Ainahou Ranch

Ainahou Ranch is a property on Hawaii's island featuring two bungalows constructed with natural redwood siding, positioned among native ohia trees with characteristic gabled metal roofing. The structures blend American Craftsman design with practical adaptations for the tropical volcanic environment where they sit.

Herbert C. Shipman established the ranch in 1941 as a refuge amid World War II, later converting it into a cattle operation. The property grew to serve as a local beef supplier during the military era.

The property carries a name rooted in the local environment, connecting the ranch to the Hawaiian landscape and its natural elements. The place reflects how different eras of settlement shaped daily life in this volcanic region.

The site is located within the national park boundaries and is best visited during daylight hours when visibility is clearest. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended since the terrain is uneven and vegetation is thick throughout the property.

The property served a critical role in saving the Hawaiian nene goose, a native bird species that nearly disappeared in the 1940s. Shipman started breeding programs on the grounds that allowed the species to recover in the wild.