The
used to be flourishing agricultural center of Lanai in the late
1890's, Keomuku Village can be found at the north eastern coast of
Lanai Island. During ancient times, fishermen and farmers settled
along the coastal portions of the area up to the valley of Maunalei.
The boom of the Sugar industry in Keomuku in 1898 increased the
population from 174 to 900. The Sugar mill provided jobs and
livelihood for the residents of Keomuku until the Maunalei Sugar
Company built a railroad track along the coast. There was an urban
legend that the company disturbed the sacred stones of heiau which
angered the gods. The mill's supply of drinking water turned salty
and the population was wiped by a mysterious epidemic.
The Maunalei Sugar Company closed down in 1901 and today, there was
little evidence that a once thriving industry was present in the
area. The only structures that are left standing are a few old
buildings and the recently renovated Malamalama church.
To reach Keomuku, one must take Keomuku road or route 430. It takes
two hours in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to the beach due to the
rough, undeveloped roads. But once in the area, all the hardship of
getting there is going to be worth it. Expect six miles of crystal
clear waters along the narrow black detrital sand beaches. Though
there are no tourist facilities in Keomuku village, the area offers
sheer natural beauty and teeming ocean life which makes it great for
nature lovers, fishermen and beachcombers.
To-Hawaii.com is a complete
Hawaii travel and
vacation guide, including sightseeing tips
and reviews of Hawaii beaches, attractions, hotels and resorts,
shopping, activities, restaurants, weddings, car rentals and more,
on all Hawaiian Islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai and
Lanai.