finding Aid »

Records of a project to survey the landscape, structures, and cultural resources of the Hanalei ahupua’a on the Island of Kauai. Project records have been arranged into six series: Hanalei Cultural Landscape Survey Records; Historic Structures Data Sheets, Structure Photographs, and Site Plans; Surveys; Other Reference Information; Research by Christopher Wood; and Oral History Interview Transcripts and Audiocassette Tapes. Most of the records were created by project staff Barbara Robeson and Beryl Blaich and consultant Robert Z. Melnick, and date from 1986-1988. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection includes original letters, typescript and photocopied letters, newspaper articles and a few photographs, donated to the Kauai Historical Society by Frederick Bruce Wichman. Many of the personal letters have had notes added by another person. The majority of the material is letters, personal in nature, although there are a few letters relating to business as well as the politics of the day. There are a few photographs of family members and of the Waterhouse residence on Nuuanu Street in Honolulu. The majority of the correspondence was between parents, children and grandchildren. Download this Finding Aid »

Records of the celebration of the KiIauea School Centennial, 1982, a school reunion held on April 30, 1983, and preparations of the school and community for the centennial events. The centennial also celebrated the history of KiIauea town. During 1982-1983, KiIauea School students conducted oral histories of several older KiIauea residents. Download this Finding Aid »

This handwritten journal (author unknown) was “Found in Collections”, and appears to be handwritten copies of Royal Patent Grants and Bylaws for lands at Moloa’a, Kaamaanui and Papaa. Download this Finding Aid »

These are notes used for writing Land and Power in Hawaii. The Democratic revolution that blossomed in the 1950s resulted in the great Hawaii land boom which began in the late 1950s. Many prominent politicians who professed to be anti-development joined huis and became leaders in land development. The notes used for Land and Power in Hawaii consist of only one document, “Democrats & Huis” by George Cooper, dated February 1982. This document has a table of contents which includes the following: Overview; How to read the charts; Table of Names; and Charts. Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous items concerning the establishment of the Guslander Museum. Download this Finding Aid »

The JoAnn Yukimura Records were collected and created by Yukimura during her tenure as a County of Kauai Council member (1976 – 1980, 1984 – 1988). These records reflect some of her work as a County Council member, and reveal her strong interest in environmental and land use planning issues. These records are arranged in three series: Citizen Complaint Records, Land Use Records, and Reference materials. Download this Finding Aid »

This manuscript collection contains research material and 86 photographs collected by Earl A. Arruda for his work on the “Kapaa School Centennial Book 1883 – 1983”. The collection also contains Arruda’s research notes and photographs of the Kealia Sugar Mill, Col. Zephaniah S. Spalding’s Valley House, and Kapaa Town. Download this Finding Aid »

This is a collection of aerial photos and field maps for Kealia crops, primarily pineapple. The aerial photos have overlay maps of fields. Minimal written information is provided on each document. This includes crop varieties, size of fields, soil fumigants and fertilizers as well as the date of planting. Years covered are 1959 through 1971. Download this Finding Aid »

The Hanalei Bridge Records illustrate the work of the ad hoc North Shore Belt Road Citizen’s Advisory Committee. The records were compiled by committee member Barnes Riznik over a ten-year period. The Committee worked with various national, state and local agencies, organizations, and individuals to preserve the one-lane Hanalei Bridge on Kauai’s North Shore. The result of the Committee’s work was that the State Department of Transportation did not replace the Bridge, but repaired it in 1988. Download this Finding Aid »

The Kauai Historical Society early History Files are a collection of “subject file” materials, collected from 1914 until the 1960s, the early years of the Society. This collection provides tangible information and also contributes to an understanding of the society as an organization. The collection is comprised primarily of newspaper articles, magazine clippings, some correspondence and letters, a few research papers, and typescript copies of materials in other KHS collections. The History Files were organized by topic and indexed on “Bibliography Sheets” prepared by the Society’s long-time secretary, Elsie H. Wilcox. Attached as an appendix to this Finding Aid is a brief description outlining how the Society collected and cataloged these materials. Download this Finding Aid »

Henry Birkmyre was born August 30, 1867 at Port of Glasgow. On the retirement of his father and his uncle who had jointly headed the family business, management of the business was handed over to Henry and his brother William. Henry left the management of the firm to his brother and came to Hawaii in April 1888. He was initially employed by the Kilauea Sugar Plantation Company on Kauai, worked briefly for the Kipahulu Sugar Company and the Pioneer Mill Company before returning to Kilauea Sugar where he was head overseer. The earliest items in his papers are issues of Glasgow newspapers containing obituaries and articles relating to the history of the Birkmyre family and the family business. The majority of the records are from the period when Birkmyre resided on Kauai and consist of personal correspondence, records concerning Birkmyre’s business affairs, and a record of his ownership of a share in the Waihina Hui. Download this Finding Aid »

This particular set of commission records cover the 1991-1998 period during a dramatic time on Kauai – many new projects were in the planning process during the early 1990s, and review and input from the KHPRC was required. With the September 11, 1992 arrival of hurricane Iniki, the entire island required assistance to rebuild, repair or replace damaged structures – and KHPRC efforts became more important than ever. As we continue into the later 1990s, the revival of increased construction on the island and the need to protect our resources was once again the main focus of the panel. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection is a diary kept by Henry Christian Wedemeyer about his activities with the Haena Hui Partition. It begins on November 15, 1955 and runs through January 14, 1966. These activities include meetings with associates, clients, engineers, and various other professionals. There is a page of definitions of 15 Hawaiian words, and a map of the Haena Hui. Download this Finding Aid »

The Crater Hill Collection was gifted to the Kauai Historical Society in 1994 by JoAnn A. Yukimura while she served as a member of the County Council of Kauai. It includes legal documents, correspondence, articles, newspaper clippings, photographs, slides and miscellaneous papers associated with the acquisition of Crater Hill and Mokolea Point (Kilauea area of Kauai) to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Download this Finding Aid »

What was to later become Koloa Plantation, started life as the firm of Brinsmade, Ladd and Hooper. Arriving on Kauai on July 27, 1833, Peter Allan Brinsmade, was 25 and accompanied by his wife and child; William Ladd, 26, with his wife and child, and William Hooper, 24, who was single. William Hooper returned to Koloa on January 26, 1835, Hooper’s diary begins on Sept. 11. He had no agricultural experience, nor did he know the language or customs of the population. The diaries consist of three photocopied volumes. The first covers the very beginning of Hooper’s residence on the Koloa lands B September 11, 1835 and ends one year later. The next volume begins “No. 2 journal of occurrences on the Koloa Plantation Continued” and is 22 leaves, each containing 2 pages of diary entries. Regular entries begin on September 13, 1836 and are consistent through June 14, 1837. The final volume has as its cover “Wm Hooper – Diary & memo book of William Hooper formerly of the Sandwich Isles” and is 14 leaves, each a photocopy of two pages of the diary. This diary covers a larger span of time and is not arranged in chronological order: beginning with November 14, 1840, it covers a voyage from Boston ending on May 15, 1841 (leaf 5). Leaf 10 has the last entry, dated February 1847. Download this Finding Aid »

King Kalakaua purchased the 170-ton English vessel Explorer for a reputed price of $20,000. Renamed Kaimiloa, it was refitted as a warship, and in 1887, it set sail for Samoa, Captain George E. Gresley Jackson at the helm. The voyage began on May 19th, 1887. The final entry is on September 22 with the lights of Honolulu visible from the ship. Entries are recorded, generally daily, throughout the duration of the voyage. Longitude, latitude, and sailing conditions are also noted in the log. There were two log books of the voyage; this copy was prepared by Frank Waiau. Materials to assist the archivist are included at the end of the finding aid These materials include maps of the areas visited and are of the same era as the voyage. Download this Finding Aid »

This manuscript comprises seven folders containing photocopies and transcriptions of leases and agreements relating to properties at Koloa, Kauai, used for sugar and cattle production. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection includes a copy of Dr. Yamanaka’s book, “Kipu – Huleia, The Social History of a Plantation Community”; photographs of Huleia School, the Japanese School in Huleia, some Huleia sports events, some Huleia families, and miscellaneous photos of Huleia; genealogies of families documented in the book; a copy of the Thirteenth Census of the Unites States completed in Lihue in 1910, and a copy of the Fourteenth Census of the United States completed in Huleia Village in 1920; as well as miscellaneous information used in writing the book and a map of Rice Camp. Download this Finding Aid »

These records were created by the Mokihana Club and document the 90-year history of the oldest women’s social and civic organization on Kauai. The records have been arranged into eight series: Administrative and Official Documents, Committee Records, Correspondence, Financial Records, Legal Records, Newsletters, Photographs, and Scrapbooks. Seven scrapbooks contain newspaper articles, newsletters, correspondence and other materials that cover more than one series or sub-series. This collection of records reflects the significant contributions made by the Mokihana Club to the social, civic and cultural needs of the Kauai community. Formed in 1905, this women’s organization led early efforts which resulted in the formation of the Kauai Outdoor Circle, the Kauai Concert Association, and the hiring of the first public health nurse on Kauai. Records are updated periodically by club historian. Download Finding Aid>>

A large collection of documents that trace the history of the YWCA on Kauai from its founding on May 5, 1921, through the war years, and the post-war years. The records are arranged in two large groups. The first group contains the records and papers of the Association as a whole. The second group are the camping records, which include paper records for the years 1923-1929, and albums of scrap books and photographs covering the years 1936-1976. Download this Finding Aid »

The collection consists of typescripts of letters between family members dating from 1871 to 1915, and a family history, compiler not known, This group of papers remains in its original, chronological order, in a plastic binding. A transmittal letter is included. Download this Finding Aid »

In 1953 Ethel Damon presented a paper, “Lady Franklin and the Sandwich Islands,” to the Kauai Historical Society. Lady Jane and her niece set sail for America and the Sandwich Islands in 1860. The reason for the journey was the search for information about Lady Jane’s explorer husband, Sir John Franklin who was lost during a trip to the Arctic attempting to find the long sought Northwest Passage to China. Damon paints a very vivid picture of Lady Franklin’s adventures in Hawaii where she became a close friend of the royal family, and a close friend of Robert Wyllie. Lifestyle of the day is described with flare and detail. Download this Finding Aid »

The Hanalei Police District was the northernmost of the six police districts on Kauai. The normal function of police district personnel was to enforce local ordinances and apprehend those guilty of such petty crimes and misdemeanors such as assault, fornication or adultery, theft, breaking and entering, and traffic violations. During World War II with the imposition of martial law the chief of each of the districts was appointed by the U. S. Military. In addition to its traditional activities the police force was assigned the duties of maintaining the curfew from sunset to sunrise, ensuring that that blackout regulations were observed, monitoring compliance with regulations governing rationing and hoarding, and ensuring compliance with orders freezing supplies of building materials, barbed wire, and other commodities needed by the military. The records include warrants of arrest, arrest records and record of court action and sentences imposed, reports of police investigations of thefts and break-ins, and coroners reports. Download this Finding Aid »

The Zonta Club, an international women’s service organization, was established in 1919, and celebrated 85 years in 2005. The local Zonta chapter, Beta Sigma Psi, serves locally by performing service during the holidays with the Salvation Army at their donation stations, and Kokua Soup Kitchen with the Thanksgiving luncheon. The scrapbook is one volume labeled Iota Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Scrapbook 1957-58. Included are 24 oversized leaves, two handbooks, and two boxes of membership cards, beginning with 1949. The scrapbook contains photos, cards, and newspaper clippings which appeared during this year. Download this Finding Aid »

In 1997, the Kauai Historical Society received a gift of 165 photographic negatives made by one of the island’s successful early 20th-century commercial photographers and businessmen, Tsutomu Fujii. Other than a few other photographs in the family’s personal collection, it is probable that few other Fujii photos exist. It is known that when he sold his Hale Nani Studio in Lihue in 1972, many of his photographs and negatives were destroyed. The present group of negatives were later found for sale in a Kauai thrift shop, and is not known how they ended up there. Download this Finding Aid »

In 1996, the Kauai Historical Society received a gift from the Lihue Public Library. It is a small photo album containing 187 original photographs taken by well-known Hawaii photographer, Ray Jerome Baker. Baker gave the album the title, “Kauai Over the Years – Scenes Mostly Old, Some New.” The black and white images were taken by Baker on visits to Kauai between 1908 and 1961. Lynn Davis, Preservation Department, University of Hawaii, notes that many small albums of photos such as this one, were compiled by Baker for friends and colleagues. However, Davis is not aware of any other Baker albums comprised solely of Kauai images. Download this Finding Aid »

Miscellaneous notes and letters of Ethel Damon which she did not use in the final edition of “Koamalu”. Download this Finding Aid »

The Rerioterai Tava papers consist of Tava’s notes, maps, photos and information used in writing the book, Niihau, The Traditions of and Hawaiian Island, which she authored with Moses K. Keale. Sr., and published in 1989.  This collection represents the largest Niihau-related material donated to KHS to date.  Original place names, hand-drawn maps, and letters are among the primary sournce material in this collectio.  Some of the collection is in Hawaiian and requires translation.  Download this Finding Aid.

When polo arrived on Kauai about 1887, it was taken up with such enthusiasm that the island soon became famous for its polo players and fast ponies. This collection documents the history of the Kauai Polo Club from 1982 through 2007. These documents include legal documents, business records, history books, lectures, newspaper articles, and photographs. This collection was assembled by club historian Bette Layton. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection is comprised of all the working papers of the Kauai Historical Society’s Publications Committee for publishing the manuscript entitled: “The True Story of Kaluaikoolau as Told by his Wife, Piilani.” This publication is translated from the Hawaiian language by Frances N. Frazier. It includes both the original Hawaiian language version, followed by the English translation. Ms. Frazier, author, and Hawaiian scholar, had previously published the English translation in the Hawaiian Journal of History (1987 v.21, p.1-41). Download this Finding Aid »

This collection is the personal scrapbook of Kathryn Heily depicting her trip to the Hawaiian Islands in 1921. It includes pictures, postcards, maps of the area and ephemera. The material was removed from the original scrapbook and arranged in 9 folders. The collection was inherited by Ms. Heily’s great-niece, Kathryn Ann Heily, and later donated to the Kauai Historical Society. The younger Ms. Heily has little recollection of her great Aunt’s travels and does not recall any details. Download this Finding Aid »

Dr. Alfred Herbert Waterhouse (1877-1948) became the third generation of the medical Smith family serving Kauai, as company doctor for Koloa and McBryde Plantations, later going into private practice. Dr. Waterhouse is also known for his efforts to develop affordable housing and educational opportunities for sugar plantation workers and their children. The materials in this collection follow the Alfred Herbert Waterhouse family line though yet another generation – William Allen, and his two sisters: Florence Melicent and Marjorie May Waterhouse and their families complete this interesting collection of items. This collection of materials, which include photocopies of photographs, newspaper articles, chapters of books, and typed reminiscences of family members, gives us a peek at the extended Smith and Waterhouse families beginning in the mid-1800s for more than a century. Download this Finding Aid »

This extensive collection contains information on a large range of activities in which Mr. Sanborn was involved. Almost half of the collection deals with the Haena Hui Partition. Mr. Sanborn was a court appointed commissioner for this project. Information on the Haena Hui Partition includes Court proceedings, descriptions of the land, information on owners, legal documents, and correspondence. In addition there is information on the following activities in which Mr. Sanborn was involved: the estates of which he was the executor; real estate activities; work as an appraiser; information on the 1946 tidal wave; farming activities; Land Court transactions; and personal family papers including information regarding his grandson, Alan Sanborn. There is information on Princeville Plantation, tax documents, correspondence, miscellaneous papers, land grants, tax assessment, Kalalau, kuleanas and Kalihiuni land records, and accounts. Download this Finding Aid »

his collection of items is comprised of various documents, letters, reports and ledgers, photographs and albums, and two movies, from the Lihue Plantation Company, Kealia, Hanamaulu and Makee Sugar. Documents include 1) Lihue Plantation folders with descriptive detail; 2) Makee Sugar Company correspondence 1906-1911 which deals mostly with obtaining supplies to operate a large agricultural endeavor and mill; 3) Makee Homestead Water Users for 1927 to 1947; 4) Kealia information with ledgers dating from 1880-1882, 1918 and 1920 giving some detailed accounting information; 5) ledgers from the Lihue Plantation Company covering payroll for various months of 1910, 1912-1914 and 1919; 6) weather records, including temperature, rainfall and evaporation broken down by field number, crop plantings, harvesting, fertilizing, acreages, tonnages, cane varieties and other pertinent data on standardized forms; 7) three field diaries containing data for the Hanamaulu, Lihue and Makee Divisions covering the years 1928 -1988; 8) Hanamaulu Plantation payroll information dated 1910, 1911, and 1919; 9) Lihue Plantation photograph albums and loose photographs; and 10) the Lihue Plantation Company’s Map Collection.Download this Finding Aid »

Five days after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, Governor Ingram Stainback’s Proclamation under General Order No.14 went into effect, allowing only a few newspapers to continue publishing. One of these was The Garden Island.  Hawai’i was under martial law for most of World War II.

From December 10, 1941 to January 14,1942, Charles “Charlie” Fern, owner of The Garden Island and Civilian Defense Director of Kaua’i, distributed The Garden Island War Daily.  With a circulation of 5,000 copies it was a supplement to the weekly Garden Island newspaper. During the war the newspaper published columns in two Filipino languages, Tagalog and Visayan, and in Japanese.

.Download this Finding Aid »

Kalaheo School history contains photograph copies, with numerous newspaper articles collected by Mr. Paul Okamura. It covers the growth of the school as the student population increased and the addition of the Vocational School in 1925.  Download this Finding Aid »

This small collection is comprised of a spiral notebook containing newspaper clippings, a series entitled “Clarice B. Taylor’s Tales about Hawaii: The Story of the Afong Family” numbered 1 – 69. Each article includes a photograph or sketch. Clarice Taylor, a columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, wrote this series of articles. They chronicle the life of Chun Ah Fong, his wife Julia Fayerweather, his American children, and Chinese son Chun Lung.Download this Finding Aid »

Hofgaard family historians have extensively researched records in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.  A collection of photographs, descriptions of people and places on Kauai dated 1887 and 1926. Download this Finding Aid »

Christmas photos and letters of family members from 1989-2000. Download this Finding Aid »

The 49 page transcript of the interview centers around Violet Hashimoto’s recollections of her childhood growing up in Heana.  Wichman asks questions beginning with her family history: ancestry, marriages and children who were raised on Kauai.  It continues with family life, work, play, school and events unfold – providing an interesting read – a first hand account from childhood memories to adulthood.  Download this Finding Aid »

This collection was donated to the Kaua’i Historical Society in response to the Society’s request to its membership to accumulate “current” family historical material. While some early material is photocopied, including a few photographs, the later items are original photographs. The material donated covers the years 1953-2001. The early years include copies of some newspaper articles along with photographs of family events, while later years are comprised of Christmas card portraits, many with Christmas letters. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection of legal documents date from 1853. Included are labor contracts, land sales, mortgage documents and Territory of Hawaii Real Property Bills for the years 1937 through 1943 for real estate on Kauai.  Two miscellanous items are a Certificate in Japanese and a 1925 Kauai High School diploma.  Download this Finding Aid »

This letter, dated February 24, 1941, is to friends on the mainland from Kauai. The author is a teacher on the island, most likely Kauai High School, since he describes the surroundings “with lush tropical foliage” and situated “on a hill overlooking the ocean”. While the letter is typed, the signature is illegible. In addition, the Kauai Historical Society does not know the donor for this item, which has been in the collection for many years. Download this Finding Aid »

Celestino Augusto Aleixo and his wife Albertina Dos Santos left Portugal in 1911 on the steamship Oreteric heading for a new home in the Hawaiian Islands. This is a story of her trip to investigate her roots.  Download this Finding Aid »

This file contains the Kauai High School Class of 1925 yearbook, newspaper article of their 60th class reunion, and photos from the reunion. It also contains the Kauai High School Class of 1926 50th class reunion program and class photograph. Another newspaper article shows the class of 1933 of Koloa Elementary School’s reunion, which was held in 1983.Download this Finding Aid »

Chang Kee sailed to Hawaii with his brother in 1882.  After working in Hilo and Honolulu he finally made his way to Kauai where he opened a store in Kekaha. Download this Finding Aid »

Born in Kukuiʻula, a small multi-cultural fishing village, Dan Fook Chang (1897-1968) and his wife Lucy Heu (1901-1940) had eight children – the start of a multi-generational family who still serve the Koloa area.  This family chronicle covers a century of change – agricultural community to a resort-based economy and flourishing holiday retreat for many. Download this Finding Aid »

Transcription of the taped interview of Alan R. Zingale’s recollection of unusual happenings at the Waiohai Hotel recorded May 19, 1985, by Robert J. Schleck.  Download this Finding Aid »

The collection includes the reunion program and newspaper clipping of the 50th reunion of the class of 1955, held in October 2005. It was a multiday event held at Lydgate Park, Wailua Houselots Park, and Lydgate Pavilion. Download this Finding Aid »

A small collection containing multi-generational information.  Includes a large detailed genealogy chart, two smaller charts, and five newspaper articles from 1880 to 1986. Download this Finding Aid »

This lease is a copy of the original signed by Lihue Plantation Company, providing for the development of Ahukini Landing into a harbor with full services – wharf, wharf shed, breakwater, with berthing space, and allows for a railway and its supporting structures, to facilitate the movement of goods and persons using the facility. The 50-year lease was signed on July 20, 1920, by Lyman H. Bigelow, the Chairman of the Board of Harbor Commissioners; Allen T. Bottomley, President; and S.M. Lowrey, Treasurer of Lihue Plantation Company, and approved by C. J. McCarthy, Governor, Territory of Hawaii.Download this Finding Aid »

These papers/ reports are regarding employee Robert Brookman of the Hawaii Sugar Company – Makaweli Plantation. Among them are an introduction to the island of Kauai by his friend, Deputy Commissioner of San Francisco, Warren H. Pillsbury as well as his Matson Line voyage passenger list and other various reports and events during his employment With Hawaii Sugar Co. He appears to be an employee supervisor. The spelling of Mr. Brookman’s name changes throughout the papers; however, we chose the spelling used on the earliest document as our point of origin for spelling. Download this Finding Aid »

A Surf Legend of Kauai was written by George Mique, born in 1939 on Kauai.  He was one of the founding members of the Nalu Aliʻi Surf Club.  This is a short history of the club and its members.  Download this Finding Aid »

This family history begins with two Hawaiians, one from Hana and one from Kona, each traveling from their home island to Kaua’i, Tani Uuma and  Nipoa Kilauea Kilima, who have a daughter born in Haena in 1864 whom they name Julia Alapai.  In a chance meeting with Joseph Scharsch, a luna on the Kilauea Sugar Plantation, a dynasty is born.  Joseph was 18 – he was lonely and seeking a wife.  A friend gathers a group of single young girls, and Joseph selects Julia, who was 14; three days later they become man and wife.  Their 52-year marriage produces 13 children – many will stay on Kauai and influence the history of this land.  The material within this collection follows the second daughter of the Scharsch family, Catherine Puakou Scharsch (1882-1961) and her marriage to Edward Joseph Morgan (1858-1934).  Download this Finding Aid »

This document recounts the life of Lawrence Ki Chong. It was written by Brian Dervin Dillon and is dated November 27, 2007. It begins with a brief biography on Lawrence’s father, Chong Yee, with a focus on how Chong established himself and his family in Lawai.  Download this Finding Aid »

This is one issue of Ka Hae Hawaii in the Hawaiian language.  The paper includes an article on heiaus, cities of refuge by island; current news from around the world; and a letter to the editor about hula and whether it is good or bad for people.  Download this Finding Aid »

Invited to spend the summer with her college friend, Vicki Giles, Mr. Giles arranged their travel, and obtained work for Vicki and Kirsten Hall at Hawaii Fruit Packers during the summer of 1962.  Download this Finding Aid »

This is a family home movie of a trip to Hawaii in 1930-1932 as well as other locations.  Download this Finding Aid »

Mabel Voges was a teachter at Waimea in 1919. This archive includes letters from her 3rd grade students.  Download this Finding Aid »

This collection contains the licenses, contracts, reports, and statements of George and Janet Betsui, two teachers who taught on Kauai from the 1920s until their retirements in the 1960s. Download this Finding Aid »

These Puaoi family records date back to 1720, the family cemetery dates to mid-1800s, about the time that the missionaries were becoming active in the area, and changing burial rites were becoming more common on Kauai. Following the Mahele in 1848, formal land documents were established for the family’s property in Lawai Kai, which included two parcels. Ms. Snowden’s excellently written family history begins with Makaea, great-grandfather, and outlines six generations from 1790 through 1990. A chart accompanies the written account, as well as photographs. Personal memories of grandparents and grand-aunts and uncles, childhood memories of daily life, and often told family history and legends are included. Download this Finding Aid »

“This book shows the descendants of Thomas Booth Cummings (1830-1887) arrived from Boston Massachusetts sometime in the 1850’s and fostered eight children between two wives.  With his first wife, Mary McClane, they had Caroline and with his second wife. Kahalepuaaokalole Kamano, they had seven children, William Humphrey, Thomas, Amy Hoolai, Jonah Booth, Joseph Elijah, Parker Andrew and Hannah Rachael.”  Download this Finding Aid »

From the Philippines to Hawaii, One Man’s Odyssey. This is the  account of Especio Anacity “Slim” Dotario, Sr., 1913-1987.  He arrived in 1931 under contract as a plantation worker.  He worked in Maui, Oahu, Lanai, and Kauai.  He married Angeline Hepa of Kapaa in 1933.  Download this Finding Aid »

Compiled by Marilyn Santiago, from the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association (HSPA) Archives of the Lihue Sugar Plantation. This account of the development of the tunnels outlines the beginning of the development through the construction phases during the 1920s and follows up with maintenance performed during the 1930s. The survey for the project initially called the North Wailua – Iliiliula Ditch was expanded to include waters from the Hanalei stream. The project would allow waters from the Hanalei Stream to be diverted to supply the East Kauai Water Company, which would be able to distribute water to the Kapaa homesteads, into Hanamau’lu and Lihue, using existing resources. Also of note is the development of a water distribution system for the Hanalei district. The collection consists of summaries of the research, noting each source. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection consists of 15 letters (13 typed, 1 handwritten) by Kathryn Hulme to neighbors and very dear friends, Gigi (a radio actress) and Taylor Trumbo (Managing Editor for the LA Times). They have gone to Europe and these letters are filled with the updates of the neighborhood on Royal Drive, Kauai island life and social goings-on. She offers tips and suggestions of things to do and places to go while they are traveling. Kathryn herself had been to many of these places in her colorful lifetime. Gig’s son Gary (Fifield) and his wife Toni are taking care of their house while they are away. They give Kathryn and Lou frequent updates on their adventures. Upon hearing of Taylor being ill and hospitalized in Vienna, Kathryn’s long-time companion, Lou (Marie Louise Habets) also writes a handwritten letter of encouragement and some medical tips (this completes the set of 15 letters in the collection). These letters span from December 4, 1962, through June 1, 1963.Download this Finding Aid »

A reunion booklet entitled, “50^th Anniversary Class of 1930 Kauai Hi School 1930-1980, May 5-7 1980.”  Primarily a list of all 1930 graduates with a little biographical information.  Download this Finding Aid »

Photos, newspaper clippings, certificates from Mayor, Hawaii State Senate and House of Representatives regarding ‘1911 Old Hanapepe River Bridge Restoration Celebration Project.  Download this Finding Aid »

Provided by Dr. Clay R. Hiramoto, this a collection of pages from the Kauai High School Yearbook for 1934. Download this Finding Aid »

FROM GERMANY TO KAUAI TO CALIFORNIA — the Life Story of CONRAD WILHELM GROTE and his connection to the families BOMKE, HUTTMAN, and RUTSCH on Kauai. This family history is provided by Robert Henry Wieking, a great-grandson of Conrad Henry Wieking.Download this Finding Aid »

This two-part family history is provided by Gary Younse, who obtained information from family resources as well as from his own research. Photographs, maps, and copies of documents are provided, as well as genealogies. A summary of the material follows; Kellitt and Kellett are varied spellings of the same name. Download this Finding Aid »

Nobu  Uno’s history is a chronicle of a picture bride who arrived in Kauai to meet her new husband in 1916 to build a future together.  They worked hard at multiple jobs and eventually came to own the Daikon Inn in Hanapepe.  Family member names and short biographical sketches are included.  Download this Finding Aid »

Correspondence between a World War II soldier and his sister beginnin when Private Katsuki Tanigawa was at Camp Shelley, Mississippi in 1943 and ending in 1946.    Download this Finding Aid »

The Kauai Outdoor Circle has donated to the Kauai Historical Society a selection of materials from their beginning in 1975 to 2003. Included in the collection are policies, organizational documents, board of director lists, bylaws, newsletters, newspaper clippings, membership lists, brochures, and miscellaneous documents pertaining to their operations. This is part of a larger collection which is stored elsewhere. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection contains correspondence about the Ahukini Terminal & Railway Co., Ltd, which served the east side of Kauai from Puhi to Kealia. The correspondence was motivated by an article “Hawaiian Railroads” that appeared in the January 11, 1964 issue of the “Honolulu Star-Bulletin.” Captain Jack Bertrand, who was connected with the Ahukini Terminal Railway from 1923 until 1956, wrote a letter to the Editor in which he pointed out no mention was made of the railroad on Kauai. In response to this letter, Bertrand was contacted by Robert A Ramsay, author and member of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, Inc., requesting information on the railroad. Bertrand and Ramsay corresponded until May 1965. There are some financial records concerning the railroad, and there are four black and white photos of locomotives. Download this Finding Aid »

The collection contains a comprehensive history of Buddhism from its beginning in India through migration to Hawaii. There is a history in outline form of 67 years of Higashi Hongwangji in Hawaii. The program of the mission’s 80th anniversary describes the events of the day. A colorful brochure presents the reconstruction plan for the mission after it was flattened by Hurricane Iniki of September 11, 1992, and a program dated July 13, 1996 describes the dedication ceremony when the work was completed. There are three programs of Hawaii Higashi Hongwanji Y.B.A. annual meetings for 1973,1975 and 1979. A photocopy of the mission newsletter, dated June 1984 is in English and Japanese.Download this Finding Aid »

The Lihue Plantation was founded in 1849 by Henry Pierce, Charles Bishop and William Lee. Plantation manager William Harrison Rice was the first to construct an irrigation system for sugarcane, with ditches from Kilohana Crater to Lihue to move water to the cane fields. In addition, the plantation damned Nawiliwili Stream to create water power for its operations. Paul Isenberg joined the plantation in 1858, becoming a manager and owner. In 1934, Lihue Plantation moved the Makee Mill to the Lihue, where it continued in use until the mill closure. This small collection consists of 11 blueprints, 1 letter and the Lihue Mill tour book. The blueprints cover the period 1933-1961. The blueprints are very detailed and show the extent of the mill buildings and use of the mill site. The tour book gives a short description of the operation and details of the machinery, the use of water in the process, and the development of the flume system. It also includes factory operating data for the years 1956, 1957 and 1958. Download this Finding Aid »

Portraits of Hawaii, a company located on Kauai, and run by Carol Ann Davis, has been a provider of academic photographs to the local schools for several decades, as well as responsible for yearbook photography, as well as wedding and family event coverage. This collection consists of 26 boxes of photographs – high school seniors for 1998-2005, family events 1987-2004, and weddings 1998-2004. There is an index to the wedding photographs. Senior photographs are arranged by year, in alphabetical order. The family photographs are arranged by alphabetical order and cover approximately 1000 events. Weddings are also arranged alphabetically. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection contains an autobiography, photographs, and memorabilia from the estate of John Lydgate Corstorphine (1928 – 2006) and some items from the estate of Dora Ludgate Lidgate (Corstorphine’s aunt). The Autobiography of John L. Corstorphine “Memories of a Hawaiian Childhood” relates the author’s childhood experiences and perceptions of life, family, and society while growing up on Kauai in the 1930s. The account references Kealia, Kapaa, Lihue, and other towns and local events, and is illustrated with black and white photographs. The majority of the photographs range from Corstorphine’s infancy through his teens on Kauai and include members of his extended family, including Lidgate relatives, and Kauai Society. Some pictures are identified and/or annotated. One album from the estate of Dora Lidgate contains annotated images of her family, friends, and home in Laupahoehoe on the island of Hawaii from c. 1913, and scenes from international travels in 1914. Included in this collection is a booklet entitled, “As I Remember It”, by Selma Kruse Ralston, printed December 1985, and it includes a chapter entitled, “Plantation Life at Kekaha Sugar Co.” The memorabilia include an assortment of color postcards and pamphlets from Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii, souvenir-type black and white slides and updated photos of Hawaii, Lastly, the collection contains a reel-to-reel tape recording of Hawaiian music by various performers. Download this Finding Aid »

The ledger arrangement is by county functions (education, jails, roads, elections, etc.) followed by the incidental costs and salaries of county officials and supervisors. Each set of entries covers some part of the 1905-1917 time span, only the Coroner’s Inquest and Support and Maintenance of Prisoners have complete records. Repairs & Maintenance, School Buildings & Grounds. The largest single entry group is Support and Maintenance of Prisoners. There are payrolls sheets for the County Clerk, Attorney, Auditor, Road Supervisor, Sheriff and Special Police, Treasurer, and Supervisors. Most of the payroll entries are for the years 1905-1910, although they are not consistent throughout.Download this Finding Aid »

The Chris Cook Collection consists of hundreds of items. These items are in the form of photographs, slides, and negatives. Due to the size of the collection, the first step in processing has gone to the larger portion. This finding aid addresses the numerous slides in the collection. The slides are a collection of slides taken by Chris Cook and Harvey Tam. A majority of the slides have been taken by Harvey Tam and was given to Chris Cook by Harvey Tam. The slides range in topic from the Garden Isle Newspaper to New York MOMA. The collections most prominent slides consist of scenic shots of the island of Kauai. These include coastal areas to inland mountains with dates ranging from the late fifties to the late eighties, early nineties. Download this Finding Aid »

This compilation of materials follows the voyage of the USS Saginaw on her final mission – to transport personnel and provide assistance for an improvement project at Midway Atoll. The island had become a United States possession in 1869, the harbor area named Welles Harbor, after the Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, by Captain Reynolds during his visit there on the USS Lackawanna. In 1870, the U.S. Congress approved $50,000 to improve the entrance channel to Sand Island. Download this Finding Aid »

This archive follows the Isenberg family branch which began with the marriage of Paul Heinrich Friedrich Carl Isenberg (1837-1903) and Hannah Maria Rice (1841-1867) “Maria” ~ the daughter of William Harrison and Mary Sophia Hyde Rice, early missionaries to Hawaii. The Rice family had arrived on Kauai in 1854, when William accepted the position of manager of the Lihue Plantation, following many years of teaching at Hana, Lahaina, and Punahou. Paul Isenberg came to Hawaii in 1858 and became manager of Lihue Plantation in 1862. As well as being active politically, Paul was a partner of H. Hackfeld & Co. of Honolulu. The collection includes documents, letters, and photographs. With over 800 items, it covers almost a century beginning with a letter written in 1859. There are three photographs still in frames, and a copy of the well-known history of Kauai Koamalu : a story of pioneers on Kauai and what they built in that island garden written by Ethel M. Damon in 1935. This work is one of the pillars of historical information for this island. The collection includes artwork for the two-volume set and a number of photographs used in its publication. The material is arranged as “Documents”, “Letters (in English)”, “Letters (in German)”, and “Photographs”. This archive was acquired and generously donated to the Kauai Historical Society by Bruce and Lorita Wichman. Download this Finding Aid »

The Francis Frazier collection consists of approximately 1,000+ translated Land Commission Awards, Deeds, and Leases for the island of Kauai, numerous documents related to her translation of the True Story of Kaluaiko‘olau told by his wife Pi‘ilani, and several publications that sought her knowledge of the Hawaiian language. This collection is useful for genealogical research, proving land rights, and historical research of Kauai.Download this Finding Aid »

The History of Polo on Kaua’i begins with a review of polo’s roots, early play in Hawaii, polo players and polo associations, and inter-island matches including
Army teams from Oahu. It begins as early as the mid- 1870s and develops across the islands during the 1880s.
Specific information about teams, matches, championships, and players up to 2007 is included. Download this Finding Aid »

The Dole photograph album consists of 24 leaves, with photographs glued to each side of every page. For conservation purposes, the Kauai Historical Society has inserted acid free paper between the leaves, and removed the covers, which were moldy. In addition, a separate file contains photographic prints of each item, to prevent overuse of these extraordinary items from the late 1880s. Each item has a written description by the same hand. Some of the leaves are missing paper, and some of the writing is illeligible. The container list has notions reflecting these issues. While one might speculate that the photographs were taken by Mrs. Dole*, there is no indication of that on the prints themselves. However, the written descriptions most likely were written by Mrs. Dole, as she indicated “Sanford”, and “our” house, grounds, porch, etc. They were most likely taken during a fairly short period of time. The Dole residence was at 1534 Emma Street. They also had a beach house, which might be the location of the beach lanai photograph. Download this Finding Aid »

Brian Baptiste served Kauaʻi as a council member and as Mayor from 2002 until 2008.  This collection consists of 3 volumes of his poetry.  Download this Finding Aid »

The Sentinel, an All Soldier Newspaper published its first issue in June 1942, only three months after regular defense forces arrived on the island on April 1, and continued as a weekly publication. Our collection, lacking only a few issues, covers from the first issue through May 18, 1945. Beginning with the first issue and continuing until late in 1944, the publication information for the paper was listed only as the “Hawaiian Islands”, although for a few months in early 1944 the masthead read “San Francisco”. The fact that it was published on Kauai was not noted, nor was the word “Kauai” used, until mid-1944. From the beginning, the newspaper covered social events, provided radio and movie schedules, dance and entertainment notices, covered all local sports, as well as national sporting events, and had numerous special interest columns. From early on, news from war fronts was kept to a minimum; however, gradually as the war news became more optimistic, more stories appeared. The first managing editor was Lt. Col. Charles Keegan. By January 1943, he had been joined by Pvt. Duncan Campbell as “city editor”. Sgt. Campbell was managing editor by the time the paper ceased in 1945. Download this Finding Aid »

This unique collection of images, printed in stereoscopic views, centers around the photographs taken by amateur photographers in the Territory of Hawaii during the early 1900s. The earliest image is from 1906, the most recent from 1924. Supplementing this core collection is a smaller group of views from the United States and a few foreign images. Some few items are commercial prints. Stereoscopic views were popular from 1850 to 1930, and commercial production soared with the relatively inexpensive prints becoming very popular. The illusion of depth by using the viewer gave the user a much more realistic image than a single photograph. The decline of the genre was hastened by the development of moving pictures. The majority of the items have descriptions on the verso, most in the same handwriting. The photographer of the bulk of the collection noted the locations, dates, events, and names on the items, making this even more valuable for researchers. The condition of the views vary greatly, from near-perfect to poor. While stereoscopic views must be perfect to obtain the 3-D effect, the value of the photograph is still intact with moderate damage to one or both of the frames. As the collection approaches the century mark, it is amazing that they are still in such good condition. Download this Finding Aid »

This small collection of student reports provides summaries of oral interviews students from the Lahainaluna Boarding School on Maui performed during 1885 visits back to their homes on Kauai. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection consists of numerous papers by William Hyde Rice that has been in the Rice /Plews family for many years. They include 23 Hawaiian legends in various stages of development from original handwritten Hawaiian to typed translated English, for the book “Hawaiian Legends” that was published in 1923 with the Bishop Museum (bulletin three). The Reverend J.K.Akina, L.K. Keoowi, gave Rice their manuscripts of “The Legend of The Menehune” and “ No Pele” to compare with his, finding their memories of these legends in many cases identical to his own boyhood stories. Governor Paul Kanoa and S. M. Kamakau, the historian, well-known Hawaiian scholars, gave Mr. Rice much help with his Hawaiian, especially teaching him the proper use of complicated grammar, pronunciation, and meaning. The papers were passed from WH Rice to his granddaughter, Edith Rice Josephine Kupalonnie Plews who in turn left them to her son John R Plews. “Mother acted as her grandfather’s secretary in preparing the final manuscript and reading proofs. She believed her grandfather had some times written first in Hawaiian and then translated. She knew Bishop Museum press had kept the final manuscript. She had some proofs but the press could not find them.” – John R. Plews Download this Finding Aid »

This collection consists of photo albums and scrapbooks documenting the public life of Kauai’s first Filipino Mayor, Eduardo Malapit. Also included are dummies of two booklets. One of the booklets is for the new Economic Development Plan for Kauai County in 1976. The second booklet is a biography of the Mayor which includes letters of praise from peers and colleagues. It also includes a collection of short stories told by Malapit to his children, along with a biography of him by an unknown source. This collection was donated to the Kauai Historical Society by his son, Lon Malapit in 2005. Download this Finding Aid »

In his book, World War II on Kauai, Tim Klass reviewed the social, economic, and political impacts to Kauai from the pre-and post-war years up to 1950. This collection contains the author’s original, unedited manuscript, his working outline, draft, resource materials, and business papers related to his research project for World War II on Kauai. The project was funded by a grant from the Westland Foundation of Oregon. An edited version of the original manuscript was published in 1970. The collection includes an extensive reference index card file of sources and contacts collected by Tim Klass, reflecting the author’s method to record and organize his data. The original manuscript is a typed carbon copy with footnotes referring to figure charts not included in the final publication. The collection also includes correspondence and a letter of agreement between John Youell of the Westland Foundation and Tim Klass, correspondence with resource contacts, numerous copies of documents, articles, and other materials collected by Klass from Oahu and Kauai institutions and agencies. Some source materials were derived from personal papers and records acquired on Kauai. A few pages of photocopied articles and letters refer to the “Battle of Niihau” on December 7, 1941. Also of interest in this collection are copies of several documents acquired from the Hawaii War Records Depository (HWRD) at Sinclair Library, University of Hawaii Manoa. The collection also includes copies of unclassified military records on troop dispositions on Kauai from History of G-3, courtesy of the archive at Fort Shafter. An unbound copy of the edited, published manuscript World War II on Kauai finishes this collection. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection consists of materials including Maps, Building Plans, Equipment Plans,
Operation Records, Housing Records, Land Records, Tax Maps, Surveys, and Sketchbooks.
Covering the span of 1908 to 1998 the collection documents the development of KSP Co. and the town supporting the plantation and its employees. Download this Finding Aid »

This collection consists of two parts, both having to do with Kauai during WW II.  The Kauai Morale Committee was the chief liaison of the army with the Japanese community. Posters and handwritten or typed statements used in an exhibit for the Kauai Museum in 2009 are included.   The second part consists of research on the detainment and interment of Kauai residents of Japanese ancestry during the war.  Records of individuals, their professions, family members, and their internment locales are included.  Download this Finding Aid »

The Story of the Coco Palms Hotel written by David Penhallow Scott is an account of the Coco Palms Hotel on Kauai under the management of Grace Guslander from 1953 to 1985.  The hotel was located in Wailua, at the mouth of the Wailua River, on a property previously owned by Queen Deborah Kapule.  This collection consists of two drafts of the book.  Download this Finding Aid »

This collection contains several hundred slides taken by Masako Ohama during her tenure as a home extension agent for the University of Hawai’i Cooperative Extension Service (which functioned under the auspices of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).  Kauai’s 4-H programs, Kauai Extension Homemakers Council, Kauai Family Community Education, and Families Against Drunk Driving are some of the programs included in this collection.  Download this Finding Aid »

Corporate documents begin in 1978, and follow the development of the Kauai Portuguese Society through it’s dissolution in 1996.  Corporate papers include meeting minutes, financial records, receipts, and correspondence.  Download this Finding Aid »

Carol Yotsuda (Kauai artist) is a long time advocate for Kauai art and culture.  She has created many photographic displays for various venues on Kauai, they cover a wide spectrum of Kauai life styles and island events.  Download this Finding Aid »

This resource contains photos, hand-drawn maps, and personal notes about Kapaa.  The primary contributor is Albert Fukushima. Download this Finding Aid »

Collection of photographs at cemeteries on Kaui.  Download this Finding Aid »

Manuscript on the Hawaiian priesthood by Charles F. Wagner.  Download this Finding Aid »

Pacific Commercial Advertiser newspaper articles on the murder of Dr. Jared K. Smith and the subsequent trial and sentencing of Kapea Kaahea and others.  Download this Finding Aid »

This collection contains several hundred slides taken by Pohaku Nishimitsu during his tenure as an instructor and as a hula kumu.  Download this Finding Aid »

Mr. John Bertrand saved numerous newspaper articles from The Garden Island, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin that covered both the 1946  and the 1957 tsunamis which caused extensive damage on the island of Kaua’i.  Download this Finding Aid »

Kathryn Hulme was an author of children’s books who lived on Kauai with her companion, Marie-Louise Habets from 1960-1981.Her scrapbooks contain a variety of photographs of Kokee, mountain views, her home, etc.  Download this Finding Aid »

 A local Kaua’i couple remember their days after an Iniki devastated Kaua’i.  A husband and wife provide unique commentaries on life after the hurricane – David Anderson, a woodworker, who stays at their home helping others in the neighborhood while managing the clean up and repairs for their home.  Dr. Karen Ratliff reports to duty at G.N.Wilcox Hospital.  Download this Finding Aid »

Alexander Hofgaard Brodie was born in Kekaha, Kaua’i on October 14, 1914, the only child of Alexander Brodie and the former Gertrude Bloom, a Waimea school teacher.  Video and audio materials on Mr. Brodie were recorded as part of the Kaua’i Historical Society’s Oral History program. Download this Finding Aid »

A cooperative of Kapaa pineapple growers was formed in 1932 with the Hawaiian Fruit Packers managing their field operations.  The Hawaiian Fruit Packers soon leased additional fields and Wayne Gregg, the last manager,  oversaw  its closing in October 1973.   The collection contains 2 files of field maps for the years 1952/53 through 1960/61; and 1961/62 through 1968/69.  Download this Finding Aid »

Kaua’i Historical Society purchased this group of 55 maps in 1996. The collection provides information for various island areas. The majority of the maps show residential lot developments; others are of government lands. The maps date from 1885-1973. Download this Finding Aid »

Kekaha Sugar Co. and the Lihue PlanttionCo. documents on water diveersion and wells dated 1989. Supportiing documents and maps date from the 1950s through 2001.  Download this Finding Aid »

Hurricane Iwa landed on Kauai on November 23, 1982 causing destruction across the island.  Susan Matsumoto and her husband were at home in Kalaheo and their preparations began as the day started.  This scrapbook outlines their personal story and provides newspaper reports for the recovery across the island.  Download this Finding Aid »

Kauai County Charter Review Commission met weekly beginning in December 1965 with input from county departments, the Board of Supervisors, the public, and documents submitted from other sources.  Information about the council-manager plan, code of ethics and non-partisan elections were reviewed and discussed.  The Proposed Charter 1966 was completed and is included in this collection.   Download this Finding Aid »

This collection contains materials relating to the life and career of Judge Benjamin M. Tashiro.  It contains newspaper articles and correspondences related to his judgeship, numerous speeches made at various gatherings between 1957 and 1987.  Biographical sketches on Tashiro and photographs are included. Download this Finding Aid »

Spanning from the 1930’s to the 1990’s, this collection consists of photographs and memorabilia surrounding Masao Tamura, his military service, and family.  Masao Tamura served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment during the Second World War and received a Purple heart, Bronze Star and Legion of Honor from France.  Included are war time memorabilia and photographs. Download this Finding Aid »

The Wilcox Memorial Hospital, written by Pat L. Griffin and published by the Wilcox Hospital Foundation was released in 2000. Griffin submitted the information to the American Association for State and Local History in 2001.  The extensive presentation information follows the early days of the hospital for the Lihue Plantation Company’s employees and families, through the years of change and expansion and up to 2000. Supporting documents collected by the author supplement the presentation materials.  Download this Finding Aid »

This collection is a small sample Schleck’s years of involvement caring for the places and peoples of Kauai.  There are seven areas included: Koloa Marketplace, Lihue Historic Core and Civic Center areas, the Hanalei Road and Taro cultivation, the Kilauea Lighthouse, Maha’ulepu, and the Lihue Plantation Mill and Haleko Road.  All were major issues in the late 1980s and into the early 2000s. Download this Finding Aid »

This manuscript consists primarily of oral interviews of Valentine Ako which were conducted for specific projects such as, a Fisheries Project, Alii Highway Realignment, Wailua Archaeological project, Sustainable Resources, Coco Palms Resort.  Mr. Ako recalls Hawaiian traditions and knowledge that pertains to fish behavior, fishing, and the preparation of fish in Hawaii and in the Pacific region. The most detailed information is about fishing in Kona and Kauai.  In addition, he recalls many families who lived in Holualoa during his childhood and families that lived in Kauai particularly those who engaged in fishing.  Download this Finding Aid »

The first county building in the Territory of Hawaii was authorized by the Kauai Board      of Supervisors on February 7, 1912.  After a search for a suitable location in Lihue, Lihue Plantation sold the County 5 acres on Rice Street in May.  The building was completed in December 1913.  A long overdue restoration project began in 1983 and ended in 2011 after being interrupted twice by two major hurricanes.  Download this Finding Aid »

Grace Buscher Guslander was the general manager of the Coco Plams Resort on Kauai.  She arrived on Kauai in 1953 and retired 32 years later.  She was the “matriarch of Kauai tourism,” and well known for using Hawaiian practices, artifacts, and books to enhance guests’ experiences.  The itmes donated to KHS are primarily from the Hotel’s museum and library.  Download this Finding Aid »

This is a continuation of MS 19 which contains the agenda, minutes, and associated documents related to historic preservation on Kauai.  This set of commission records covers the years 2001 to 2017.  Download this Finding Aid »