About 12 miles north of Kawaihae, Lapakahi State Park features the remnants and partially rebuilt structures of a 700-year-old fishing village named Koai‘e. At this 262-acre park, you can take a short self-guided tour and gain an understanding of what daily life was once like in this village. This area was inhabited until the late 1800s. Historians are not completely sure why it was abandoned, but a popular theory is that the water table decreased and minimized access to fresh water in this location. In addition to providing a glimpse into life in ancient Hawai‘i, Lapakahi offers stunning views of the coastline and ocean. Lapakahi is free and open from 8am to 4pm daily, with the exception of state holidays. Brochures are typically available when you enter the park.