Special Events & Community Projects - Laupahoehoe Train Museum
Other Activities and Community Projects...
Various projects are being initiated by the community through the museum as time and money allow.
A Night at the Museum
We are trying to give back to the community by holding events at the museum that are for various ages and interests. These events will be held every other month and be announced by PSA on the radio, in newspapers locally and in our email blasts.
Our first Night at the Museum was a book signing with 88 year old, author-historian, Quentin Tomich on his book Hawaii-Perspectives on Hamakua History. A joy to listen to, with stories of the Hamakua Coast that make the old days come back to life. A very enjoyable time was spent by all.
Our most recent event was being open for Halloween. Forty or more tricksters dared to come into the museum for treats through our web covered entry.
We have plans for Hawaiian crafts, music and other intereststo be shared at night or on special occassions.
Look for announcemnets of Movie Nights in the Caboose to be held starting 2010.
The Laupahoehoe Farmer's Market
The Laupahoehoe Farmer's Market is a project supported by the Laupahoehoe Train Museum begun in 2009 by two enterprising young women. Open every Sunday from 9am-1pm has a variety of produce and crafts as well as the bset cffe and crepes on the coast. This is a small but encouraging aspect of the community, but more vendors and customers are needd to keep it alive. We want to see this continue so please come on down and check out the Goods and Goodies.
Tent space is available for rent for farmer's, crafter's and food vendor's. Please contact Arlene Hussey at 962-0709 for tent space and availability.
The History Kiosk at Laupahoehoe Point
The kiosk is one of the projects of the Laupahoehoe Train Museum erected in 2002. This display tells the story of this area's rich and tragic history. Old newspaper articles, photos and personal accounts are used to describe life in Laupahoehoe.
The ancient beginnings of Laupahoehoe were that of a typical Hawaiian fishing village located on the coast. Grass shacks and coconut plantings marked the area that would soon be home to sugar plantation, mission church and progress. From its cultural Hawaiian roots, the town of Laupahoehoe blossomed in the valley. This once thriving town, nestled in the valley was home to some 2000 people. Businesses of all kinds lined both sides of the road in this little hamlet, thriving into the 1920’s. The port of Laupahoehoe was used by resident fishermen and for commercial transport of people and freight on and off island.
In the 30’s this area suffered a decline due to the railroad bypassing town. Slowly businesses relocated to Papaaloa and the upper lands of Laupahoehoe where the train ran. In the early 1940's only the school and a few resident homes remained down in the valley. On April 1st 1946 at 7am, a tsunami struck the low lying peninsula of Laupahoehoe as well as all north facing shores of the island territory. Students were gathering early at the school ground, teachers living in cottages readied themselves for the new week.
Our History kiosk takes you on 'a trip back in time' from its early beginnings to the tragic history of that fateful day. These photos and news clippings help us to see what is no longer. Only faint physical reminders; stone steps, the banyan tree, and the gym, are left. Looking at this beautiful county park it is hard to imagine all that once existed.
The Walking Trail to Laupahoehoe Point
This project involves the restoration of an abandoned road remnant that leads to Laupahoehoe Point and affords outstanding views of the rugged cliffs of the Hamakua Coast. The trail may eventually be able to accommodate mountain bikers as well as hikers. Unfortunately, the trail is not yet accessible to the public, but we'll keep you posted on its progress!! See more information about this project by clicking on the Walking Trail train car.
The O'okala Community Forest
Community members are making plans for the future of this 40-acre piece of State property. Both commercial and native trees are being planted, and a visitor information booth and nature trails are in the planning stages. This peaceful spot will create yet another destination of educational and economic significance to the Hamakua Coast. See more information about this project by clicking on the Ookala Community Forest train car.