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The
culture of Lanai is rooted deeply in its people. Reflected
in its arts and activities is a story of division, union,
warfare, spirit, adventure, and adaptation.
Hawaii
itself was first settled around 750 a.d. by a people called
the Marquesas, and later by waves of Tahitians, but Lanai
was seen as an evil island, and was 'Kapu' to visits.
Once exorcised by Prince Kaulalaau, Lanaiians came to
live in this pleasant, quiet place. Lanai is one of the
smallest of the islands, and unable to defend itself.
During times of war, it wisely went with whichever king
the nearby islands presented.
In
1790 Kamehameha the Great unified the islands under his
rule, and Lanai became part of the sovereign kingdomI.
Under his descendent's rule until the mid eighteen hundreds
as part of a unified Kingdom, the people of Lanai lived
a simple and relatively peaceful existence.
Captain
James Cook noted points about Lanai during his visit in
1779. Later came traders, whalers, and missionaries. Lanai
served as a large ranch, and then as the world's largest
pineapple plantation until it was abandoned by degree
by the Doles.
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