The first settlers in Hawaii arrived in approximately 300-400 AD, probably from the Marquesas Islands. They brought with them taro, ti, sugarcane, ginger, gourd, yams, bamboo, turmeric, arrowroot, and the breadfruit tree. They also brought small pigs, dogs, jungle fowl, and probably rats as stowaways. Many of these new species overpowered the native plants and animals, especially birds. They established a rigid and controlled society, rich in oral and music traditions, although lacking in written language. Hereditary chiefs held blocks of land, and their people paid taxes to their chief (crops or catch) and served for them as soldiers. Strict laws defined what was forbidden and governed the conduct of the various levels of society. There were many wars between the chiefs. Religion consisted of the worship of many gods and goddesses, representing war, life, death, harvest, etc.

The Europeans arrived by accident while searching for the fabled Northwest Passage, a hoped-for new spice route to the Orient. James Cook, an English Sea Captain, reached Kauai in January 1778, replenished his ship, and returned in early 1779 after being forced back by winter storms, to anchor in Kealakekua Bay, Kona. Hawaii became an important stopping place on one of the world's major trading routes. The Hawaiian chiefs traded sandalwood for foreign weapons and goods, including cattle, goats, and pigs which rapidly over-ran the island destroying the ground cover.

The Missionary Era started around 1820 and their religious beliefs quickly overcame the old system of kapu. Many of the churches they established still exist today.

Coffee Plantations - Coffee was first brought to Kona by Samuel Reverend Ruggles from cuttings from Brazil, although it was not until much later in that century that it became a consistent and worthwhile crop. It was grown on large plantations, but the crash in the world coffee market in 1899 caused plantation owners to have to lease out their land to their workers. Most of these workers were originally from Japan, and they worked their leased land parcels of between 5 and 12 acres as family concerns, producing large, quality coffee crops.

Family Farms The tradition of running family farms has continued throughout Kona. The Japanese-origin families have been joined by Filipinos, mainland Americans, and Europeans - all of who strive to keep their farms productive, their crops as perfect as can be, and their family lifestyle serene. This family orientation has produced a close sense of community, with care and compassion to spare, and a friendly welcome for all who come to visit.