Greenwell Store
HI 11, Kealakekua, HIThe Greenwell store of Kona built in c. 1851 originally served as a store and post office. Nicholas Greenwell, the store's builder, also served as the area's postmaster as well as the area's general merchandiser. The building is the only commercial structure from this period left in Kona. It displays a unique commercial use of mortar and fieldstone. The building is still owned and maintained by Green- well heirs.
H. Nicholas Greenwell was born in England in 1826. He sold his commission in the Army at age 23 and left for Australia to make a new start where he bought a sheep station. In 1849 he sailed to California in search of gold. He then came to Hawaii and worked in Kailua. In 1867 Mr. Greenwell returned to England to visit his family and on his way back to Hawaii stopped in the Caribbean. On the island of Monsarrat, he met his bride Elizabeth Caroline Hall. They returned to Hawaii together, bringing a new variety of oranges found in Brazil. Nicholas Greenwell is remembered for his cultivation of navel oranges which he exported, and his buying and selling of sheep skins which he did through his store. He also became involved with dairies in the 1880s and later began extensive ranching. He and his wife had eleven children.
After serving community interests, the building was later used by the Greenwell Ranch. It was turned into a ranch warehouse. In c. 1959 the interior was altered and the exterior portico and porch were added. The building's original slate roof was replaced with corrugated iron at that time. Plans are presently underway to donate the building to the Kona Historical Society, to be used as a general headquarters.
Local significance of the building:
H. Nicholas Greenwell was born in England in 1826. He sold his commission in the Army at age 23 and left for Australia to make a new start where he bought a sheep station. In 1849 he sailed to California in search of gold. He then came to Hawaii and worked in Kailua. In 1867 Mr. Greenwell returned to England to visit his family and on his way back to Hawaii stopped in the Caribbean. On the island of Monsarrat, he met his bride Elizabeth Caroline Hall. They returned to Hawaii together, bringing a new variety of oranges found in Brazil. Nicholas Greenwell is remembered for his cultivation of navel oranges which he exported, and his buying and selling of sheep skins which he did through his store. He also became involved with dairies in the 1880s and later began extensive ranching. He and his wife had eleven children.
After serving community interests, the building was later used by the Greenwell Ranch. It was turned into a ranch warehouse. In c. 1959 the interior was altered and the exterior portico and porch were added. The building's original slate roof was replaced with corrugated iron at that time. Plans are presently underway to donate the building to the Kona Historical Society, to be used as a general headquarters.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Hawaiian culture has a rich tradition of music and dance, with the hula being perhaps the most well-known. The hula is a traditional dance that tells stories through hand and body movements and is often accompanied by chant or song.
About Hawaii County
Hawaii County Timeline
Hawaii County, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. The history of Hawaii County is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians, Europeans, and the eventual annexation by the United States.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
Hawaii County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hawaii County, Hawaii.
- Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is believed to have been settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago.
- In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to visit the island during his third Pacific voyage.
- In 1790, the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place between forces of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui warriors near present-day Hilo.
- In 1791, the American merchant vessel "Eleanor" became the first recorded foreign ship to anchor in Hilo Bay, marking the beginning of increased foreign trade and influence on the island.
- In 1840, Hilo was designated as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha III.
- In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established in Puna, marking the beginning of large-scale sugarcane cultivation on the island.
- In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government dominated by foreign interests.
- In 1900, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hilo became the county seat of Hawaii County.
- In 1946, the Hilo tsunami, caused by an earthquake near the Aleutian Islands, struck the island and devastated many coastal areas.
- In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
- In 1983, the eruption of Kilauea volcano started, which has continued to shape the landscape of the island throughout the years.