The railroad continued to grow during the 20th century with a 33.5-mile line up the Hamakua coast. It began as the Hilo Railroad chartered on March 28th, 1899, to connect the Olaa sugar mill with Waiakea, running a distance of 8 miles.Īs the years passed the railroad made numerous extensions, which included lines to Olaa, Kapoho (17 miles), Hilo itself and later a 12.5-mile line north of Olaa to Glenwood (the latter was scaled back in the early 1930's). The Big Island's history is best known for the Hawaii Consolidated Railway, the state's only standard-gauge operation. Scenic Train Rides In Other States, Complete Guides
On Septemthe Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States signedĪn agreement allowing the latter to harvest sugar, at no cost to Hawaii, for the right to establish a coaling station at Pearl River Lagoon.
The introduction of railroads in Hawaii was