Hoʻokena is a beach location and village in Kauhako Bay,[1] South Kona that is now known for a beach park, but was formerly a steamer port.
Hoʻokena grew from a fishing village to a significant port town by the late 19th century, second only to Kailua-Kona.
[2] The port village was struck repeatedly by storms and from the 1930s residents moved further north up the hill.
By 1959 a travel journalist could record: "In the deserted homes of Hookena hand-carved chests of drawers and tables were left behind.
The bell-rope still dangles, but a strong pull on it might bring the termite-riddled steeple crashing into the church.