Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Kōkeʻe State Park

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Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Kōkeʻe State Park

- Location: along Hawaii Route 550 in Waimea, Kauaʻi, Hawaii.
- Built in 1935 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The lumber for the camp was floated ashore at Port Allen and soaked in seawater to help protect it from termites.
- Work and legacy: CCC crews built trails, roads, and fences; planted more than a million trees on Kauaʻi; helped fight forest fires; removed feral animals; and collected tree seeds.
- It is the last surviving CCC camp in a natural setting in Hawaii; the other four camps have been absorbed by development.
- World War II: In 1943, the camp was used by the 443d Airlift Wing.
- Later uses: Job Corps (1966–1973) and then Youth Conservation Corps.
- Abandoned after Hurricane Iwa in 1982.
- Restoration and current use: In the 1990s, Hui O Laka, a local environmental group, restored the camp and it is now open to visitors by arrangement.
- Historic status: Listed on both the Hawaii Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1996.
- The site includes 17 contributing buildings/sites and 3 non-contributing ones.
- Funding and maintenance: The Hawaii Legislature provided a $20,000 grant in 1990 for renovations; volunteers and Hui O Laka continue to maintain and operate the camp.
- Visiting: Reservations are required for overnight stays; stays are mainly for Hui O Laka volunteers and researchers with advance payment. Large groups may be allowed with prior approval.
- Some later buildings (built after 1950) are non-contributing to the historic status.