MAKEE SUGAR COMPANY/KEALIA SUGAR COMPANY
In 1876, Ernest Krull sold his cattle ranch to Col. Z.S. Spalding and his father-in-law, Capt. James MaKee for a sum of $30,000.00. The purchasers of the ranch intended to start a sugar plantation later to be known as MaKee Sugar Company. In 1878, Col. Spalding together with the Hui Kawaihau started sugar production at both the Kealia and Kapaa Plantations and mills, establishing Kealia Plantation. King Kalaukaua himself had a 25% interest in this plantation. Spalding built a fine residence called "Valley House" in a sheltered valley near the Krull ranch house. When Capt. MaKee died, the ownership of the Kapaa Mill passed on to Spalding and both plantations--Kealia and Kapaa--was renamed the MaKee Sugar Company. The Kapaa mill was closed in 1884, and all processing was done in Kealia. In 1916, Spalding sold a majority share of his holdings to Lihue Plantation. In 1924, he left Kauai for California, to live with his son, where he died in 1927. The Lihue Plantation continued the MaKee Sugar Mill until 1934 when it was dismantled and sent by rail to Lihue to become Mill "B".