Laupāhoehoe is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States, in the District of North Hilo. The population was 581 at the 2010 census, up from 473 at the 2000 census. The community's name means "lava tip" and refers to the angular lava tip or cape formed by ancient pāhoehoe (smooth lava) flows which created the cape on which the community was built.

History

left|thumb|View of Laupāhoehoe Point from the highway near the signage shown below

left|thumb|Road signage overlooking Laupāhoehoe Point

left|thumb|Concrete reinforcements at Laupāhoehoe

On April 1, 1946, the Hawaiian Islands were struck by the so-called "April Fools Day tsunami", originating from the Aleutian Islands earthquake. Approximately 159 people in the islands were killed. The tsunami had the largest impact on the Big Island, with the greatest number of deaths occurring in Hilo with 96 fatalities. The school building at Laupāhoehoe was inundated by the tsunami and 24 people drowned. Of the dead, 16 were schoolchildren, four were teachers, and four were residents. A monument to the dead now stands on Laupāhoehoe Point.

Geography

Laupāhoehoe is located on the northeast side of the island of Hawaii, at (19.983296, -155.235889). Hawaii Route 19 passes through the community, leading southeast to Hilo and west to Waimea.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , of which are land and , or 10.66%, are water.

|source 2 = XMACIS2

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 581 people in 214 households residing in the CDP. The population density was . There were 243 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the CDP was 36.49% White, 0.34% African American, 0.17% American Indian & Alaska Native, 24.44% Asian, 4.82% Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 32.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.59% of the population.

There were 214 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The average household size was 2.71. Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School is in the community.

The Hawaii State Public Library System operates the Laupahoehoe Public and School Library.

References

  • Laupāhoehoe, Hawai'i is at coordinates .
  • Laupahoehoe Train Museum