Nestled on the southern coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai lies the historic town of Old Koloa. Old Kōloa Town is a rich part of Kauai’s culture and Hawaii as a whole. Old Kōloa Town was the location of Hawaii’s first-ever successful producing sugar mill. A little history about Hawaii is that Cane sugar was a huge business and export for the nation of Hawaii dating back to the early 1800s and even earlier than that is when sugarcane was introduced to Hawaii by some of the nation’s very first inhabitants in 600 AD. As one of the first successful sugar mills in Hawaii founded in 1835 the Ladd & Company sugar plantation introduced a whole new business model of a large-scale manufacturing enterprise in the Hawaiian Islands (National Park Services, 2019). 

 

Ladd & Company’s sugar plantation and mill was quite successful but only for a short period. After being founded in 1835, it closed shortly after in 1845, to due a lack of funding and crippling debt. However, after that, the Hawaiian government took over and sold it to Robert Wood who ran it until 1874. Eventually, a new larger mill was built in east Kōloa and was operational until its eventual closing in 1996 (National Park Services, 2019).

Today, the legacy of Old Koloa’s plantation era is being preserved through its historic buildings, landmarks, and stories passed down through generations. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Old Koloa Town Courtyard, which showcases restored plantation-era buildings housing shops and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.

 

Old Kōloa Town is a key spot on the historical Heritage Trail. Throughout town, you can spot plaques pointing out some of the town’s rich history. Such as the Yamamoto Store & Kōloa Hotel which were both built at the turn of the 20th century as a plantation camp store and a hotel for the traveling salesman and actors passing through town. The Yamamoto Store “Also known as the Monkeypod Store c.1925. First built in 1898, the Yamamoto Store was once the oldest commercial building in Kōloa. The site housed a general grocery and liquor store leased by a man named Yamashiroya, commonly known as Yamaka. Starting in 1915, a single gas pump was added to the operation.” (Old Koloa History). In the early 1920s, the Yamamoto family took over the business and began selling food and basic products while residing next door. Howard Yamamoto planted the Monkeypod Tree on the Waikomo Stream side, originally known as Kōloa Stream, and the store quickly became a popular gathering spot for residents to converse and buy snacks. The structure was extensively renovated in 1983, with a store that nearly resembled the original, to house the distinctive shops that still operate today.

 

Another Significant spot in Old Kōloa Town is the Sueoka Store, which was established in 1918 by its founders Mankichi Sueoka and his wife after their lifelong dream of opening a store became a reality. The store has had few updates since its opening in 1918 to keep the integrity and design of the store. Many locals have been going to Sueoka’s since they were little and remembered it to be a weekly tradition to go to the small mom-and-pop grocery store every week with their mothers. Originally, Sueoka’s first location was just a small general store in the Kōloa Plantations Japanese camp. But in 1933, It moved to the heart of Old Kōloa Town where it has remained since. You can even find a great bite to eat right outside of Sueoka’s store at the Sueoka’s snack shack where they are famous for their Terry Burgers.

In recent years, attempts have been made to revive Old Koloa while maintaining its historical significance. Community-led projects seek to restore and preserve the town's historic buildings so that future generations can appreciate its heritage. Although the buildings in Old Kōloa Town have evolved over the years, many of their original structures have survived. You'll notice that it looks quite similar to the Old West, with the storefront construction resembling one from an Old Wild West film. Many stores have changed into tourist attractions such as little stores of Kōloa Town merchants or art galleries such as Sun of Aloha, which offers beautiful pieces of art created by local artists and photography of Hawaii’s landscape and wildlife. You can also catch a bite to eat or a famous Hawaiian snow cone at places like Kōloa Pizza Kitchen, Kenji Burger, or The Fresh Shave.

There are even walking tours led by knowledgeable guides that offer visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into Old Koloa’s history, providing insights into the lives of the plantation workers and the impact of the sugar industry on the island. In addition, there is an Old Koloa Town cultural center where you can visit to learn more about this town’s rich history.

 

Beyond its historical significance, Old Koloa plays a vital role in the local community. It serves as a gathering place where residents come together to celebrate cultural events, festivals, and traditions. The town’s tight-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and pride among its inhabitants, who work tirelessly to preserve its heritage and promote sustainable tourism.

 

Furthermore, Old Koloa serves as a gateway to Kauai's natural wonders, attracting tourists and adventurers from all over the world. Its proximity to magnificent beaches, lush rainforests, and picturesque hiking trails make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking both relaxation and adventure. For those interested in exploring Kauai's natural beauty, Old Koloa provides access to some of the island's most magnificent scenery. Visitors can explore the thick woods of the neighboring Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, which offers magnificent vistas and secret beaches. Meanwhile, travelers can take guided tours of the historic Koloa Sugar Mill, which houses vestiges of the island's once-thriving sugar industry.

The preservation of history in Old Koloa Town is more than just safeguarding the past; it is also about celebrating the enduring heritage of a community shaped by variety, tenacity, and a strong connection to the land. Whether meandering through its old alleys, enjoying its natural treasures, or immersing oneself in its lively culture, a visit to Old Koloa is a trip back in time that makes an indelible mark on the heart and soul. Old Koloa Town is a must-see place if you find yourself on the Island of Kauai. The rich history and beautiful location truly bring the history to life. 

 

 

Sources 

“History.” /Old Koloa Town/, www.oldkoloa.com/history/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2024.

 

 

Local Experts Team. “Old Koloa Town.” /HawaiianIslands.Com/, hawaiianislands.com/kauai/things-to-do/old-koloa-town. Accessed 17 Feb. 2024.

 

 

“Old Sugar Mill of Koloa (U.S. National Park Service).” /National Parks Service/, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/places/old-sugar-mill-of-koloa.htm. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

 

 

“Old Sugar Mill of Koloa.” /Wikipedia/, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 July 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Sugar_Mill_of_Koloa.

Pictures:

“Sueoka Snack Shop, Koloa - Koloa - Restaurant Reviews & Photos.” /Tripadvisor/, www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60621-d1108906-Reviews-Sueoka_Snack_Shop-Koloa_Kauai_Hawaii.html. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

 

Derrick, John C. “Koloa Sugar Mill: Kauai Hawaii.” /Hawaii Travel Guide/, Hawaii-Guide, www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/koloa_sugar_mill. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

 

McDonald, Megan. “The One Small Town in Hawaii with More Historic Buildings than Any Other.” /OnlyInYourState®/, 3 Oct. 2022, www.onlyinyourstate.com/hawaii/small-town-with-lots-of-historic-places-hi/.