Hawai'i the Big Island - Hawaii - page 403

Beaches & Sights
Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park BEACH
Only real crazy buggahs would swim at windy, rugged Laupahoehoe, where the fierce
surf sometimes crashes up over the rocks and into the parking lot. But it is fabulously
pretty, with a scenic breakwater and fingers of volcanic rock thrusting out of the waves.
While relatively untouristed, there are full facilities for camping , restrooms and picnic
tables.
Stop here to view the memorial for the 24 schoolchildren and teachers who died in the
1946 tsunami. The school stood around the breathtakingly huge banyan tree toward your
right as you approach the park.
Laupahoehoe Train Museum MUSEUM
( 962-6300; www.thetrainmuseum.com ; 36-2377 Mamalahoa Hwy; adult/student/senior $6/3/
5; 9am-4:30pm Tue-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat & Sun; ) A Big Island classic, this unassuming
little museum fascinates with artifacts and photographs of the plantation railroad era,
contained within an old station agent's house. Be sure to see the video of the long-gone
coastal train, which reveals the amazing bridges that once curved across Hamakua val-
leys until, sadly, a tsunami swept them all away. Located between mile markers 25 and
26.
Sleeping & Eating
Old Jodo Temple B&B $$$
( 962-6967; www.vrbo.com/236574 ; r per night/week $125/750; ) This historic Buddhist
Temple (c 1899) offers a chance to relax in a beautiful private location deep in the tropic-
al valley near Laupahoehoe Point, and with ocean views. More or less restored to its ori-
ginal condition, it's nothing fancy but the authenticity adds to its charm; you'll feel
thrown back half a century at least.
Downstairs the house includes two large bedrooms (sleeps six), spacious living and
dining, airy porches and full kitchen. There's also a private yoga studio upstairs with bed
& bath for $150/950 per night/week. Groups can rent the whole place at a discount.
Washer/dryer available.
Back to the 50s Highway Fountain Diner DINER $