Stuff You Missed in History Class John Kidwell and the Founding of Hawaii’s Pineapple Industry
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Feb 27, 2017 Discover the fascinating journey of John Kidwell, who transformed Hawaii's agricultural landscape and established its pineapple industry. Uncover how his innovative canning techniques turned fresh pineapples into a booming business despite political turmoil and financial challenges. Learn about the intertwining histories of the pineapple industry and the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Dive into the struggles and triumphs that shaped this iconic sector, revealing a legacy that still resonates today.
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Kidwell's Early Life
- John Kidwell, born in 1849, had a difficult childhood in North Devonshire.
- After an apprenticeship in London, he pursued agricultural work in the US before settling in Hawaii.
Hawaii's Agricultural Shift
- Kidwell's arrival coincided with Hawaii's shift from subsistence to commercial farming, mainly sugarcane.
- Immigrant labor fueled this change, while US influence grew, weakening the monarchy.
Wild Pineapple Trade
- While sugarcane dominated, wild pineapples were a growing export, especially to San Francisco.
- These pineapples, shipped from the Big Island, were of poor quality.