Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Just past mile marker 22 on Highway 520 is the old Russian Fort Elisabeth which dates back to 1816. It was built by George Scheffer, an unscrupulous man who was employed by a Russian company. He built the fort as part of a misguided plan to help King Kaumauli'i reclaim full power of the island from the reigning King Kamehameha.
The Russians found out about his plan and forced him to leave. There is little more here than piles of rocks where the stone foundation once stood. There are several plaques detailing the whole story as well as a self-guided tour. While not the most thrilling spot on the island there are rest rooms available inside the park.
