Editor’s note: On Dec. 3, the Kaua‘i Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary. Museum leaders have chosen 50 stories from exhibits, collections and the archives of the museum to share with the public. One story will run daily through Dec. 3.
LIHU‘E — Born in South Kona on the Big Island, Paul Kanoa had been influenced by the missionaries in his early life.
He spent some time in the home of Dr. Gerrit Judd.
On at least two occasions Kanoa accompanied Hiram Bingham to Kaua‘i to assist the missionary in his work.
Appointed by Kamehameha III in 1849, Kanoa ruled Kaua‘i in much the same fashion as had Kaikioewa. Each man practiced the concept of a one-man government and each carried out his duties with dispatch.
However, there was an important difference. Kikiowea was aloof from the people of the island and his attitude was one of condescension; the relationship of a conqueror to the defeated. Kanoa was no less firm in his decision-making, but over the years he developed close friendship with the new chiefs of Kaua‘i.
Kanoa had a home built near the beach Niumalu. A great part of his duties included dealing with disputes and court cases, so a courthouse and flagpole were near his home.
He received extensive and valuable lands on Kaua‘i extending from Koloa to Hanama‘ulu. These lands had been granted to him through Kekuanaoa, the governor of O‘ahu and husband of a daughter of Kamehameha I. The Menehune Fishpond was a part of his holdings.
During the 31 years Paul Kanoa remained governor of Kaua‘i, the sugar industry developed from small beginnings to a sizeable and profitable enterprise. Two of Lihu‘e’s sugar magnates, Paul Isenberg and William Hyde Rice, became close friends.
He remained governor until 1877 and then in 1882 was appointed minister of finance by King Kalakaua. In November 1885, apparently suffering from poor eyesight and old age, Kanoa fell down the stairs. He was 82 years old.
On the bluff above Nawiliwili, Kanoa built his second home and a courthouse perched over a cellar. The courthouse collapsed in a violent wind storm. The governor’s residence was then made into the courthouse and used for that purpose until the new County Building with a courtroom opened in 1914.
Then it became the home of Kaua‘i High School.
