This Ice Cream Train Through Hawaii Will Make All Of Your Childhood Dreams Come True
By Megan Shute|Published October 24, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are unlike anywhere in America, and while most of the time, we love living in one of the world’s most unique places, there are a few instances where we feel a little left out — especially during the fall and winter months. While our mainland friends are enjoying apple orchards and fall foliage, we’re lounging on the beach and planning hiking excursions. Another thing we wish we had more of? Accessible and affordable land travel. While we can’t take long train trips through the countryside — or real road trips, for that matter — there is one train ride on Oahu’s leeward coast you won’t want to miss. Oh, and did we mention that it features ice cream?
Let’s take a look:
Dedicated to saving, restoring, and protecting Hawaii’s railway history, the Hawaiian Railway Society is not only the only historic railroad on the island, but the only operating railroad museum in the state as well.
This narrow gauge heritage railway operates three restored diesel locomotives to operate on approximately 6.5 miles of restored train tracks from Ewa to Nanakuli. The restored portion of track is part of a 12-mile remnant of track that ran from the city, Honolulu, to the country, Kahuku, and was once used for passenger and freight service between 1888 and 1947.
Restoration began in the 1970s, and today, a 1944 former Navy diesel electric locomotive pulls six passenger cars built circa-WWII as former army flatcars. Bottom line: you’ll find locomotive history as well as military history at this incredible attraction.
Train rides are 90 minutes long round trip, and held Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The 3 p.m. rides both stop at Two Scoops in Kapolei, where riders can purchase ice cream to enjoy on the return trip.
Rides are fully narrated, and passengers will learn about the Oahu Railway and Land Company, as well stories about how sugar cane trains were used on the island’s plantations. The staff will also point out sites of historic interest, including "the site of a sisal plantation, historic Fort Barrette, and the ‘ghost town’ of Gilbert. We also talk about the present and future growth of the Leeward Area."
While at the Hawaiian Railway Society, guests are invited and encouraged to utilize the picnic area, browse the gift shop, and check out the old locomotives and train cars on display throughout the train yard, the oldest of which dates to 1888, several decades before Hawaii became an American state.
Fares are just $12 for adults and $8 for children from 2 to 12 years old as well as seniors over age 62. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis and go on sale two hours before the train departs: it is suggested you arrive at least 45 minutes early to snag tickets on the 180-passenger train. The Hawaiian Railway Society is located at 91-1001 Renton Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706. For more information, visit their website.
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