Russian Fort Elisabeth, Kaumakani

This structure may not be a treat for the eye, but it has a long and colorful past. Built by Georg Anton Schaeffer in the early part of the 19th century, it was the symbol of an iffy alliance between the Russian diplomat and Kauai's King Kaumualii. Kaumalii and the formidable Kamehameha, king of the other islands, united in 1816 and sent the Russians packing. The Hawaiians then proceeded to complete construction. The fort was used as a military facility for years, and in 1966 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.