In 1987, the Mint was commissioned by Westin Hotels to create a unique "Transportation Token" for the exclusive use on The Lagoons at The Westin Kauai on Kauai.

The name of the bronze “Hapawalu” was derived from the first Hawaiian money issued by Ladd & Co. the first Hawaiian sugar cane plantation that was started on Kauai in 1835. The plantation scrip was used to pay workers and also served to supplement the scarce supply of "hard" currency in Hawaii during the early and mid-19th Century.

The Obverse features a Flying Unicorn, the resort's symbol, and the legend "KAUAI LAGOONS". The reverse carries the Westin Hotel and Resort logo with the name and location of the resort property.

In 1987 the Royal Hawaiian Mint delivered 50,000 Bronze Hapawalu tokens that were purchased by guests for $2.00 each and used to pay for boat transportation around the 600 acre mega-resort tour of The Lagoons and its exotic animal covered islands.

In addition to the 50,000 regular bronze tokens, a special early issue was minted in time for the Hotel's opening in 1987. Only 1200 Opening Day tokens were minted and are easily identified by the flat wreath on the obverse.

RE: MINTLINE MAY 1989