Keomuku, Lanai

Keomuku at a Glance

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.

Keomuku in Bullet Points

Keomuku Location

Keomuku Map (top)

Keomuku Weather (top)

Now
75°F
Windchill:
75°F
Fair
Location: Lanai City, HI, US
Wind: 23 mph NE
Humidity: 69%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.01 in rising
Sunrise: 6:14 am
Sunset: 6:39 pm Sun
Hi: 79°F
Low: 69°F
Mostly Sunny
Mon
Hi: 81°F
Low: 69°F
Sunny

Keomuku Photos (click to enlarge) (top)