Laupahoehoe Train Museum

We spotted this museum on our way to Laupahoehoe point and decided to stop-​in & check it out during our next trip to the area a few days later. What a gem! They request donations, so don’t be a cheapskate and give a few bucks.
The docent who greeted us was a Great Great Grandmother who grew up and raised her family a short distance from where the museum is located. She was able to give us a first-​hand account of the Tsunami that destroyed the railroad in 1946 and told us about her life here on the Big Island.
The museum is a bit of a hodge podge, but as you poke your way around looking at photographs, old news stories and collectible relics, you begin to get a clear picture of how this island subsisted before tourism became its number one economy.
If you are a fan of trains, then I think you’ll enjoy learning about the railroad history on the Big Island. If you have some kids with you, the staff will be more than happy to let you gain access to their train room and the caboose.

Ditto on «teresita’s» review… This Museum is a true slice of Hawaiin-​Americana.
I am insane about trains and this place is a mecca for trainofiles such as myself. They’ve got a set of abandoned tracks out back (remnants of the Hilo Railroad, which began in 1899 and lasted to 1946) that leads into the overgrown hillside that just beckons you to start hiking… It’s like a scene from Lord of the Rings. especially considering the railroad was killed by a tsunami!
DEFNITELY worth the visit back in time!!!

This kooky little community-​run museum is on the amazing Hamakua Heritage Coast of the Big Island, just about 30 minutes from Hilo. It is a must stop for anyone who likes trains or train memorabilia. It’s set inside an old railway company home and is furnished in total 1930’s style.
The docent who was working the day I stopped in was a high school girl with a bubbly personality and genuine appreciation for her community. I was enchanted with her stories and she seemed fascinated with visitors from around the world.
It was just so precious I wanted to wrap the whole museum in a napkin and put it in my pocket. There was even a whole other little building with model trains that would make any Thomas the train engine-​er feel as if they’d gone to heaven.
Clean bathrooms, cheap admission, gift shop and drinks if you’re thirsty. Go on, give em some love.