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Maulua Bridge, Hawaii / Unknown/uncredited photographer(s), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Maulua Bridge, Hawaii / Unknown/uncredited photographer(s), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mo'ikeha Railroad Bridges: Relics of Kauai's Past

Shaka Guide

Listen to audio sample:

Picture this:  You’re in front of the Mo’ikeha Canal. There are 2 bridges. One to your right, by the river mouth, the other to your left, near the road. The bridge to your left was originally built as part of the railroad track that carried sugarcane from the fields to the mills, where it was processed. Later, the trains also transported pineapple, from the fields to the harbor in Lihue to be shipped to Honolulu and beyond.

Before these railroad tracks were built, everything had to be transported by pack animals. Of course, this all changed dramatically with the construction of rail. Hundreds of miles of train track ran all over Kauai until the early 1950s. Can you imagine back in the day, those steam trains blowing their whistles for all the town to hear?

Of course, you will see the Kapaa bike path, but if you look really carefully you will notice another smaller concrete bridge below it. Yup, you guessed it, it’s another railroad track from the glorious plantation days.

You will find the original railroad track embedded in the concrete bridge, but it’s still visible. And that nice boardwalk along the coast is called the Kauai bike path. It’s a perfect place for walking, jogging, or cycling.

 

Want to explore Kapa'a some more?

It's a stop on our Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour!

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