Laupāhoehoe, Ghost town in Hawaii County, United States

Laupāhoehoe is a ghost town in Hawaii County, United States, on the northeastern coast of the Big Island. The settlement sits on a raised point above the ocean, with a few remaining structures and a memorial marking the site.

Laupāhoehoe was a small fishing and farming village until a tsunami struck on April 1, 1946, destroying the school and killing many children and teachers. The village was never rebuilt, and the area was left as a memorial and a place of remembrance.

The name Laupāhoehoe refers to the flat lava rock in the area, and the site is still visited by local families who come to remember the children lost in the 1946 tsunami. A small memorial with a bell stands near the water, and people often leave flowers or shells there.

The site is reached by a short road off the main coastal highway, with parking near the memorial. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and exposure to sun and wind.

A bell from the destroyed school was recovered and now hangs at the memorial, and visitors can ring it in memory of the victims. The site also offers a clear view of the coastline where the tsunami waves came ashore.