There’s A Little-Known, Fascinating Train Museum In Hawaii And You’ll Want To Visit
By Megan Shute|Published June 26, 2018
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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.
Unlike much of the American mainland, the Hawaiian Islands might not be known for their epic train travel, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have railroad history of our own. In fact, we still have a few places where you can experience this history first hand, from a historic train on Oahu’s southwest coast and the Kauai Plantation Railroad to this little-known train museum that is as fascinating as it is unique. Nestled along the Hamakua Heritage Coast of Hawaii Island, most people don’t even know the Laupahoehoe Train Museum exists, but if you love trains, this is one museum you’ll want to add to your Hawaii bucket list. All aboard!
In business for twenty years, the Laupahoehoe Museum is not only one of the state’s smallest museums but one of the most fascinating as well.
Located in the old station agent’s house and furnished as it would have been in the 1900s thanks to community residents who worked hard to restore and furnish the home themselves, the museum offers visitors a glimpse back into the history of train travel on Hawaii Island.
Inside you will find an extensive collection of photographs, railroad artifacts, and memorabilia. Learn all about the Hilo Railroad, which was originally built in 1899 and operated until 1946 when it was irreparably damaged by the massive April Fool’s Day tsunami. You will also learn about Hawaii’s plantation past and the history of the Hamakua Coast.
Built in order to service B.F. Dillingham’s sugar mill, the railroad once stretched between Hilo and Ola’a. The railroad’s main business was to transport raw sugar and other products to and from the mill, but it also provided passenger service.
A labor of love for this small Hawaii community, the museum is also home to an extensive collection of model trains keiki will love. The incredible award-winning display is fascinating, to say the least.
Now featured in the museum yard is an area known as the wye, a spot where the train engine’s direction could be switched. Here, you will find a working diesel switch engine, a replica standard gauge caboose, and a newly-restored narrow gauge boxcar.
Back inside, you’ll want to visit the small gift shop before you leave. A fun selection of handcrafted items, museum apparel, books, videos, artwork, and unique railroad toys are available for purchases.
All aboard! The Laupahoehoe Train Museum is located at 36-2377 Mamalahoa Hwy., Laupahoehoe, HI 96764, and is only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For more information, visit their website. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Hawaii’s magical museum of living plants.
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