Kapoho, Hawaii, Hawaii County: Kapoho was once a vibrant town on the eastern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its lush landscapes and tranquil surroundings, this town held a special place in the hearts of its inhabitants before nature took its course. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Hawaii County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 19.4956° N, 154.8297° W
Elevation: Approximately 59 feet (18 meters)
Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: 1960
Comments: Kapoho was a quaint village known for its close-knit community and serene environment. It was primarily a farming community, rich in agriculture, particularly known for its sugarcane fields and papaya farms.
Remains: After the 1960 eruption of the Kilauea volcano, much of Kapoho was buried under lava. The eruption destroyed most of the town, including homes, farms, and infrastructure. Today, the area remains largely covered by hardened lava, with few remnants of the original structures visible.
Current Status: Kapoho is considered a ghost town. Its lands are mostly uninhabited, and due to its location in a volcanic hazard zone, the general public has limited access to them.
Remarks: The 1960 eruption was a pivotal event in Kapoho’s history, reshaping the landscape and marking the end of an era for the town. Despite the devastation, Kapoho is remembered fondly by former residents and visitors alike.
It stands as a tribute to the powerful forces of nature that can alter the course of human settlement.
