In Kalaupapa, Hawaii, a Story of Exile and Union

[Werner]

A story about the few remaining Hansen’s disease survivors in Kalaupapa, Molokai in the NYTimes today. You may have to sign up for a free subscription or buy the paper edition.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/us/01land.html

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

A story about the few remaining Hansen’s disease survivors in Kalaupapa, Molokai in the NYTimes today. You may have to sign up for a free subscription or buy the paper edition.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/us/01land.html

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[Lee B]

Thanks for pointing out the article. It was moving and well-written.

 

[AKE]

About ten years ago we hiked down the mule path into the settlement and back out again the same day (don't know if this is allowed anymore - we needed to get a permit)... it was very eerie .. lots of overgrown areas, birds singing in the trees, wild pigs with babies off the path, etc. and everywhere reminders of what had been there and what was still left... really made you think about how people and children were treated - torn away from families and friends. At the same time we also heard some stories when talking to the residents that years ago the younger residents used to climb up the same path at night (that we went along) to see civilization but avoided being seen because of the darkness.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

About ten years ago we hiked down the mule path into the settlement and back out again the same day (don't know if this is allowed anymore - we needed to get a permit)

People can (and do) still hike down and back up. The beach at the very bottom of the trail is open access, but a permit is needed if you continue on the beach to the settlement.

You are not allowed to wander around Kalaupapa by yourself; you must be escorted by Damien Tours. Damien Tours sells the permits; I don't know if you need to make a reservation with them first. If you take mule ride, the tour permits are included in your ride.

When we get back to Moloka'i I intend to hike down and back out; DW says she will stick with the mules.

 

[Luanne]

When we get back to Moloka'i I intend to hike down and back out; DW says she will stick with the mules.

And for the less adventurous, there is the "Fly In/Fly Out" option. When we went it was either the same cost as the mule ride, or a little less.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

And for the less adventurous, there is the "Fly In/Fly Out" option. When we went it was either the same cost as the mule ride, or a little less.

I prefer to generate my global warming gases out the rear of a mule rather than the rear of a jet, thank you very much.

 

[Luanne]

I prefer to generate my global warming gases out the rear of a mule rather than the rear of a jet, thank you very much.

To each his own. I certainly wouldn't call the plane we took a "jet" by any means. And if it was a question of taking the plane or not going, I'll take the plane. There is no way you'd get me on the back of a mule going down a steep, narrow trail. In fact, when we were getting ready to leave there were quite a few who had "muled" down who were looking at our plane with envy.

 

[DeniseM]

To each his own. I certainly wouldn't call the plane we took a "jet" by any means. And if it was a question of taking the plane or not going, I'll take the plane. There is no way you'd get me on the back of a mule going down a steep, narrow trail. In fact, when we were getting ready to leave there were quite a few who had "muled" down who were looking at our plane with envy.

I'm with you Luanne! - and when we did it the prop plane was cheaper than the mule, too!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

To each his own. I certainly wouldn't call the plane we took a "jet" by any means. And if it was a question of taking the plane or not going, I'll take the plane. There is no way you'd get me on the back of a mule going down a steep, narrow trail. In fact, when we were getting ready to leave there were quite a few who had "muled" down who were looking at our plane with envy.

But then you miss this:

 

[DeniseM]

But then you miss this:

Oh no - we could see it quite clearly from the airplane!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Oh no - we could see it quite clearly from the airplane!

That''s like the difference in the Na Pali from a helicopter tour versus a cruise that takes you into the sea caves, or hiking the Kalalau or Nualolo-'Awa'awapuhi Cliffs trails. I've done all of them, and the helicopters are but a shadow.

 

[DeniseM]

That''s like the difference in the Na Pali from a helicopter tour versus a cruise that takes you into the sea caves, or hiking the Kalalau or Nualolo-'Awa'awapuhi Cliffs trails. I've done all of them, and the helicopters are but a shadow.

No helicopters for me either! They are right up there with mules on my list!

 

[AKE]

Yes the path is very steep - we saw the mules walk literally up and down the side of the cliff - I was glad that we were walking.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Yes the path is very steep - we saw the mules walk literally up and down the side of the cliff - I was glad that we were walking.

like this.