Russian Fort Elizabeth

Russian Fort Elizabeth is a stone fortress in Waimea, Kauai, built with an irregular octagonal shape measuring between 300 to 450 feet across. The walls rise about 20 feet above ground and are constructed from solid stone layers.

Georg Anton Schäffer founded the fort in 1817 as a Russian-American Company initiative to establish a strategic base along Pacific trade routes. The site was eventually abandoned when Russian interests in the region faded.

The fortress demonstrates how Russian engineers worked alongside Hawaiian laborers, creating a place where two building traditions merged. You can see this blend in the practical choices made during construction.

The site is reached through Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park with parking, restrooms, and walking paths that guide you around the perimeter. Morning or late afternoon visits work well, as lighting highlights the stone walls and details more clearly.

The walls are exceptionally thick, between 25 to 45 feet, making this the last surviving Russian fortification in the Hawaiian islands. This unusual remnant reveals how brief yet consequential the Russian presence in Hawaii turned out to be.

Location: Kauai County

Inception: 1816

Founders: Georg Anton Schäffer

Website: http://fortelizabeth.org

GPS coordinates: 21.95167,-159.66417

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:06