There is something strangely beautiful about man-made structures being taken back by the land — and Hawaii definitely has its fair share of abandoned places, artifacts, and ancient ruins. When people move on, the remains are often abandoned amid the landscape, and some of these places have been left to battle with nature for so long that they have become ruins that will almost certainly transport you to a bygone era of Hawaiian history. Slowly crumbling to the ground, that is the case with Lapakahi Village.
Nestled on the northern Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island, Lapakahi State Historical Park is home to 262 acres of Hawaiian history and breathtaking views.
Rosa Say/Flickr
Step back in time as you listen to the waves crash into the shore and feel the wind blowing down the slope of the mountain. Today, you will discover the park as early settlers did nearly 700 years ago.
James Joel/Flickr
“As they sailed into Koai‘e Cove, they rejoiced at the opportunity to safely land their canoes. The rolling hills and gulches sheltered this cove from the strong Kohala wind. The sea was rich in food and the soil nurtured their crops. Black stone walls and golden thatched roofs soon appeared on the landscape. Smoke from cooking fires filled the air. Canoes sailed from the beach and returned laden with fish,” reads the brochure you’ll find at the park.
Eliot Phillips/Flickr
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Within the park, you will find the one-mile Lapakahi Village Interpretive Trail, which loops its way through the partially restored remains of this ancient coastal fishing settlement, with a variety of historic structures to check out throughout the carefully-placed footpath.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The trail you will take today follows that which villagers once traveled from mauka to makai.
Jen/Flickr
While we will never know everything about the residents of this coastal village, we can glean insight into their daily lives from the things they left behind.
Steve/Flickr
Along the trail, you will find what remains of an ancient burial site, historic house sites, canoe storage houses, and various religious shrines or heiaus.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The state historical park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and guests can now learn about traditional Hawaiian lifestyles as they take a self-guided tour through the ancient ruins.
CHeitz/Flickr
Located offshore is the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District, and various water activities are regulated, and swimming is not advised.
Eliot Phillips/Flickr
Because the Kohala Coast is known for its hot weather and beating sun, it is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
CHeitz/Flickr
The trail is found within the Lapakahi State Historical Park on the northern Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island off of HI-270. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and you can learn more by visiting the Hawaii State Parks website.
Rosa Say/Flickr
James Joel/Flickr
Eliot Phillips/Flickr
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Jen/Flickr
Steve/Flickr
CHeitz/Flickr
Have you ever hiked the Lapahaki Village Interpretive Trail? What about these Hawaii hikes that lead to extraordinary ruins?
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