When a law was passed forbidding local women from swimming out to greet ships, incensed whalers fired cannon at the missionary compound and at the Rev. Richards' home.   As a result, a fort was built on the waterfront in the years 1831­ 32.

The fort was constructed of coral blocks, hacked and sawed by hand from the reef outside the beach.   It covered a 1-acre area and was enclosed by 20-foot walls.   As a deterrent to outlandish behavior, cannon raised from the wreck of a warship in Honolulu Harbor circa 1816 were brought to Lahaina and mounted in approximately the spot where they sit today in the harbor.   

Across the street is the site of the Canal.