Hakalau, Hawaii facts for kids
Hakalau is a small community on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's located along the Hamakua coast, about 15 miles (24 km) north of Hilo.
A stream called Hakalau Stream starts on the slopes of Mauna Kea mountain. It flows down and empties into the Pacific Ocean at Hakalau Bay.
Hakalau was once a busy town because of its large sugarcane plantation. Many different groups of people lived and worked there. The plantation started to slow down in the early 1960s. The sugar mill finally closed in 1974.
Today, people in Hakalau have small family farms. They grow tropical fruits, taro, flowers, and coffee. Some also raise cattle. You can still see old buildings from the plantation days. These include a manager's home, two warehouses, and an old theater. The theater now serves as the Hakalau post office. You can also see the ruins of the old sugar mill near the bay.
In the 1800s, Hakalau Bay was used for moving goods and people. Smaller boats would transfer things to bigger ships there. Now, the bay is popular with local surfers and fishermen. There's also a small county park with picnic tables. It's a nice spot to enjoy the ocean.
High above the town, on the slopes of Mauna Kea, is the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. This special area protects about 32,733 acres (132.47 km2) of land. It helps keep the local wildlife safe. The World Botanical Gardens are also located nearby.
Hakalau's Early Days and Name
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Before Captain Cook arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1778, only Native Hawaiians lived on the islands. The name "Hakalau" likely means "many bird perches."
After 1778, people from other parts of the world came to Hawaii. One of these was Lau Sung Iu from China. He was a tall man from the Hakka people. He came to Hawaii Island and later opened a store outside of Hilo.
His store became a popular stopping place for travelers along the Hamakua Coast. People started calling the area "Hakalau" after him. The name combines "Hakka" (his people) and "Lau" (his last name).
See also
In Spanish: Hakalau para niños
