Kalaupapa, Hawaii

KalaupapaVillageCliffs

Kalaupapa, Hawaii is a small unincorporated community on the island of Molokai in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. Situated on the Kalaupapa peninsula at the base of some of the highest sea cliffs in the world, it is known for its historical significance as a leprosy colony.

History

In 1866, the Kingdom of Hawaii established a leprosy settlement in Kalaupapa, where individuals diagnosed with leprosy (now known as Hansen's disease) were forcibly relocated to live in isolation. This policy was implemented under the Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy, reflecting the global fear and misunderstanding of the disease at the time. The settlement was managed by the Board of Health, under the authority of the Hawaiian government and later the United States, after Hawaii's annexation in 1898.

One of the most notable figures associated with Kalaupapa was Father Damien, a Roman Catholic priest from Belgium who arrived in 1873 to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the lepers. His work, along with that of Mother Marianne Cope and others, brought significant attention to the conditions at the settlement, leading to improvements in care and support for the residents.

Geography

Kalaupapa is located on a small peninsula on the northern shore of Molokai, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides and towering cliffs on the fourth. These cliffs separate the peninsula from the rest of Molokai, contributing to its isolation. The area is now part of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, established in 1980 to preserve the history and experiences of the settlement's residents.

Demographics

As of the latest census, the population of Kalaupapa was a small number, primarily consisting of the remaining residents who were diagnosed with Hansen's disease, along with a few healthcare workers and National Park Service employees. The residents have the option to stay in Kalaupapa for the rest of their lives, despite the cure for Hansen's disease being discovered in the 1940s.

Transportation

Access to Kalaupapa is limited due to its geographical isolation. The primary means of access is by small aircraft to Kalaupapa Airport, by mule ride down the steep pali (cliffs), or by hiking the Kalaupapa Trail. There are no roads connecting Kalaupapa with the rest of Molokai.

In Popular Culture

Kalaupapa has been the subject of numerous books, films, and songs, reflecting its unique history and the stories of its residents. These works often explore themes of isolation, compassion, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

See Also

• Hansen's disease
• Father Damien
• Molokai

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