Historic Locomotives
Historic Locomotives
Ride the legacy of Kaua‘i’s sugar era
At Waioli & Nuhou, our locomotive collection is among the rarest and most complete in Hawai‘i, four original steam engines that once hauled cane across plantations, now lovingly restored and maintained. These engines are not just static displays; with careful preservation, we bring them to life for educational tours and special train rides.
What You’ll Experience
Step Aboard a Piece of History
Ride in cane cars pulled by restored steam engines, just as workers once did during Kaua‘i’s plantation era.
Feel the Power of Steam
Hear the hiss of steam, smell the coal, and experience the rhythm of these remarkable machines brought back to life.
Explore the Roundhouse
Visit the original 1943 roundhouse in Puhi, where the locomotives are maintained and cared for by dedicated volunteers.
Learn the Stories Behind the Engines
Each locomotive, Paulo, Wainiha, Kaipu, and Wahiawa, carries its own unique history of service, resilience, and innovation.
Family-Friendly Events
Enjoy Train Days and special programs that welcome children, families, and history enthusiasts alike for hands-on learning.
STEAM LOCOMOTIVES
PAULO-1887
OLDEST RESTORED LOCOMOTIVE ON KAUAI
Grove Farm is a keystone to understanding how the plantation economy, land stewardship, and cultural exchange shaped this island. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the site tells stories of power, labor, change, and resilience. Visiting Grove Farm lets you witness how one family’s vision and responsibility to their land and community continue today under Waioli & Nuhou’s stewardship.
WAINIHA-1915
LAST STEAM POWERED CANE SUGAR TRAIN IN HAWAII
Wainiha was named for the North Shore stream and could pull up to 50 cars. McBryde Sugar Plantation sold it to Lihue Plantation in 1947, and Grove Farm Company bought the locomotive in 1955. It was in use until 1957 making Grove Farm Company the last sugar plantation to haul cane by steam. Grove Farm Company gifted Wainiha to Miss Mabel Wilcox who funded its restoration in 1975.
WAHIAWA-1921
ONE OF THE LAST STEAM LOCOMOTIVES BROUGHT TO HAWAII
Named for a Kauai westside stream, Wahiawa was built in 1921 for the Kauai Railway Company. It was sold to McBryde Sugar Plantation in 1938 and to Grove Farm Company in 1947. Wainiha, Kaipu and Wahiawa were all built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and were originally coal or oil fueled.
KAIPU-1925
ONE OF THE LAST STEAM LOCOMOTIVES BROUGHT TO HAWAII
Built in 1925 for the Hawaiian Sugar Company on Kauai’s westside, Kaipu was purchased by Grove Farm Company in 1945 and ran until 1953. It was named for George Wilcox’s right-hand man, and one of his first workers at Grove Farm. Kaipu was restored to operating condition in 1982, and again to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2025. Kaipu is our current featured locomotive for Train Days.
Plan Your Visit
With our Historic Locomotives tour, you’ll touch, see, and hear these steam giants in motion (on appointed “fire-up” days). To preserve this piece of history, rides are limited and must be reserved in advance. Whether you come as a family, a history buff, or a student group, the experience is designed to be both educational and moving.
Locomotive Learning Park:
Fridays & 1st Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.
Train Depot
2970 Haleko Road
Lihue, HI
