Hanalei to Haena, was originally known for fishing and the flat lands, fertile soil, and abundant water source were ideal for taro patches, a means of sustaining Hawaiian families. In the 1800’s tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee were produced on the North Shore of Kauai. In 1860, the first of five rice mills was constructed in Hanalei. Rice was grown first by the Chinese and later by Japanese settlers. Chinese rice was primarily exported while Japanese rice was grown for local consumption. The most documented rice mill is the Haraguchi Rice Mill, built in 1930, and operated until 1960. The mill, located on Ohiki Road, although severely damaged by Hurricane Iwa in 1982 was listed on the National Register in 1983.
The History of Hanalei Valley
