The History Of Kauai Electric: One Of Hawaii’s Most Famous Cannabis Strains

Strain origins can be very controversial. Many elite genetics come from bag seeds, but where do those originate from? They come from the person (or people), intentionally or not, that were cultivating, sharing, and preserving those specific genetics throughout time. This is one of the questions we are trying to answer about a strain we have called Kauai Electric, not only to correctly document it, but to learn more about the history of this local legend. Because the cannabis plant was illegal for much of recent history, not much was written about it; instead, it was often spoken about in small circles and with code words, making it challenging to really lock down solid facts about strain origins. 

Our Kauai Electric BX, called Powerline | Photo by: @waraganj

Legends Never Die

True in many cultures, stories were passed down in families and communities. And while some minor details change from person to person, the main points of most stories that hold cultural or traditional importance are carefully passed down to maintain historical accuracy.

One of the best ways to find out what happened back in the day is to ask those who were there, the old-timers. One of the great things about modern day communication is the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, all around the world. As 808 Genetics becomes well-known in the international cannabis community, we have made exciting connections and have been networking with cannabis-loving individuals that have not only preserved strains of the past, but the history of the plant; many of them not only experiencing this underground community first-hand throughout the years of both prohibition and legalization, but accumulating memories, seeing trends, and holding valuable information about how strains progressed into what they are today.

With so many strains available on today’s market, it’s hard not to wonder, what strain came first? What strain(s) helped build the modern strains of today? Most American strains today can be genetically traced to relatives of Crippy, Chemdog, OG Kush, and Skunk. A major benefit to being located in Hawaii is experiencing the melting pot of cultures, languages, and ethnicities here, which contribute to making the islands so special. Hawaii is a desirable place to visit, no matter where you are from, so many different people come and go. Whether you’re looking for the wave of a lifetime to surf, or simply a tropical vacation, the islands have been attracting people for decades. 

The Origins Of Kauai Electric

One exciting thing we learned this past week was about the origination of the well-known and beloved island strain Kauai Electric, which is a strain we proudly work with and keep in our stable. We have heard many different people consistently identify the genetics of this strain, however, we didn’t know who should be credited with bringing the genetics to Kauai – until recently. 

Kauai Electric is a local legend we proudly work with and keep in our stable

We spent last Thursday (February 13, 2025) at a get-together celebrating a good friend’s first return visit to the island in over 15 years. While there we met an old family friend that we haven’t seen in years, who knew the man responsible for bringing a new wave of genetics to Kauai. He spoke fondly of this man and referred to him as his friend. The man he spoke of was a well-decorated pilot that flew all over the world. One place he was known to frequently visit was the Silk Road area, where all kinds of goods, like spices and silks, were traded and sold. 

One thing he brought back from overseas was called Thai sticks. Thai sticks were short branches of dried cannabis that were bundled together, a trademark presentation by the grower producing it.  Thai sticks were grown in Thailand and were known to be some of the highest quality cannabis in the 70s. These Thai sticks often contained what was commonly referred to as “white pearls.” White pearls were the seeds found in the flowers of the Thai sticks, appearing white due to being harvested early; however, most of them were developed enough and able to be germinated. Hesitant at first to disclose the pilot’s name out of respect for his reputation, he eventually stated that due to our dad being part of the original group of people in a place called Taylor Camp who were gifted the genetics, cannabis laws changing, and his friend’s passing, he dropped his name out of wanting him to receive proper credit. His name was Air Force General Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal. 

Near the Taylor Camp location on Kauai’s North Shore

He told us that he and Robert visited a hippie community on the North Shore in the mid 1970’s known as Taylor Camp, which was definitely a slice of paradise that welcomed both cannabis and free-spirits. Due to his contributions and reputation here, Rosie eventually became known as “King Of Taylor Camp.” He was seen landing a military-grade aircraft on the water during at least one of his visits and credited with bringing the genetics that started strains like Kauai Electric. The friend we were speaking to stated that Kauai Electric is Thai Stick x Afghani; both genetic parents sourced and brought to the island by Rosie. 

Thank You To Those That Love The Plant

While we cannot ask Robert if this story is accurate, based on the feedback and information we have received from not just this gentleman, but several old-timers on island, we have no doubt that this story is true. Knowledge like this is important to document for the history of not only the American and island strains we know and love today, but the history of the plant in general. We would like to acknowledge all of the vets that sacrificed their time and lives for our country and freedom, and to all the people that contributed to the cannabis community, helping to shape it into what it is today.

For more information on the history of cannabis, we recommend you read the book Thai Stick: Surfers, Scammers, and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Trade by Peter Maguire and Mike Ritter, which explains the origins of cannabis genetics in the U.S.

Disclaimer: This information is based on conversations and stories from Kauai locals. We do not claim any of the above to be historically accurate, but provide information that will help start conversations about how local strains like Kauai Electric came to be.