Laupahoehoe HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Laupahoehoe, Hawaii.
1. Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park
SCENIC COASTAL PARADISE
Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park features breathtaking ocean panoramas, crashing surf, and craggy lava rocks surrounded by lush vegetation. The park offers a scenic breakwater and fingers of lava rock jutting out of the waves, making it popular with local families for picnics and camping with full facilities available. Despite its tragic past related to the 1946 tsunami, it promises a relaxing day with gorgeous views and coastal imagery.
2. Laupahoehoe Train Museum
SUGAR ERA HISTORY
Laupahoehoe Train Museum houses a prized collection of photographs documenting the history of the sugar era and the Hawaii Consolidated Railroad. The museum is located overlooking Laupahoehoe's picturesque vista on Mamalahoa Highway, welcoming visitors daily with varying hours. Community efforts have restored the track, engine, and caboose while designing an improved walking path off the main highway along an old stretch of road down to Laupahoehoe Point.
3. Magical Creatures Sanctuary
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
Magical Creatures Sanctuary offers guided tours where visitors can meet and interact with the resident farm animals. Guests spend a few hours learning about the animals and their care at this unique Laupahoehoe attraction. The sanctuary provides an educational and heartwarming experience for animal lovers of all ages.
4. Hamakua Heritage Farm
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Hamakua Heritage Farm is one of Laupahoehoe's popular attractions showcasing Hawaii's agricultural traditions. Visitors can explore the working farm and learn about sustainable farming practices used on the Big Island. The farm offers insight into local crops and production methods that have been part of Hawaii's heritage for generations.
5. Nakihalani Farm
TROPICAL FARM TOURS
Nakihalani Farm is a distinctive agricultural attraction in Laupahoehoe offering visitors a glimpse into tropical farming. The farm showcases various native and introduced plants that thrive in Hawaii's unique climate and soil conditions. Guests can enjoy guided tours to learn about sustainable agriculture practices and sample fresh local produce.
6. Umauma Falls eBike Tour
WATERFALL ADVENTURE RIDE
Umauma Falls eBike Tour takes visitors on an exciting ride through the lush landscapes near Laupahoehoe. Participants can enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island while making their way to the stunning Umauma Falls with minimal effort thanks to electric-assisted bikes. The tour combines adventure, exercise, and incredible scenery for a memorable Hawaii experience.
7. Big Island Zipline Adventure
THRILLING CANOPY EXPERIENCE
Big Island Zipline Adventure offers an exhilarating way to experience the Hamakua Coast's stunning landscapes near Laupahoehoe. Participants soar above the tropical forest canopy, enjoying unique perspectives of waterfalls, streams, and lush vegetation. The zipline course provides both adrenaline and amazing photo opportunities in a safe, guided environment.
8. Botanical World Gardens
TROPICAL PLANT PARADISE
Botanical World Gardens showcases the incredible diversity of tropical plants that thrive in Hawaii's climate near Laupahoehoe. Visitors can stroll through meticulously maintained gardens featuring both native Hawaiian species and exotic plants from around the world. The gardens offer educational signage, peaceful walking paths, and a chance to connect with Hawaii's natural beauty.
9. ATV Waterfall Tour
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
The Deluxe ATV Waterfall Tour provides an exciting off-road adventure through the rugged terrain of the Hamakua Coast near Laupahoehoe. Participants navigate specially designed all-terrain vehicles to access remote waterfalls and scenic vistas not accessible by regular vehicles. The tour combines the thrill of driving with opportunities to swim in natural pools and enjoy Hawaii's pristine landscapes.
10. Akaka Falls State Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALL VISTA
Akaka Falls State Park features a stunning 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a stream-eroded gorge not far from Laupahoehoe. Visitors can take a pleasant loop trail through lush tropical vegetation to view both Akaka Falls and the smaller 100-foot Kahuna Falls. The well-maintained paved pathway offers multiple scenic lookout points and an immersive rainforest experience with minimal physical exertion required.
11. Hamakua Mushrooms
GOURMET FUNGUS FARM
Hamakua Mushrooms offers visitors a unique agricultural tour focused on exotic mushroom varieties grown in Laupahoehoe. The farm specializes in cultivating gourmet mushrooms using sustainable methods adapted to Hawaii's specific climate conditions. Guests can learn about the growing process, sample fresh mushrooms, and purchase farm products to take home.
12. Waipio Valley Lookout
SACRED VALLEY VISTA
Waipio Valley Lookout provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the "Valley of the Kings," a sacred and historically significant location not far from Laupahoehoe. Visitors can gaze down at the lush valley floor, black sand beach, and dramatic cliffs that drop nearly 2,000 feet from the viewing platform. The valley has deep cultural importance to Native Hawaiians as the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and continues to be a working taro farm with limited access to preserve its natural beauty.
13. Laupahoehoe Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
Laupahoehoe Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans to showcase the best of Big Island produce and crafts. Visitors can browse stalls filled with tropical fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, and handmade items while chatting with the people who grew or created them. The market provides a genuine taste of Hawaiian community life and an opportunity to support local businesses.
14. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
OCEANFRONT PLANT COLLECTION
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a spectacular 40-acre natural greenhouse of tropical plants located just a short drive from Laupahoehoe. The garden features over 2,000 species of tropical plants along winding paths that lead past waterfalls, streams, and dramatic ocean views. Visitors can explore this living museum that preserves rare and endangered tropical plants while enjoying the natural beauty of Hawaii's rainforest meeting the Pacific Ocean.
15. Onomea Bay Trail
HISTORIC COASTAL PATH
Onomea Bay Trail offers a scenic coastal hiking experience along a historic route not far from Laupahoehoe. The trail winds through lush vegetation, passing by striking ocean vistas and remnants of the old Hilo Railroad. Hikers can enjoy the moderate 2.5-mile round trip that showcases both natural beauty and cultural history of the Big Island's northeastern coast.