Top Kauai activities
Top Kauai landmarks
Beyond Kauai
Kauai trip ideas
Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park Tours and Tickets
Evidence of a little-remembered attempt by Russians to gain a foothold in Hawaii between 1815 and 1817 can still be found in the remnants of an old fort alongside the mouth of the Waimea River. Though today the site is little more than jumbled red rock walls hinting at its former layout, an irregular octagon guarding entrance into Kauai via the waterway, it once was the site of grand plans to use Kauai as a permanent provisioning and trading station for the state-sponsored Russian American Company. With outer rock walls constructed from ancient heiau (Hawaiian temples), the fort once included residences, a chapel, gardens, a trading center and the main fort building. Visitors can explore what’s left via a self-guided interpretive tour following signage with drawings of how the area once appeared.
Here, Dr. Georg Anton Schäffer, sent to retrieve lost cargo from a wrecked Russian American Company ship, overstepped the orders of his mission. Schäffer instead built the fort complex, befriended Kauai’s chief, set him against the newly instated Hawaiian King Kamehameha and secured a sandalwood monopoly for the company. When Mother Russia learned of Schäffer’s actions, however, she disapproved. Russia didn’t want to become embroiled in the already complicated politics of the islands; they just wanted their cargo back. So, Russia summoned Dr. Schäffer home, leaving the fort to be claimed by the Hawaiians, and, later, after the dismantling in 1864, the elements.
- Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, Hawaii, 96796
Tours and Tickets to Experience Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park
When are you traveling?
Kauai Categories
Time of Day
Duration
Price
$0
$500+
Rating
Specials
6 results
Kauai Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Tour with Lunch
Experience the natural splendor of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon on this guided tour. Learn about the fascinating geologic history of the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ and stop at several vista points along the way for great photos. Visit the historic island town of Hanapepe and see highlights of the southern coast, including Spouting Horn blowhole.
... More- 10 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
$187.44
Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours
Skip the group walking tours and travel through Kauai with your own personal travel guide. With this bundle of four audio tours, you can hit the Garden Island’s most scenic spots, historic sites, and magnificent beaches when you like, as you like, learning and discovering as you go. Using GPS for turn-by-turn guidance, you’ll be able to travel like there’s a tour guide in your pocket—because there is.
... More- 4 days
from
$29.99
per group
Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app
Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent travel. Simply download the tour of Kauai's famed Waimea Canyon and Na Pali overlook and follow along. The tour includes turn-by-turn directions, information on what to look for and where to explore, as well as interesting stories that bring the landscapes to life.
... More- 6 hours 15 minutes
from
$19.99
per group
Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!
Buckle up for a tropical adventure you’ll never forget! Cruise through lush jungles, walk along pristine beaches, and dive into the history of the beautiful island of Kauai.
Learn about the culture and how everything changed when sugar plantations arrived. Hear about clashing cultures and… a failed Russian invasion? No, really!
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
No expiration — The tour comes with lifetime validity!
... More- 2 hours 20 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
$14.99
Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea
While in port in Kauai, take a half-day tour to Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific'. In stark contrast to Kauai’s lushness is Waimea Canyon State Park. The canyon offers one of the best views of the island's western coast. Drive through Hawaii’s first sugarcane plantation and to the town of Waimea, made famous by Captain Cook hundreds of years ago. Before concluding your tour back at your original departure point, stop to see the water fly high at Po’ipu’s Spouting Horn on the island's southern side.
... More- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
$87.00
All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
Ready for a trip through paradise? This bundle includes tours of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands: O’ahu, Kauai, and Maui. Experience Honolulu’s rich culture, explore jungles so lush they appeared in Jurassic Park, and catch some sun on the best beaches in the world. Plus, dig into the fascinating history behind the Kingdom of Hawaii! Each island is packed with waterfalls, incredible vistas, and unforgettable hiking trails, and this bundle will make sure you get the most out of your Pacific vacation!
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
No expiration — The tour comes with lifetime validity!
... More- 18 hours 15 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
$24.99
per group
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ:What's the best way to experience Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park?
Trending attractions
- Colosseum
- Eiffel Tower
- Hoover Dam
- Statue of Liberty
- Sagrada Familia
- Louvre
- Burj Khalifa
- Acropolis
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- Road to Hana (Hana Highway)
- St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- Na Pali Coast
- Molokini Crater
- Palatine Hill (Palatino)
- Edinburgh Castle
- Blue Lagoon
- Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori)
- Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia)
- French Quarter
- Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina)
© 1997-2023 Viator, Inc.