Russian Fort Elizabeth

Pāʻulaʻula, historically known as Russian Fort Elizabeth, is a coastal park in Waimea, Kauai, preserving the 1817 stone wall remnants of an early 19th-century fortress. Built through an alliance between King Kaumualiʻi and the Russian-American Company, the site offers rich Hawaiian-Russian history and scenic ocean views. The historical park is currently temporarily closed to visitors.

History

Built in the early 19th century, Russian Fort Elizabeth was constructed by Russian fur traders to protect their interests in the Hawaiian Islands. The fort played a significant role during a time of cultural exchange and trade between Russia and Hawaii, although it was abandoned by the mid-1800s.