For years Kauai and all the Hawaiian islands have been well-known as some of the best tropical beach destinations in the world. The iconic beauty of the deep green mountains and electric blue ocean has been the cover of magazines, Top 10 travel lists, calendars, outdoor articles and so much more.
People can be familiar with the major Hawaiian cities and islands, maybe even the culture of lanais, luaus, and leis, but know so little about the modern history of Hawaii and the influential figures that helped shape the islands as we know them today.
Hawaii has its own distinct history with groundbreaking developments and incredible stories of women using their skills to elevate the world. (Hint: Moana is not one of them)
Below are four women in Hawaii and Kauai history who have spearheaded influential government campaigns, re-evaluated sports, and slowly chipped away at some of the issues leading to these powerful discussions we are having today.
Rosalie Keliinoi
Keliinoi was more than just the first elected woman legislator in Hawaii, before it even became a state, in 1925. Though this is her claim to fame in Hawaiian history texts, she managed to empower women and promote social change in an era where women were only just recently allowed to vote in the states.
She introduced two bills that still stand today. Act 274 allowed married women to sell property without the legal approval of their husband if they brought it into the marriage. Act 31 specifically denoted funds to support pregnant women, particularly due to rape and domestic sexual violence.
Women gained greater equal footing and freedom in marriage when it came to property ownership and pregnant women were supported in a culture that often left them behind due to unjust cultural taboos.
Through these efforts, she also managed to cultivate the restoration of the Hulihe’e Palace and turn it over to the Daughters of Hawaii group. It is still open today.
It is still referenced today as an influential autobiography towards Hawaiian politics and preservation of Native Hawaiian culture.
Rell Kapoliokaʻehukai Sunn
Rell Sunn was more than a dominant world surfing champion. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, she brought greater equality to the sport by creating a pro women’s competitive surfing circuit in some of Hawaii’s most staggeringly tough surfing waters.
She also became North Shore’s first female lifeguard. She cultivated a serious presence in a male-dominated sport, helping to usher in more support program leaders, enthusiasts, and champions within surfing culture – of both genders.
Cindy Adams
It is often easy to forget that leaders of female Kauai history are still present today. Cindy Adams is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Aloha United Way. The group predominantly focuses on resolving systemic community problems through social change.
Her efforts have raised collective impact, protected Native culture, and built welfare programs to support the young women of today. For years, she fronted the Hawaii Meth Project to reduce meth use in teens. The White House termed the program one of the most influential anti-drug campaigns in the nation.
There is much more intriguing history to explore on the island of Kauai, along with dozens of top-rated restaurants, and extraordinary parks, beaches, mountainous hiking trails, and so much more.
You can stay on the sensational shores of Kauai in the utmost luxury at our Waipouli Beach resort rentals while enjoying the beauty and culture of our island paradise.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to expand your vacation experiences and gain special insight into our island paradise? Book your Kauai vacation and keep reading about how native Hawaiians have helped to reshape the world for the better.
