Page 147 - Hawaii: Diving, Surfing, Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes and More

AWAHUA BAY At the bottom of the Trail the views of the bay and on Molokai’s North Shore
Molokai’s North Shore are breathtaking. This scenery marks the entry
to Kalaupapa Town. DROPOFF SITE Beginning in 1866, leprosy victims were dropped to
this isolated spot, and then had to find their way to Kalawao to fend
KALAUPAPA LIGHTHOUSE Located at the end of Kalaupapa Pen- for themselves. Sufferers were later aided by Father Damien, Brother
insula, this lighthouse is one of the Pacific’s most powerful. Dutton, and Mother Marianne.

KALAUPAPA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK The site of total iso- EAST END AND HALAWA VALLEY INSERT
lation for victims of Hansen’s Disease (leprosy), who were banished to Molokai’s EAST END Molokai’s highest mountains formed the east
this peninsula to live out their lives and die from their disease. The end of the island. Here the moisture-laden trade winds create a lush
National Park Service maintains 8,725 acres of land and 2,000 acres of tropical environment that is in deep contrast with the dry west end
undersea extending 1/4 mile offshore. The park has the settlements of the island. At the 20 mile marker on Hwy 450, the road narrows
of Kalaupapa and Kalawao, a volcanic crater, rain forest, heiaus, and down to a curvy one lane paved road from here to Halawa Valley. A
the powerful Molokai Lighthouse. Established in 1980, this National hiking trail begins at Halawa Valley and continues through private
Park preserves the memories of the victims, touches our souls with property toward the valley’s pair of famous waterfalls - Moaula Falls
the lesson about ignorance and fear of afflicted fellow humans, and and Hipuapua. The drive to Halawa Valley is spectacular, the hike is
respectfully remembers the wonderful, caring humanity of one man even more spectacular.
- Father Damien. A few residents still live here. Park access is con-
trolled by the Hawaii State Department of Health, which gives en- SCUBA DIVING Dive boats from Molokai Fish and Dive visit pris-
try permits only to people 16 or older. All visitors must be guided tine sites at Molokai’s east end, although wind, waves, currents, and
by official concessionaires, including Molokai Mule Ride, tel. (800) distance make these advanced dive sites rarely dived. They are unique
567-7550, tour operators. Air tours are also available. the views of and superb.
Molokai’s seacliffs, is stunning.
PINNACLE is often called FISH BOWL. Its main feature is a huge
Father Damien Monument (1893) pinnacle, the top of which is bowl-shaped. This is often a drift dive,
with lava boulders, corals, and ledges. The are many invertebrates,
Siloama Church (1871) whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and hammerheads. FISH RAIN’s wa-
ter column is filled with fish, including domino damselfish.
St. Philomeno Church (1872)
Baldwin Boys Homesite

Aerial View of Kalawao, Okala Island and the world’s highest sea cliffs