Laupahoehoe Train Museum
Laupahoehoe Train Museum is a charming cultural site on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast that preserves the legacy of the island's once-thriving railroad system. Housed in a restored train station building, the museum features photographs, artifacts, a historic locomotive, and stories of the region's sugar plantation era and tsunami history.
Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Big Island
A sign at the Laupahoehoe Train Museum invites you to "take a trip back in time," and it is 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 is located right where the old Laupahoehoe Train Station was located 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. 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 hand-crafted logo items, including shirts, pins, hats and patches. 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.
Key Features of Laupahoehoe Train Museum
- Historic railroad focus: Dedicated to preserving the memory of the Hilo Railroad and the Hamakua Coast rail system
- Restored station building: The museum is housed in a historic railroad employee residence from the early 1900s
- Railroad artifacts: Includes a restored diesel engine, a boxcar under renovation, and trackside exhibits
- Memorabilia collection: Vintage photographs, documents, and tools from the railroad and plantation era
- Gift shop: Sells handcrafted souvenirs, books, and videos including “April Fools,” documenting the 1946 tsunami
- Community-supported: Built and maintained by dedicated local volunteers since 1998
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Laupahoehoe Train Museum showcase?
The museum preserves the railroad history of the Hamakua Coast, featuring exhibits on the Hilo Railroad, restored trains, and local cultural memorabilia.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes, the museum asks for a small admission fee to help support its maintenance and preservation efforts.
What can I buy at the gift shop?
The gift shop offers books, DVDs, handcrafted souvenirs, and logo apparel like hats, pins, and shirts.
Where is the museum located?
It's located at 36237 Mamalahoa Highway in Laupahoehoe, between mile markers 25 and 26 on the scenic Hamakua Coast.