Around 1810, King Kamehameha I completed the unification of all the Hawaiian islands under one rule.
In 1825, 11 year old, Kauikeaouli, King Kamehameha III ascended to the throne upon the death of his brother Liholiho. Kauikeaouli loved Lahaina and established the capital here on the grounds of Moku’ula.
The Friends of Moku’ula, a 501 c-3 non-profit group, is currently working on restoring the grounds to its former grandeur. Visit them and support their efforts.
See Mokuula.com or call 661-3659.
Across the restaurant and a little to the left, off the point next to the Kiawe tree, is the Hau’ola stone. Sometimes submerged because of the tide, the stone was the birthing place of Hawaiian royalty.
You can see a little monument on the point that interprets the site. If you visit the site, you will notice a big sunken concrete area in the park. Here was Kamehameha I ‘s Brick Palace. Erected in 1802, he had the palace built to host visiting dignitaries.
In the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s the area directly across the restaurant was anchorage for mariners from all over the world.
Traders, whalers, and other mariners would take refuge in the calm waters protected of Lahaina which was protected by the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Imagine, there were as many as 400 ships anchored here at one time filled with sailors that had been at see for weeks and months at a time. Lahaina has been a global destination for a long time.