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Gorgeous area- many twists and blind turns on the highway to get to a place that we could look down on it. That park was deserted when we got there, but there was no way to get to the colony at that time so this was the best we could do. The lookout had many useful historical explanations along the walk way where the view was. Wish we could have visited but you can read the other reviews to see that it is not so easy to do that. So, if you just want a look down, go to the park that will let you get a glimpse of what was, and what is.…
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Date of experience: December 2020
3 Helpful votes
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Kalaupapa - the leper colony - Fr Damien. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is now run by the National Park Service. It occupies a small 3 mile by 3 mile peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. Access today is only by the small planes operated by a couple local airlines. Note: There used to be access by a guided mule trail down the cliffs, but the trail has been closed for some time due to rock slides. Your flight must be coordinated with a tour guide in Kalaupapa who will get the permits necessary to visit. Otherwise you will not be allowed to leave the airport property. The Historical Park preserves the living community where people were banished to live apart from the rest of the world with leprosy, now called Hansen's disease. The cure for Hansen's disease was found in the 1940, but many of the residents elected to continue to live on their peninsula. Six still live there, aged 78 to 96. Touring the area will take you through the town of Kalaupapa, the original settlement area of Kalawao, and past the original churches still standing. The cemetery holds the tomb of Fr Damien, the priest who came to minister to the patients, and ended up dying of the disease. All the while you are there you can look to the south and see the sea cliffs that cut the peninsula off from the rest of the island, called topside. These sea cliffs are the highest in the world. I can see why being made to live there was referred to as the most beautiful prison in the world. What an interesting glimpse into history.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
2 Helpful votes
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This was the highlight of my recent month long vacation in Molokai! Our guide, booked thru the mule ride co., was so friendly. Only 3 people on my tour. I don’t know why so few. It is a little expensive, $250.00 per person to fly in & to take the tour, but so worth the price! I read the book “Molokai” before I came so I could relate to all of the stops we made. The sea cliffs are magnificent! If you do go & are susceptible to bug bites don’t forget insect spray!…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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Here on this remote place on the north shore of Molokai were sent those who contracted leprosy, what is now called Hansen's disease. For 103 years people were exiled here for life! That is the history part. Now the tour: Once you set foot on this "sacred piece of land" you can feel in your bones the cries coming from the very ground you stand on. there are over 8,000 graves and each has a story. Next came a pilgrimage: Visiting the graves of Saints Damien and Marianne Cope and others who have given their lives to better those who were rejected and suffered isolation in the midst of their agony, was a spiritual event! This is now a National Park in order to preserve this piece of American history. There are still a few who were sent here living and through the parks department maintaining their culture. I have come back to this special place many times. The first time is what got my attention. It is unique.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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A bucket wish list - so emotional seeing the graves and thinking of all the people discarded like worthless human beings. Spending the day in this beautiful but sad historical place was a privilege. Our guide was so enthusiastic and had a singing voice that was beautiful to listen to.Can't say enough about this tour. Totally awesome!!…
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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