Demolition crews Friday took the top off Kauhola Point Lighthouse.
Story by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor
Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Marci Elizondo | www.LighthouseLiquorsHI.com
Kauhola Point Lighthouse is no more.
Demolition on the 86-foot concrete lighthouse began Friday and could be complete within three days, much to the dismay of nostalgic residents.
First lit in 1933, the lighthouse used to be 80 feet from the shoreline. Today, erosion has chewed 35 feet off the coast and the 2006 earthquakes swallowed another 6 feet in one gulp.
The unmanned lighthouse was becoming unsafe and could fall without warning; and the Coast Guard has no money in the budget to save the Kapaau landmark.
The Coast Guard already has placed more modern navigation equipment farther inland, but residents say it’s just not the same.
The lighthouse long has been a highlight for tourists, and a gathering point for surfers, campers and parties.
See related post with VR image: Kauhola Lighthouse in Kohala to be removed by Coast Guard
Such a sad story. I was able to get to this lighthouse once while visiting Hawaii. It’s unfortunate that it couldn’t be saved but in reality the money is needed more elsewhere.
such a sin!
Glad we had an opportunity to photograph this light during our “Boucher Hawaii Lighthouse Tour”.
This is so sad! What a beautiful location it was in and it was so close to the cliff 5 years ago. We are so lucky to have photographed it back in 2004.
This is a natural treasure. How could this happen?
We can pay for the health care of illegal aliens but can save this lighthouse?
Somebody’s got their priorities messed up!
Heartbreaking!! We visited this lighthouse on our honeymoon, and it was breathtaking! The entire location was just so picturesque! I’m glad we were able to see and photograph this light, but am sad my children will never have that opportunity.