Little compares to the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaii landscape, which sometimes gives us an incomparable glimpse into the past. When we feel like stepping back through the pages of time, we only need to visit one of the many ruins that dot the state. Kaunolu Village in Hawaii, for example, allows us to journey back hundreds of years as we get a peek at what was once a thriving fishing village.
Nestled on the Island of Lanai, Kaunolu Village provides a fascinating look into the island’s rich history, which dates back to the 1400s.
Trip Advisor/Mark S.
Although it’s abandoned today, the island once housed two thriving fishing villages that persisted throughout the centuries, until it was deserted by residents in the 1880s.
Wikipedia/Joel Bradshaw During Kamehameha I’s reign from the late 1700s to the early 1800s, Hawaii’s founder would often retreat to Kaunolu Village to relax and to fish. While fishing has always been popular on the island, it likely reached its peak popularity during Kamehameha I’s reign.
What residents left behind includes the remnants of more than 85 homes, which tourists can visit today on a self-guided walking tour or by joining a guided tour of the abandoned village.
Wikipedia/Joel Bradshaw The island also houses the remnants of the sacred temple Halulu Heiau, and you might even see petroglyphs during your time in the abandoned fishing village.
Kaunolu Village earned recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Just four years later, it landed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wikipedia/Joel Bradshaw
Because Kaunolu Village is a sacred site, visitors are asked to treat it with the respect it deserves, whether you’re on a self-guided or a guided tour.
Trip Advisor/Mark S.
If you decide to explore the ruins of the abandoned fishing village on your own, you’ll need a vehicle that is four-wheel drive. Plug your starting point in Google Maps for precise directions.
Wikipedia/Joel Bradshaw
Kaunolu Village also boasts sensational views (bring a camera) of the water and Kahekili’s Leap. Long ago, warriors on the island would dive off of Kahekili’s Leap, a 60-foot tall cliff, in a show of strength.
Wikipedia/Joel Bradshaw
Head over to the official website of the National Park Service to learn more about the history of the area and information regarding visiting Kaunolu Village Site.
Trip Advisor/karik10
Have you been to Kaunolu Village in Hawaii? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you enjoy getting a glimpse into the past, check out these 11 unbelievable ruins in Hawaii.
Trip Advisor/Mark S.
Wikipedia/Joel Bradshaw
During Kamehameha I’s reign from the late 1700s to the early 1800s, Hawaii’s founder would often retreat to Kaunolu Village to relax and to fish. While fishing has always been popular on the island, it likely reached its peak popularity during Kamehameha I’s reign.
The island also houses the remnants of the sacred temple Halulu Heiau, and you might even see petroglyphs during your time in the abandoned fishing village.
Trip Advisor/karik10
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Address: Lanai City, HI 96763, USA
