Laupahoehoe
Laupahoehoe is a community found on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. It is situated between green hills and the Pacific Ocean’s blue waters, offering a combination of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor activities to visitors.
The name “Laupahoehoe” means “taro leaf” in Hawaiian, reflecting its past as a home to ancient Hawaiian farmers who cultivated taro in the volcanic soil. Now, Laupahoehoe is known for its striking coastline, with cliffs, rocky formations, and black sand beaches. A scenic overlook and beach park can be found here, showcasing a bay, picnic areas, and a memorial for the 1946 tsunami victims.
Laupahoehoe also has a rich cultural history, once hosting a sugar plantation. Remnants of the old sugar mill and other historical structures can still be seen. The Laupahoehoe Train Museum is another attraction, exhibiting the area’s railroad history and its impact on the Big Island’s development. For those seeking outdoor activities, Laupahoehoe provides hiking, fishing, and snorkeling opportunities. Akaka Falls State Park and Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve are nearby, offering waterfalls, hiking trails, birdwatching, and coastal views.
Flights To Laupahoehoe
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Alaska Airline phone no: 1-800-252-7522
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American Airlines phone no: 800-433-7300
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Cathay Pacific phone no: 080005 02163
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Escape to Hawaii with Hawaiian Airlines. Experience island culture, comfort, and exclusive deals.
Hawaiian Airlines phone no: 1-800-367-5320
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Japan Airlines phone no: 1800 102 4135
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Philippine Airlines phone no: 1-800-435-9725
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Qantas Airways phone no: 022 6111 1818
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United Airlines phone no: 00 1 800-864-8331
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Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Laupahoehoe
- Book in advance: Airfare prices tend to go up as the departure date approaches, so it’s a good idea to book your flights as far in advance as possible.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates and consider traveling during off-peak times.
- Use flight comparison websites: There are several websites that allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines at once, such as Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights. These websites can help you find the best deal on flights to the Big Island.
- Sign up for airline email alerts: Many airlines offer email alerts for fare sales and discounts. Sign up for these alerts to stay informed about the latest deals.
- Consider alternative airports: If you’re willing to drive a bit, consider flying into a nearby airport, such as Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui or Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu, and then taking a short flight or ferry to the Big Island.
Places To Visit
Natural Attractions
- Laupahoehoe Point Scenic Overlook: This scenic overlook offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. It’s a great spot for picnics, photography, and whale watching (during the winter months).
- Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park: This beach park features a beautiful bay, picnic areas, and a historic memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1946 tsunami. It’s a great spot for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling.
- Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve: This natural area reserve offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and stunning views of the coastline. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
Cultural Attractions
- Laupahoehoe Train Museum: This museum showcases the history of the area’s railroad and its role in the development of the Big Island. It features exhibits on the sugar industry, the plantation era, and the 1946 tsunami.
- Old Sugar Mill Ruins: These ruins are the remains of the old sugar mill that once operated in Laupahoehoe. They offer a glimpse into the area’s plantation past and are a great spot for photography.
Historical Sites
- St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Church: This historic church was built in 1899 and is one of the oldest churches on the Big Island. It features beautiful stained glass windows and a peaceful cemetery.
- Laupahoehoe Japanese Language School: This historic school was built in 1922 and served as a language school for Japanese immigrants. It’s now a museum that showcases the history of the Japanese community in Laupahoehoe.
Outdoor Activities
- Akaka Falls State Park: This state park features two beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and hiking trails. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Onomea Bay: This bay features a beautiful beach, a botanical garden, and hiking trails. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.
- Hilo: The nearby town of Hilo offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. It’s also home to several museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
Food and Drink
- Hilo Bay Cafe: This popular restaurant in Hilo serves farm-to-table cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. It offers stunning views of Hilo Bay and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
- Big Island Coffee Roasters: This local coffee roastery offers tours of its farm and roasting facility in nearby Kona. It also has a cafe in Hilo where visitors can sample its award-winning coffee.
- Kona Brewing Company: This popular brewery in Kona offers tours of its brewery and a tasting room where visitors can sample its wide variety of beers. It also has a restaurant in Hilo that serves delicious pub food.
Shopping
- Hilo Farmers Market: This bustling farmers market in Hilo offers a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. It’s a great spot to stock up on souvenirs and gifts.
- Basically Books: This independent bookstore in Hilo offers a wide selection of books, magazines, and gifts. It’s a great spot for book lovers and browsers.
- Sig Zane Designs: This local clothing and design store in Hilo offers a wide variety of aloha wear, accessories, and home decor. It’s a great spot to find unique, locally made gifts.
Best Vacation Spots
- Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park: This beach park is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. It features a beautiful bay, picnic areas, and a historic memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1946 tsunami. The park also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline.
- Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve: This natural area reserve is a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. It features lush rainforests, hiking trails, and stunning views of the coastline.
- Akaka Falls State Park: This state park is a must-visit attraction on the Big Island. It features two beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and hiking trails. The park is located just a short drive from Laupahoehoe and is a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Hilo: The nearby town of Hilo offers a variety of vacation spots, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Hilo is a great base for exploring the Big Island, with its museums, art galleries, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
- Onomea Bay: This bay is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. It features a beautiful beach, a botanical garden, and hiking trails. The bay is located just a short drive from Laupahoehoe and is a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Laupahoehoe Train Museum: This museum is a great spot for history buffs and train enthusiasts. It showcases the history of the area’s railroad and its role in the development of the Big Island. The museum is located in the heart of Laupahoehoe and is a great spot for learning about the community’s past.
Where To Stay
- Hilo Seaside Hotel: This 3-star hotel is located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Laupahoehoe. It offers comfortable guest rooms, ocean views, and is located near several restaurants and shops.
- Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This 3-star hotel is also located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Laupahoehoe. It offers spacious guest rooms, a swimming pool, and is located near several restaurants and shops.
- Naniloa Hotel Hilo: This 3-star hotel is located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Laupahoehoe. It offers oceanfront guest rooms, a swimming pool, and is located near several restaurants and shops.
- The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls: This 3-star hotel is located in Hilo, about a 35-minute drive from Laupahoehoe. It offers private cottages and guest rooms, a swimming pool, and is located near a beautiful waterfall.
Best Time To Visit
- Weather: The weather in Laupahoehoe is generally warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, the area can experience occasional rainfall, particularly during the winter months from November to March.
- Crowds: Laupahoehoe is a relatively quiet and less-touristy area of the Big Island, so it’s not as affected by crowds as some other parts of Hawaii. However, peak tourist season typically runs from December to April, so you may encounter more visitors during this time.
- Activities: If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, or surfing, the summer months from May to October are generally the best time to visit, as the waters are calmer and the weather is more predictable.
- Events: Laupahoehoe hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Laupahoehoe Music Festival in May and the Laupahoehoe Ho’olaule’a and Cultural Festival in October. If you’re interested in attending these events, you may want to plan your visit accordingly.