Molokai. Shaped somewhat like

Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii - Father Damien. Some 2,200 miles (3540km) southwest of California, in the heart of the Hawaiian islands, is the island of Molokai. Shaped somewhat like a fish (the locals say a shark) with its head facing east, its tail in the west and a dorsal fin rising from its back on the north shore. That dorsal fin is the nearly flat, ten-square-mile (25.9 sq km) Makanalua Peninsula which juts into the Pacific below the world's highest sea cliffs. A place of stunning beauty, it's been blessed by nature's grandeur, and cursed by humanity's ignorance and fear. While this area is generally referred to as Kalaupapa, in fact, Makanalua Peninsula is divided into three districts: The Kalawao district on the eastern edge; Kalaupapa and the settlement of Kalaupapa to the west; with Makanalua in the center. Inhabited from about 650 AD, the Hawaiians fished the rough surrounding ocean by outrigger canoe with nets and spears for over 1200 years . They also farmed the land, coaxing sweet potatoes, onions and taro from the harsh volcanic soil. With the vines of the sweet potato, their main vegetable, they fed their pigs, which in turn they used to barter with other villagers in the eastern valleys. While the peninsula was not largely settled, it was traveled much and used extensively. The entire area is divided and subdivided by low rock walls that continue for mile after mile, creating thousands of small lots of every imaginable shape. There is no written history of the people who built them; historians theorize that they were constructed as pens for raising pigs, as windbreaks for growing crops and possibly as property boundaries and land divisions. The early Hawaiians built fishing shrines called heiau as places to make offerings for their safety while fishing in the rough waters that surrounded the peninsula. These heiau were platforms built of stone in circular and square shapes. Some of their surfaces are filled with coral, while others have elaborate enclosures lined with flat rocks on which offerings of fish or shells were placed. Today, the trail from Topside Molokai to Kalaupapa is traveled by mule, by hikers, and on foot by some of the workers at the settlement. Hugging the nearly perpendicular cliffs, the trail is over three miles (5km) long and descends 1,600 feet (488m) to the peninsula. Along its course are 26 switchbacks that corkscrew in and out of canyons and ravines. There is also a small airstrip at the northern edge of the peninsula, used daily to bring in food, supplies and visitors. Once a year in the summer, when the seas are calm, a barge from Honolulu anchors at Kalaupapa, delivering thousands of pounds of rice, cases of beer, drums of gasoline and supplies to stock the grocery store and hospital. More Kalaupapa photos . Kalaupapa's reputation as a leprosy colony is well-known. Hansen's disease, the proper term for leprosy, is believed to have spread to Hawaii from China. The first documented case of leprosy occurred in 1848. Its rapid spread and unknown cure precipitated the urgent need for complete and total isolation. Surrounded on three sides by the Pacific ocean and cut off from the rest of Molokai by 1600-foot (488m) sea cliffs, Kalaupapa provided the environment. In early 1866, the first leprosy victims were shipped to Kalaupapa and existed for 7 years before Father Damien arrived. The area was void of all amenities. No buildings, shelters nor potable water were available. These first arrivals dwelled in rock enclosures, caves, and in the most rudimentary shacks, built of sticks and dried leaves. Taken after Damien had constructed most of the houses seen here, this photo shows the stark, barren peninsula and settlement at Kalawao in the 1880s. Folklore and oral histories recall some of the horrors: the leprosy victims, arriving by ship, were sometimes told to jump overboard and swim for their lives. Occasionally a strong rope was run from the anchored ship to the shore, and they pulled themselves painfully through the high, salty waves, with legs and feet dangling below like bait on a fishing line. The ship's crew would then throw into the water whatever supplies had been sent, relying on currents to carry them ashore or the exiles swimming to retrieve them. In 1873, Father Damien deVeuster, aged 33, arrived at Kalaupapa. A Catholic missionary priest from Belgium, he served the leprosy patients at Kalaupapa until his death. A most dedicated and driven man, Father Damien did more than simply administer the faith: he built homes, churches and coffins; arranged for medical services and funding from Honolulu, and became a parent to his diseased wards. Shown here in a rare pencil sketch from December, 1888, Damien contracted the disease, and after 16 years of selfless service, died in 1889. In 1886, Brother Joseph Dutton arrived at Kalaupapa to assist Father Damien. Dutton, an energetic and dedicated missionary priest, assumed many of the duties Damien was unable to perform as his leprosy progressed. Mother Marianne, another revered servant, devoted 29 years on the peninsula as an administrator, nurse and educator. She spent her life on the go, even as her age climbed well into the seventies. She died in 1918. In 1977, Pope Paul VI declared Father Damien to be venerable, the first of three steps that lead to sainthood. Pope John Paul II declared Damien blessed in 1995, the second step before canonization as a saint. With the advent of sulfone drugs in the 1940s, the disease was put in remission and the sufferers are no longer contagious. The fewer than 100 former patients remaining on the peninsula are free to travel or relocate elsewhere, but most have chosen to remain where they have lived for so long. The few cars on the peninsula travel at a top speed of five miles per hour, as there is nowhere to go and no reason to hurry. A broad smile and a friendly wave of the hand are commonplace and integral to the lifestyle. At Kalaupapa are the administration building, post office, book store, fire station, never-used jail and of course the hospital which, considering the size of the population, is one of the best staffed and equipped in Hawaii. In the center of the village stands the large town meeting hall, with a big blackboard nailed on its front and some chalk hanging nearby, just in case a message for someone needs to be written. While Kalaupapa is now a National Historic Site, it is also the home of the few former patients who chose to remain there. So access, is by law, strictly regulated. Unless you are invited by one of the residents, you must take the tour offered by Damien Tours of Kalaupapa (about $40.00). The peninsula can be reached by air or by way of the trail from upper Molokai. Visitors can hike in and out or ride one of the Molokai mules. Visitors must be at least 16 years old. Home | Photo Tour | Maps | Kalaupapa | FAQ | History | Activities Events | Molokai Ranch | Climate | Feedback Visitor Center

Hawaiian Gift Baskets .

Classic Flavors of Hawaii Gift Basket Classic Flavors of Hawaii Gift Basket Enjoy the flavors of Hawaii with some traditional island favorites. Locally made cookies and confections are sure to please any time of year! More Hawaiian Gift Baskets . Express Shipping via USPS Express Mail available for this gift item. Classic Flavors of Hawaii Gift Basket The Classic Flavors of Hawaii Gift Basket includes: Kauai Kookie Macadamia Home Style Cookies (2) 5.5oz Ed & Don's Hawaiian Macadamia Brittle 6oz Mauna Loa Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts 4.5oz Hawaiian Sun Kona Krunch 2oz Keepsake Hawaiian Woven Lauhala Basket Gift Card Free USPS Priority Mail shipping within the US. Qty. Classic Flavors of Hawaii Gift Basket w/Free Shipping $42.95 Availability - this gift basket ships within 2 business days. Qty. Classic Flavors of Hawaii Gift Basket w/USPS Express Shipping $63.15 Availability - this gift basket ships next business day. Please note: Each keepsake basket is individually hand decorated here in Hawaii. The Hawaiian fabric colors and basket ornamentation may vary from those pictured above. It may be necessary to substitute an out of stock item with a similar item of equal or greater value on occasion. All of our Hawaiian gift baskets are individually created here in our shop and not mass produced or drop shipped from a gift basket vendor. Free shipping is via USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation within the US only. Please allow additional time for delivery during the busy holiday season. Fresh floral accents not included. Order online or call us toll free! 1-800-210-1668 [Home] [Handmade Soap] [Bath Salts] [Bath Crystals] [Gift Baskets] [Gift Certificates] [Glossary] [Kids Soap] [Hawaiian Bath Gels] [Hawaiian Body Lotion] [Hawaiian Candles] [Hawaiian Calendars] [Soap Making Books] [Soap Making Resources] [Soap Making Supplies] [Contact Us] [FAQ] [News] [Ordering] [Ohana/Links]

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano Vacations & Tourism, Volcano Hotels, Volcano Attractions - Yahoo! Travel Primary Navigation Overview | Hotels | Things to do | Restaurants | Map | Flights | Cars | Deals | FareChase Volcano, HI: Search Travel Travel > Guides > North America > United States > Hawaii > Island of Hawaii > Volcano Email this page Print Volcano Vacations, Tourism, Hotels Hotels Things to do Restaurants Map Deals Trip Planner Introduction to Volcano Map Top Hotels Be the first to write a review Use Flickr to Add Your Photos Volcano Weather 38° / 40° F Seasonal Forecast Search Yahoo! FareChase Find the best prices on flights. From To Depart Return 1 2 3 4 Adult Round-Trip One-Way More Options « January, 2006 February, 2006 March, 2006 April, 2006 May, 2006 June, 2006 July, 2006 August, 2006 September, 2006 October, 2006 November, 2006 » S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Where to Stay Travelers Recommend Yahoo! User Rating From* 1. Kilauea Lodge $135 2. Hale Ohia Cottages $95 3. Volcano Bed & Breakfast $49 4. SAN ANGELO INN AND CONF CTR N/A 5. Volcano Inn $70 6. Carson's Volcano Cottage B & B $110 7. Vocanogallery.com Rate It! N/A 8. My Island Bed & Breakfast Inn Rate It! N/A 9. Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast N/A 10. Volcano Vacation Homes Rate It! N/A By neighborhood: Volcano & Volcanoes National Park By price: $40-$139.99 View all Volcano, HI Hotels *Some taxes, fees additional. Learn more . What to Do Travelers Recommend Yahoo! User Rating Category 1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Attractions 2. Volcano Art Center Gallery Rate It! Architecture 3. Volcano Winery Rate It! Breweries 4. Jaggar Museum Attractions 5. Volcano Art Center Rate It! Attractions 6. Annual Christmas In the Country Rate It! Religious By category: Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing , Museums & Galleries , Galleries , more More things to do in Volcano, HI Where to Eat Travelers Recommend Yahoo! User Rating Category 1. Kilauea Lodge Restaurant Central European 2. Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe Delis By cuisine: Central European , Delis & Diners , Fish & Seafood , Breakfast & Brunch More restaurants in Volcano, HI Learn more about Volcano Yahoo! User Reviews of Volcano Be the first to write a review of Volcano ! User Reviews from the Web Local Customs - 2 reviews 1 picture Not a cultural tip, just needed more space to show more...... This Lava tube is enormous, and although there is lighting, it helps if you have a torch. Otherwise it's difficult to see the puddles ... more VirtualTourist.com Volcano Hotels - 3 reviews 2 pictures Aloha Junction B And B, Lava Lodge At Volcano Village, Volcano Inn, Volcano Vacation Homes, Volcano Bed And Breakfast, Castle Suites At Mauna Loa, Volcano Vacation Homes (998 Wright Road ), Carrie ... more VirtualTourist.com Must See Activities - 7 reviews 5 pictures Outside of the Volcanoes National Park, don't forget to visit the Volcano Winery, where they make their own unique wines. Inside the Volcanoes National Park, there is a multitude of things to do ... more VirtualTourist.com Read all User Reviews (4) Search the Web Search the Web for more info on Volcano, HI . Find a cheap airfare to Volcano, HI on Yahoo! FareChase. Getting Around Volcano, HI View larger map of Volcano, HI Map nearby: Attractions Shopping Hotels Restaurants Entertainment Nearby Cities Mountain View, HI (12.1 miles) Kurtistown, HI (16.7 miles) Keaau, HI (18.5 miles) Pahoa, HI (19.3 miles) Pahala, HI (22.2 miles) Sign up for Travel Emails Yahoo! Travel Newsletter Get the best deals, travel tips, and news Destination Alerts The latest updates on your favorite places Help get your favorite places listed on Yahoo! Travel: suggest a hotel or suggest an attraction . Explore the Travel Guide for Volcano, HI Related Information Popular Attractions in Volcano Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Volcano Winery Jaggar Museum Volcano Art Center Volcano Art Center Gallery Annual Christmas In the Country Popular Hotels in Volcano Kilauea Lodge Hale Ohia Cottages Volcano Bed & Breakfast Volcano Inn Toad Hall Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Carson's Volcano Cottage B & B Ma'Ukele Lodge Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast Volcano Rainforest Retreat Lokahi Lodge Popular Cities near Volcano Kailua Kona Hilo Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Waimea Volcano Holualoa Kamuela Kohala Coast Naalehu Honaunau Search Travel Yahoo! Travel: Your best choice for cheap airline tickets and other great deals!

Air Hawaiian

Faleomavaega (AS00) - Washington, D.C.At Faleomavaegas Request, Hawaii Air National Guard to Bring American Samoas Troops Home on Sunday April 17, 2005 April 15, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C. AT FALEOMAVAEGAS REQUEST, HAWAII AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO BRING AMERICAN SAMOA S TROOPS HOME ON SUNDAY APRIL 17, 2005 Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that at his insistence the Department of Defense has agreed to provide military transport to bring American Samoa s troops home. The troops will depart Hickam Air Force base on Sunday April 17, 2005 at 9:00am and arrive in American Samoa at 1pm . American Samoa s troops have been serving in Iraq for more than a year and returned to Hawaii three weeks ago. Only yesterday I learned that our troops have been stuck in Hawaii for three weeks after serving in Iraq for more than a year, the Congressman said. Like any soldier who has been away from his/her family for a year, our soldiers want to be reunited with their families. For this reason, I contact ed the military to determine why it has taken so long to get the paperwork done to release our soldiers and provide them airfare to American Samoa . Hawaiian Air flights have left every Monday and Friday for three weeks but, as a result of military delays, American Samoa s troops have not been on board. In order to make sure that our troops can be reunited with their families as soon as possible and also so that they can attend Flag Day celebrations, I asked the military to provide an aircraft to bring our soldiers home, Faleomavaega said. I am pleased to announce that the Hawaii Air National Guard answered my call and has agreed to provide a KC135 Tanker to fly our troops to American Samoa this Sunday. In a letter dated April 15, 2005 , the Honorable Henry Hyde, Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, authorized me to escort our troops home and in separate correspondence the Department of Defense approved the request. At this time, I want to thank the crew which has been assigned to fly us including Lt Col Willie Benton, Aircraft Commander; 1Lt Ryan Iwasaki, Co-Pilot; SSgt Jamie Oliveros, Room Operator; SSgt Matt Lewis, Pax Handler; CMSgt Dennis Mishima, Crew Chief; TSgt Robert Tokuda, Crew Chief; SSgt Robert Rhoades, Avionics Specialist. I also want to thank Mr. Jim Townsend of the Hawaii Air National Guard for organizing all of this. The soldiers and their families appreciate this very much. Above all, I want to thank American Samoa s troops for their service to our country. As a Vietnam Veteran, I am proud of our soldiers for completing their mission and I am honored to escort them home, the Congressman concluded. Home || Press Releases -- Next                                                          Previous              Press Release List             

Hawaii Hotels Hawaii Resorts

Hawaii Hotels. Hawaii Resorts Accommodation and Apartments Discounts My Account UnitedStates Hawaii Hotels Seattle Hotels San Francisco Hotels San Diego Hotels Los Angeles Hotels SanJose Hotels Phoenix Hotels Portland Hotels Anaheim Hotels Miami Hotels Chicago Hotels Coronado Island Hotels RelatedLinks Hawaii Hotels Hawaii Resorts Accommodation and Apartments Discounts for online Reservation Welcome to HolidayCity reservation service! We provide a wide selection of properties - budget, business, tourist, luxury, bed and breakfasts and apartments accommodation. HolidayCity Hawaii hotels offer comfort, quality and great value for the money, ideal for leisure and business travellers. To start selecting, click on the hotel links below, categorised by prices and locations. The hotels in the Most Popular Box represent frequently booked accommodation by our guests. Search for Hawaii Hotels Country : City : Check-in Date : 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Check-out Date : 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec No. of Rooms : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 No. of Adults : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 No. of Children : 0 1 2 3 4 5 Hawaii Hotels by Price Below US$ 120 HolidayCity Most Popular Park Shore Waikiki Hotel Hawaii US$134 Hotel Four Seasons Resorts Maui US$345 US$ 120 to US$ 220 Above US$ 220 View All Hawaii Resorts by Location Honolulu Maui Waikiki Beach Kona Other Areas Select Hotels in Hawaii by Location by clicking on the map below Hawaii Hotels Los Angeles