Ainahou Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ainahou Ranch
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The house at Ainahou Ranch
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Off Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1941 |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001619 |
| Added to NRHP | February 8, 1995 |
Ainahou Ranch is a historic place located near the Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Its name, ʻaina hou, means "new land" in Hawaiian. This ranch has a unique history. It was once a working cattle ranch. It also played a big part in saving an endangered Hawaiian bird called the nēnē.
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Ainahou Ranch: A Historic Hawaiian Spot
A Ranch with a Special Story
The Shipman family started Ainahou Ranch in 1937. They leased about 6,324 acres of land near the Kīlauea volcano. The family built a house on this remote ranch in 1941. They wanted it as a safe place in case of an invasion during World War II.
The ranch was also used to raise cattle. They provided beef for the military during the war.
Saving the Nēnē Birds
In 1946, a huge ocean wave called a tsunami hit another Shipman property. It sadly killed many nēnē birds that Herbert Shipman was raising there. The nēnē is a special Hawaiian goose.
After this, he built new pens at Ainahou Ranch to continue raising them. After World War II, only about 30 nēnē birds were left in the wild. Herbert Shipman worked hard to save them. He released two pairs of nēnē into a safe area. He also worked with a British bird expert named Peter Scott. Together, they expanded the breeding program to England. Their efforts likely saved the nēnē from disappearing forever.
The Shipman family also grew many rare plants at the ranch. This included some of the first orchids grown on the island. Herbert Shipman was even given a gold medal in 1957 for his important work with orchids.
A New Home in the Park
In 1969, a lava flow from the volcano threatened the ranch house. The family had to leave. In 1971, the family agreed to sell the land and house to the National Park Service. It became part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This was done to help protect endangered species, like the nēnē.
Ainahou Ranch was recognized as an important historic site. It was added to Hawaii's list of historic places in 1973. Later, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii in 1995.
