Enjoy panoramic countryside views and interesting history at the Spalding Monument overlooking Kauai's eastern shore.
Region: Kapaa/Kealia
Highlights: Monument honors a pioneer of East Kauai's sugar industry.
Atmosphere: Quiet, scenic setting popular with local residents and adventurous visitors.
Facilities: No restrooms or visitor facilities.
Parking: Limited roadside parking available.
Map: Google Maps
The Spalding Monument, located in the hills above Kapaa, stands as a tribute to Colonel Zephaniah Swift Spalding, one of the most influential figures in Kauai's sugar plantation history. While the monument itself is modest and somewhat weathered, its location offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and serves as a reminder of a transformative period in the island's past.
In 1876, Colonel Spalding, a Civil War veteran who served with the 27th Ohio Infantry, partnered with his father-in-law, Captain James Makee, to purchase a cattle ranch near Kapaa. The property was converted into a sugar plantation that became the Makee Sugar Company, helping establish East Kauai's sugar industry and contributing to the island's economic development.
Following Makee's death in 1879, Spalding expanded his agricultural interests by founding the Kealia Sugar Plantation. He managed the operation until 1916, when he sold a majority interest to the Lihue Plantation Company. During his career, Spalding developed innovations that improved sugar refining efficiency and helped keep mill operations running around the clock. His ambitions extended beyond agriculture as well; among his many ventures was an unsuccessful effort to establish the first trans-Pacific submarine cable connecting Hawaii to the mainland.
Spalding died in 1927 at the age of 89. Three years later, friends and admirers erected the monument in his honor at a crossroads that once played an important role in transporting sugar cane from the plantations to the mills.
Today, the Colonel Zephaniah Swift Spalding Monument offers visitors a peaceful retreat far removed from Kauai's more heavily visited attractions. Rows of trees, rolling pastures, distant ocean views, and the dramatic ridges of Kalalea Mountain create a picturesque setting that invites quiet reflection. Although the monument has fallen into disrepair and its original commemorative plaque is missing, the site continues to attract local residents and curious visitors seeking a tranquil place to relax.
The monument sits along Kealia Road, which follows portions of the old plantation routes that once connected East Kauai's agricultural operations. Today, the road provides an alternate route between Kealia and Anahola and can occasionally serve as a useful bypass when traffic slows along Kuhio Highway.
The most enjoyable way to visit the monument is by driving up Kealia Road from Kealia Beach. The scenic journey passes open pastureland, grazing cattle, and impressive views of Kalalea Mountain, better known as "King Kong Mountain." Visitors looking for a more active adventure can also bicycle or hike to the site, though they should bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is limited along much of the route.
Though easy to overlook, the Spalding Monument offers a fascinating glimpse into Kauai's plantation heritage. Combined with beautiful countryside views and a quiet atmosphere, it provides a rewarding stop for those interested in exploring some of the island's lesser-known historical landmarks.
