Molokai, Hawaii - The most hawaiian island
Molokai, Hawaii - Photo tour

Molokai, Hawaii - Photo Tour 4

Makanalua is a ten-square-mile (16 sq km) peninsula and is part of the North Shore of Molokai. There are three separate districts on the peninsula: Kalaupapa, Kalawao and Makanalua. The peninsula is bordered on three sides by the Pacific, and on the fourth, by vertical cliffs. Early inhabitants of Molokai made their way in and out mostly by sea, as fishing around the peninsula was bountiful.

Photo - Makanalua Peninsula, Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii Today, the trail descending the 1,600-foot-high (488m) cliffs to Kalaupapa is traveled by mules, who transport visitors to and from Kalaupapa. Some of the workers at the settlement also commute on foot daily on this trail. Visitors as well may hike the switchback in and out of Kalaupapa. The peninsula's terrain is flat: Translated, Kalaupapa means "level land resembling a flat leaf."

Strong northeast trade winds and a lack of sufficient rainfall make for harsh living conditions. The nearby cliffs receive more than 25 feet (7.6m) of rain annually, but it disappears through the porous ground. At the near edge is the settlement of Kalaupapa, the only town on the peninsula. At the far edge is the district of Kalawao.

Photo - Kalaupapa - Saint Philomena Church, Molokai, Hawaii Saint Philomena Church in Kalawao was begun as a small chapel by Brother Bertrand in 1872. It was here that Father Damien spent his first nights on Molokai, sleeping on the ground under a hala tree next to the chapel. The chapel stands today behind the church.

Father Damien added on to St. Philomena twice, more than doubling its size. To accommodate the needs of his congregation, Damien positioned the church so that the gusty trade winds passed through the many windows.

The interior of St. Philomena was refinished and painted by his parishioners. Because of their fondness for bright colors, they selected a rainbow of colors to complete the task.

In 1995, following the beatification ceremonies in Belgium, a relic of Father Damien was returned to Kalawao and was reinterred next to the church. Today, St. Philomena stands in homage to Damien the Blessed, the priest from Belgium.

Photo - Kalaupapa - Father Damien's grave, Molokai, Hawaii
This black, concrete cross marks Father Damien's grave site at Kalawao. In 1936, his remains were exhumed and returned to Belgium at the request of their government.

When the relic was returned to Molokai in 1995, a small vault was built in the walls of Damien's original grave. Wrapped in white and black kapa cloth, the relic was placed in a milo wood box and sealed within the vault.

It was Damien's wish to be buried among his people at Kalawao. Finally, his wishes were respected.

Today, this part of the peninsula is uninhabited, but it is meticulously maintained.
Photo - Kalaupapa -Cliff west of the peninsula, Molokai, Hawaii
From the Makanalua Peninsula, the view anywhere is breathtaking.

This looks west, past the switchback trail leading down the cliffs to Kalaupapa and to Ilio Point, the northwest corner of the island.

The bay is the most protected spot on the peninsula. Here, once a year, a barge brings supplies to the residents for the one grocery store, the only gas station, and a bar called Elaine's.

Photo - Kalaupapa - Missionary Church, Molokai, Hawaii
On a tour of the peninsula, you will travel down a road like this one, called Damien's Road. Carefully tended homes, churches and other buildings recall the days of decades ago.

Wild pigs, accustomed to being hand fed by residents, are very tame. Curious critters, they often will approach a vehicle, expecting a handout.

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