Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Big Island

Laupahoehoe Train Museum at a Glance

A sign at the Laupahoehoe Train Museum invites you “take a trip back in time,” and it’s definitely a trip worth taking. Built by community residents in 1998, the museum celebrates the culture of the Hamakua Coast and its fascinating railroad history. It sits on the very spot where the old Laupahoehoe Train Station stood at the turn of the 20th century.

Years of neglect have damaged much of the main building, but the residents have worked long hours to bring back its old charm. Today, the old employee home is filled with relics, photos, and other memorabilia from the train’s busier days. Even the old narrow-gauge diesel engine has been expertly restored and is now fully functional. The old box car is being reconstructed and will soon run along the tracks again.

To the far side is a small gift shop where visitors can buy various logo items, including shirts, pins, hats, and patches. Many are hand-crafted by the locals themselves and cannot be found anywhere else. History buffs can also pick up history books and educational videos about the Hamakua community. One of the bestsellers is called “April Fools” and depicts the aftermath of the tsunami that hit the island on April 1, 1946.

The Laupahoehoe Train Museum is open from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on weekends. Entry fees are $3 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. No reservations are required, but it may be convenient to book in advance for larger group tours.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum in Bullet Points

Laupahoehoe Train Museum Location

Address: 36-2377 Mamalahoa Hwy, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764

Laupahoehoe Train Museum Map (top)

Laupahoehoe Weather (top)

Now
69°F
Windchill:
69°F
Mostly Cloudy
Location: Laupahoehoe, HI, US
Wind: 5 mph SW
Humidity: 87%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.09 in rising
Sunrise: 6:31 am
Sunset: 5:40 pm Fri
Hi: 78°F
Low: 66°F
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Hi: 79°F
Low: 67°F
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