Lapakahi State Historical Park, Kohala: Big Island, Hawaii

How did the Hawai'ians of olden time survive in such an inhospitable, barren wasteland as Kohala? At Lapakahi (meaning "single ridge") State Historical Park you can walk through the partially --restored remains of a 600-year old Hawai'ian fishing village, Koai'e.

One must bear in mind that Kohala was not always the barren wasteland seen today. Initially dryland forest, a thousand years ago or more the native Hawai'ians burned the forest to clear farmland for dryland crops such as sweet potato. Primitive farming techniques, overpopulation, erosion from storms, lava flows and lack of irrigation water eventually desertified much of the previously forested coast. With the coming of Europeans, over-grazing by cattle prevented the ecosystem from repairing itself once the native Hawai'ians had deserted it.

Contrary to what Park staff may tell you, snorkeling is both permissible and delightful in Koai'e Cove, adjacent to this site.

Admission is free, self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes. Portable toilets, no water.

For more information, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com.

Today's Weather Forecast

Point Forecast: Kailua Kona HI 19.63N -156W (Elev. 0 ft) Last Update: 4:44 am HST Mar 1, 2008 Forecast Valid: 7am HST Mar 1, 2008-6pm HST Mar 7, 2008

Today Sunny Hi 76°F Tonight Mostly Clear Lo 72°F Sunday Sunny Hi 75°F Sunday Night Mostly Clear Lo 72°F Monday Sunny Hi 75°F Monday Night Mostly Clear Lo 72°F Tuesday Sunny Hi 77°F Tuesday Night Mostly Clear Lo 72°F Wednesday Sunny Hi 77°F Today: Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind around 5 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Light east wind. Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph. Monday: Sunny, with a high near 75. West wind around 6 mph. Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Light west wind. Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. West wind around 6 mph. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph. Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. East wind around 9 mph. Friday: Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. For more information, go here.