Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Koke'e State Park

The Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Koke'e State Park is a historic work settlement with eleven wood-frame buildings arranged around a central grass quadrangle. The complex sits within a forest of koa and ohia trees that surround three sides of the site, while the former administration building now serves as a natural history museum.

The camp was established in 1935 to provide employment for workers during the economic crisis of the Great Depression. The wooden buildings were constructed using saltwater-treated lumber, which offered long-lasting protection against termite damage.

The camp shows how the government employed people and organized their work lives during the 1930s. The wooden buildings and their layout reflect the daily routines and living conditions typical for workers of that era.

The museum in the former administration building displays information about the site's history and can be viewed on a self-guided basis. The location is easily walkable but situated in a mountain forest, so visitors should bring weather-appropriate clothing.

The camp was one of five similar projects across Hawaii and remains the only one to survive completely intact. Its longevity owes much to the saltwater-treated wood that has protected the buildings from the harsh forest environment.