Māhukona was a traditional ahupuaʻa (land division) that extended from a bay to the slopes of Kohala mountain.

The first sugarcane plantation in the Kohala district was started by Elias Bond in 1863, but transportation proved difficult.

Wilder's idea was to transport sugarcane from plantations on the wet windward side of Kohala to Māhukona where ships could land.

Samuel Parker planned a railroad from the east coast to the port of Hilo, but was unable to fund the project.

[4] Work was begun in 1881, the first track opened in 1882, and by 1883 had reached about 20 miles (32 km) to the plantation at Niuliʻi, 20°13′23″N 155°44′48″W / 20.22306°N 155.74667°W / 20.22306; -155.74667 (Niulii, Hawaii).

[6] He had plans to extend his railroad to Hilo, but that did not happen until after his death, built by the Hawaii Consolidated Railway.

[13] The land-holding company was renamed the Kohala Preserve Conservation Trust, LLC, but encountered opposition from area residents.