Honolulu Fort (Kekuanohu)

The following three black and white images are courtesy of Hawaii State Archives

 Honolulu Fort dubbed Kekuanohu (the back of the scorpion fish) for it's gun placements and defense of Honolulu Harbor, started out as a trading post for Russian fur traders that stopped over to Hawaii for supplies. The Russians ended up abusing their privileges and began construction of a Fort on the shore of the harbor after King Kamehameha granted them the ability to only build a simple store house. It is said that they even used stones from a nearby Heiau, Pakaka. Once King Kamehameha learnt of this, he sent his advisor John Young and Kalanimoku along with a few more chiefs to expel the Russians off of the property. The Russians led by Georg Anton Schaffer even ended up leaving Oahu. As the King of Kauai, Kaumuaili'i had favored Russian sentiment over American interests. The Russians received land in Kauai and built a fort there instead.

 

I must note that Pakaka Heiau was where negotiations between Kaumuali'i and Kamehameha commenced. Which in turn finalized the unification of the Hawaiian islands into one Kingdom. As agreed by both parties that Kaumuali'i would relinquish Kauai to Kamehameha after he passed. Not soon enough though as a botched assassination on Kamuali'i was foiled by the honorable Isaac Davis, Kamehameha's other "haole" advisor and friend. As Isaac warned Kaumuali'i that his life was in danger and he should return to his island immediately. Sadly, the poison meant for Kaumuali'i was somehow digested by Isaac Davis. Eventually killing him and bringing much grief to Kamehameha.

 

 

 

Russian map from the early 1800's showing the fort

 

I found this model of old Honolulu in Aliiolani Hale with it's depiction of the fort on the shore of the bay.

 

 

What remains of the fort. Or at the very least, stones from the fort that were used to bring out the shore to more modern standards of a growing city. The harbor itself being dredged to accommodate larger ships. Thus creating the present shoreline of Honolulu and bolstering the immigration island, now known as Sand Island. Some cannons pictured in previous posts undoubtedly were placed in the fort.

The building on the right nearby the fort location was the home of Paul Marin. Another, lesser known advisor to Kamehameha the Great. He was gifted land after the Maui ruled, Oahu dynasty fell to Kamehameha. Marin also owned land in my home town and Ahupuaa of Waimalu. A Spaniard, Marin is accredited with introducing the islands to such crops as pineapple, cotton, mango, and grapes. He made brandy, experimented with beers, and may have been the brewer of a longtime favorite of Hawaii's very own

"moonshine" okolehau. An alcoholic beverage derived from sugar cane!

The Honolulu Fort was the foundation for the growth of a city, a kingdom, a state on the worlds stage. The next time you walk the streets of Honolulu remember what Fort St. led to.