Hanamaulu, Kauai County, Hawaii
Hanamaulu is not just for people who want to bask under the golden rays of the sun. This place is also beneficial for recovering alcohol and drug dependents that are not yet ready to live by themselves. Hanamaulu offers a number of halfway houses that serve as rehabilitation centers for those who are dependent on alcohol and drugs.
Hanamaulu means "working together." True to its name, residents of this place work hand in hand for the development of Hanamaulu. Incidentally, the original name of the said town is Hoopili which means a gathering place.
Hanamaulu is definitely a gathering place for several residents, which come from various races, of this town. There are approximately 3,272 people living in this scenic Hawaiin town. Incidentally, 50.4% of the said population is comprised of Filipinos. Japanese, American Indians, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, white non-Hispanics, and other Asians also make their living in Hanamaulu.
35.3% of 902 Hanamaulu households have children who are minors. As for the rate of married couple who still live together, it is 55.2%. On the other hand, 19.7% of the households are comprised of female breadwinners; the husbands for this type of household is not included in the picture. Meanwhile, there are 5.1% households that are made up of 65-year olds or older. Non-family households make up for the 18.1%. As for individuals, they are the 13.5% of the total number of Hanamaulu households. Incidentally, 3.87 is the average family size for Hanamaulu. As for household average size, it is 3.62.
The town of Hanamaulu is as diverse as the people living here. Such can be manifested from the town's rich history as well as its various sources of income. Despite the varying races, cultures, and traditions that each household may have in this town, such circumstances do not hinder the Hanamaulu community to go on with daily living.
Hanamaulu's History
Hanamaulu's history would not be complete if Kalepa is not mentioned. The ridge of Kalepa reaches 710 feet. On the other hand, the base of Kalepa is the Kalauokamanu, where several humans were once sacrificed. But in 1855, the heiau was abolished.
Hanamaulu was put on the map when Hanamaulu Mill was named as Hanamaulu Plantation. In 1877, the said plantation was the second mill that Lihue Plantation built. Incidentally, Hanamaulu Plantation was well known for being the costliest, most advanced, and best financed Hawaiian plantation.
Lihue Plantation opened several housing subdivisions in Hanamaulu between 1950 and 1960. As such, workers were able to own homes. More plantation workers moved to the Hanamaulu housing subdivisions when Ahukini Camp was phased out by Lihue Plantation.
In 1963, Hanamaulu School ceased with its educational mission. It was only in 1990 when a replacement was made available to the public during September of the said year. That time, 280 K-2 interested children found themselves enrolled in King Kaumualii School. Former teachers of the Hanamaulu School wanted to stick with the old name of the educational institution. However, the king got his wish when he emerged victorious over the debate. Incidentally, King Kaumualii is the favorite son of Wailua. He is also the one of the first among the noble families to write and read the English language; not to mention the fact that he also embraced Christianity.
Nowadays, it is not just plantation workers and their families residing in this serene town. Several races and ethnic groups have found their respective homes in Hanamaulu. Although, it would not be surprising to discover that there are still generations of the original plant workers living in Hanamaulu. After all, their ancestors are part of Hanamaulu's early history.
Hanamaulu's Attractions
Sun, surf, and sand are just some of the things that people will adore in Hawaii. Hanamaulu actually has lots to offer people who just can't get enough out of life. If you're tired of the usual beach outings, then you've got Hanamaulu as the perfect get-away.
Animal lovers, wildlife junkies, photographers, and the likes will definitely discover that Hanamaulu is their haven. National parks abound this town, where people can do just about anything; from rollerblading, bicycyling, fishing, boating. Name it and Hanamaulu can give it to you. As for those who just want to enjoy the scenery, taking photographs and observing wild animals in their natural habitats are also a welcome experience.
For people with a flair for history and coffee, you can come to the Hanamaulu Cafe. It's one of the sites that you must definitely visit while you're on vacation in Hanamaulu. It's the staple tourist spot of this town since it's the oldest and the most prominent coffee shop in Hanamaulu. It was built in 1923 by the great Kan Sing Chang. Incidentally, Kan Sing Chang was also the owner and proponent of Nawiliwili Chop Suey House, which was established in 1929.
For fish lovers, Hanamaulu Plaza is a must-see for you. It has seafood on wholesale or retail and they also export and import fishes from different parts of the globe. In fact, Hanamaulu Plaza is also the house of the Ara's Sakaya-na. Aside from sea creatures, you can also find different shops in this plaza like Edward Jones Investments, Niu Construction Inc., and Plaza Laundry. The famous Thy Word Ministries Christian Fellowship can also be found in this plaza. So if you want to praise, buy fish, consult an investor, or simply want to experience Hanamaulu's way of life then this place is for you. It's a market full of Hanamaulu's culture and everyday life.
Hanamaulu's Economy
Even with a limited number of population (around 3,000 residents), Hanamaulu still manages to establish itself when it comes to economy and tourism. One of the greatest sources of Hanamaulu's income is Peter Rayno Sr. Park. It is considered as the oldest and most established real estate property in Hanamaulu.
The greatest landmark of Hanamaulu, Hanamaulu Cafe, is also one of their leading sources of income. Tourists and citizens alike spend a lot of time in the cafe. Hanamaulu Cafe was established on August 1923 which was originally owned by Kan Sing Chang. After Chang left, Sakari Miyake took over the cafe business. On the other hand, Chang built another food establishment in 1929, which he called as the Nawiliwili Chop Suey House.
Aside from being the home of the oldest cafe house in Kauai, Hanamaulu holds the title for the most in demand gasoline station in the whole island. The Shell outlet Hanamaulu Service, which is owned by Sheilah Rego, is by far the top gasoline station in Kauai. The prices and great offerings by this dynamic Shell outlet has enabled to entice tourists and its people to patronize them.
During the 1950's up to early 60's, the closing down of Lihue camps has opened up a lot of housing subdivisions for Hanamaulu and Lihue people. Every man who worked in the plantation can now have their own house. After a few years, residents of Kauai went to Hanamaulu as Camp of Ahukini and the sugar plantations closed down.
In spite of the loss of sugar plantations in the Kauai area, Hanamaulu has found resources and means to get back on the track of economic recovery and growth. They managed to promote their tourist spots and commercial centers to the tourists. As of today, Hanamaulu is rapidly growing to become Kauai's leading tourism center in the island.
Hanamaulu Statistics:
Population: 3,272Households: 902
Median resident age: 35.3 years
Median household income: $48,239
Median house value: $177,000
Land area: 1.1 square miles
Elevation: 188 feet
Latitude: 21°59'N
Longitude: 159°21'W
Zip code:
County: Kauai
