Page 738 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

736  ALASK A & HA W AI ‘ I

Moloka‘i & Maui Kalaupapa National Historical
Park. In 1865, when the
The small island of Moloka‘i, between O‘ahu and Maui, is much imported disease of leprosy
less developed for tourism than its neighbors. The gentle pace seemed to threaten the survival
of life, and the spectacular scenery of its flower-decked south of the Hawaiian people, the
coast and of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, backed peninsula was designated a
leper colony, and those afflicted
by the world’s highest sea cliffs, enchant most visitors. Maui, were exiled here. The park now
Hawai‘i’s second-largest island, offers lively resorts with a serves as a memorial. The main
range of water sports, as well as lush plantations and the settlement was at the village of
awesome grandeur of the Haleakalā Volcano. Kalaupapa, on the western side
of the peninsula. The last
patients arrived in 1969, when
the policy of enforced isolation
ended. Kalaupapa’s small
population today includes a
few aging patients who chose
to live out their lives here.
South of the village is the
Kalaupapa Trail, a favorite with
hikers and mule riders who
enjoy stupendous views during
the 2-mile (3-km) trip. At the
center of the peninsula is the
Kauhakō Crater, with an 800-ft
(245-m) deep lake.
On the peninsula’s eastern
shore is St. Philomena Church,
Moloka‘i’s isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula, backed by towering cliffs in the original leprosy settle-
ment of Kalawao. Shipped out
5 Kaunakakai Hawai‘i. The 27-mile (44-km) from Honolulu in 1872, the
highway takes in ancient sites, church was later modified by
* 2,700. n Ala Malama St & picturesque churches, pristine the Belgian priest Father
Kamehameha V Hwy (Hwy 450), (800) beaches, and sleepy villages Damien (1840–89), who
464-2924. _ Ka Moloka‘i Makahiki tucked away amid tropical dedicated his life to caring for
(cultural festival, late Jan).
∑ gohawaii.com flowers and luxuriant rainforests. the leprosy patients. Father
The road finally twists to a halt Damien succumbed to leprosy
Moloka‘i’s main town, at the stunningly beautiful in 1889 and has been beatified
Kaunakakai, was built in the Hālawa Valley which, with its by the Pope. His right hand is
19th century as a port for soaring walls, lush vegetation, interred in the church. From the
the local sugar and pineapple idyllic beaches, and shimmering peninsula’s eastern side, small
plantations. Today, commercial waterfalls, is Moloka‘i’s most islands poke out of the waters
agriculture has all but scenic spot. of the ocean, next to staggering
disappeared from the island, 2000-ft (600-m) cliffs – the
and Kaunakakai looks its age. tallest sea cliffs in the world.
The main street, with its 6 Kalaupapa
wooden boardwalk, is lined National Historical
with false-fronted stores. A Park
short distance from the town
cen ter, local fishermen throng Reached by foot or mule on
Kaunakakai Harbor, its long Kalaupapa Trail: trailhead on Hwy 470,
stone jetty jutting out into the 3 miles (5 km) N of Kualapu‘u,
ocean. About 2 miles (3 km) between the mule stables &
west of town is the Kapuāiwa Kalaupapa Overlook. ~ & 8
Coconut Grove, whose compulsory. Father Damien Tours,
1,000 soaring trees are a (808) 567-6171. Book well in advance.
majestic sight, silhouetted Visitors must be 16 years of age or
against the setting sun. older. For Moloka’i Mule Ride, (808)
567-6088, book in advance.
∑ muleride.com
Environs
East of Kaunakakai begins the The isolated Kalaupapa
Kamehameha V Highway, Peninsula, sealed off from the
which is among the most rest of Moloka‘i by a mighty St. Philomena Church, where Father
beautiful coastal drives in wall of cliffs, is home to the Damien’s hand is buried
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp744–5 and pp746–7

736-737_EW_USA.indd 736 11/2/16 2:50 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm