Hoʻokena beach

Hoʻokena is a beach location and village in Kauhako Bay, South Kona that is now known for a beach park, but was formerly a steamer port. Hoʻokena grew from a fishing village to a significant port town by the late 19th century, second only to Kailua-Kona.

Storm damage and desertion

The port village was struck repeatedly by storms and from the 1930s residents moved further north up the hill. By 1959 a travel journalist could record:
"In the deserted homes of Hookena hand-carved chests of drawers and tables were left behind. The bell-rope still dangles, but a strong pull on it might bring the termite-riddled steeple crashing into the church.
The steeple did collapse in 1983.