Kona, Hawaii, is historically diverse with colorful tales of active volcanoes, gods, coffee, culture and sea captains. Stories are told today to help keep alive the spirit of the big island.
Ancient History
An active volcano rose out of the ocean some millions of years ago from a bed of lava under the sea. Several centuries later, it fully emerged to form what is known today as the big island of Hawaii.
First Human Settlers
The first human settlers to Kona, Hawaii, arrived between the years 400 and 800, using only the guidance of stars and ocean currents; they are believed to have hailed from the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific.
Agricultural Development
During the island's feudal period, Tahitian Polynesians arrived, bringing tools, animals and fruit for farming. It's believed that sometimes they did battle over the land.
Captain James Cook
In the middle of a Hawaiian celebration during 1778, Captain James Cook arrived and was treated like a god. But when he left, his ship was battered by a storm, and he had to return to the island for repairs. He was then executed for being a mere human.
Kona's Cash Crops
Coffee became a major cash crop in Kona during the early 1800s; when demand waned, they discovered that sugar cane was also an excellent source of income.
Present Industry
Today, Kona's gourmet coffee production, though minuscule when compared to the rest of the world, yields some of the finest coffee produced anywhere.
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