Ghost Towns in Hawaii
10 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Hawaii.
All Ghost Towns
Kahakuloa
Kahakuloa is a remote Hawaiian village accessible only via a treacherous one-lane road. About 70 Native Hawaiians maintain traditional taro farming. T...
Kaimu
Kaimu was famous for its stunning black sand beach lined with coconut palms. In 1990, the eruption of Kilauea's Kūpaianaha vent sent slow-moving lava ...
Kalaupapa
Kalaupapa was a leper colony where patients were exiled from 1866 to 1969. Father Damien famously ministered to the sick. Today, fewer than 10 former ...
Kapoho / Vacationland
Kapoho and Vacationland were destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption—buried under 50-80 feet of lava. The communities included tide pools, vacation hom...
Kaunolu
Kaunolu was one of the largest fishing villages in ancient Hawaii and the summer retreat of King Kamehameha I. The site contains over 400 stone struct...
Keomuku
Keomuku was a short-lived sugar plantation town on Lanai. According to legend, the desecration of a nearby heiau for building materials brought a curs...
Kohala Sugar Plantation
Kohala was home to several sugar plantations that were the lifeblood of the region. When the last plantation closed in 1975, the towns emptied. Today,...
Lahaina
Lahaina was Hawaii's historic whaling capital and former royal seat. On August 8, 2023, wildfires destroyed 80% of the town, killing over 100 people. ...
Lapakahi
Lapakahi was a thriving Hawaiian fishing village for 600 years before being abandoned in the 1800s due to drought. The site is exceptionally well-pres...
Mahukona
Mahukona was once the primary shipping port for the Kohala Sugar Company. It had a railway, warehouses, and a bustling community. After the company sw...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Hawaii?
We have documented 10 ghost towns in Hawaii. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Hawaii safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Hawaii?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.