Port Allen, Hawaii facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Port Allen, Hawaii
Location in Kauai County and the state of Hawaii
Country	United States
State	Hawaii
County	Kauai
Time zone	UTC-10 (Hawaii-Aleutian)
Area code(s)	808
GNIS feature ID	0363427

Port Allen is a busy harbor town located on Hanapepe Bay in Kauai County, Hawaii. It is about 20 miles from another harbor called Nawiliwili. This important port helps connect the island of Kauai to the rest of the world.

Discovering Port Allen's History

Port Allen has a rich and interesting past. It was not always known by its current name. Learning about its history helps us understand its importance today.

The Original Name and Renaming

This area was first called ʻEleʻele Landing. It was a simple place where boats could come ashore. Later, the company that owned the port, Kauai Railway, decided to change its name. They renamed it Port Allen to honor a businessman from Honolulu. His name was Samuel Clesson Allen, and he helped pay for the port's development.

A Special Landing Spot

In 1935, a special camp was built nearby. It was for the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Koke'e State Park. This was a program where young men worked on important projects. They helped build parks and improve the land. The lumber needed for this camp was brought to Port Allen. It was floated in saltwater to help protect it from termites. This clever method kept the wood safe from pests.

Captain Cook's Arrival

Long before the port was built, a famous explorer visited this area. Captain James Cook landed on Kauai near Port Allen. This happened during his voyages of discovery. His arrival was a major event in Hawaii's history.

Rebuilding After a Storm

In 1982, a very strong storm hit Hawaii. It was called Hurricane Iwa. The hurricane caused a lot of damage. It destroyed the port facilities at Port Allen. But the people of Kauai worked hard. They rebuilt the port, making it strong again. Today, Port Allen continues to be a vital part of the island.