Take a Trip Back in Time - Laupahoehoe Train Museum
Welcome to the Laupahoehoe Train Museum!
The purpose of the Laupahoehoe Train Museum is to preserve, promote and protect the istoric, cultural, educational, social, civic and economic, interests of the North Hilo and Hamakua districts, while highlighting the history of the railroads on the island of Hawaii.
We are a small, community-run museum located on the beautiful Hamakua Heritage Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Our goal is to honor the colorful history of our island's railroads. With much of our information about the Hilo Railroad, which began in 1899 and lasted to 1946, when railroad tracks and facilities were irreparably damaged by
a devastating tsunami. The museum is located in the old station agent's house, which is furnished as it would have been in the early 1900's. Our photo collection keeps growing thanks to the generous donations from individuals and families having railroad connections.
Visitors are welcomed with the spirit of aloha, and will find fascinating photographs, railroad artifacts, memorabilia from days gone by. Our small gift shop boasting unique items hand-crafted by local residents. Many of the museum's volunteers have spent their lives in the community, and are delighted to "talk story" with visitors. The museum grounds are planted with tropical fruit trees and ornamentals, and make a lovely place to stroll, picnic or relax.
We are located along Highway 19 near mile marker 25. Follow the brown Hilo-Hamakua Heritage Corridor signs along the Highway 19 roadway. Look for the railroad crossing signs and the big red caboose on our front lawn! We are just across the road from the coast's only service station. Public restrooms are available in the museum. We are approximately 30 minutes from Hilo, and 25 minutes from Honoka'a. Our physical address is 36-2377 Mamalahoa Hwy. Laupahoehoe, HI 96764
Hours & Admissions
We are open daily, from 9 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, and from 10 am to 2 pm on weekends. We are closed on all major holidays. Admission is Adults $6.00, Seniors and Kama'aina $5.00, students $3.00 and Family rate is $15.00 with special rates for tours. For additional information and group tours call us at: (808) 962-6300; write us at: Laupahoehoe Train Museum, P.O. Box 358, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764; or email us at laupahoehoetrainmuseum@yahoo.com . Memberships Available
We are a community run, non profit 501c3 museum that depends on donations and membership to stay on track. Your membership and donations are tax deductible.
Your membership includes:
Admission to the museum for one year. The right to attend the annual membership meetings.
A replica HCR Railway card. The opportunity to take part in any ongoing restoration projects.
An annual newsletter. The knowledge that you help preserve Hawaii Island history.
Gandy Dancer $25 Brakeman $40
Fireman $100 Conductor $500
Engineer $1000 Any Other $ to Support Historic Preservation