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Smaller Hawaiʻi Island stops: Mokupāpapa, Paniolo Heritage, Honokaʻa, Laupāhoehoe Train

MuseumsHawaiʻi IslandChecked Oct. 29, 2026

Smaller Hawaiʻi Island museums worth a stop, several of them free: Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ocean life), the Paniolo Heritage Center in Waimea, the Honokaʻa Heritage Center and the volunteer-run Laupāhoehoe Train Museum.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center: 76 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Papahānaumokuākea marine life and an aquarium.
Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables: 67-139 Pukalani Rd, Waimea (Kamuela). Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Hawaiian cowboy history.
Honokaʻa Heritage Center: 45-3490 Māmane St, Honokaʻa. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free (donations welcome).
Laupāhoehoe Train Museum: 36-2377 Māmalahoa Hwy, Laupāhoehoe. Usually Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $10 adults. Volunteer-run, so call ahead.
Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed for renovation; a temporary welcome center is at Kīlauea Military Camp.

Map from Hilo airport (ITO)Directions from where I am

Source: Love Big Island: Big Island museums (verified Oct. 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.

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