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

Hawaii Cruise

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Read More >> Popular Ports of Call: Honolulu | Kauai | Lanai | Maui | Waikiki FEATURED HAWAIIAN CRUISES Feb 4, 2006 Norwegian Pride of America 7 days Honolulu, HI $3189 ** Feb 5, 2006 Holland America Amsterdam 15 days San Diego, CA $1751 * Feb 5, 2006 Norwegian Pride of Aloha 7 days Honolulu, HI $3239 ** Feb 8, 2006 Norwegian Norwegian Wind 10 days Honolulu, HI $914 ** Feb 8, 2006 Norwegian Norwegian Dream 10 days Honolulu, HI $914 ** Feb 11, 2006 Norwegian Pride of America 7 days Honolulu, HI $1729 ** Feb 12, 2006 Norwegian Pride of Aloha 7 days Honolulu, HI $609 ** Feb 18, 2006 Norwegian Norwegian Wind 11 days Honolulu, HI $3169 ** Feb 18, 2006 Norwegian Pride of America 7 days Honolulu, HI $1744 ** Feb 19, 2006 Norwegian Pride of Aloha 7 days Honolulu, HI $1279 ** 121 Cruises Found 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 | 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100 | 101-110 | 111-120 | 121-130 | Show All HAWAIIAN CRUISE WIZARD Sail Date: Select month All January February March April May June July August September October November December 2006 2007 2008 Cruiseline: Select Cruiseline All Carnival Celebrity Costa Cruise West Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America MSC Italian Norwegian Oceania Orient Princess Radisson Seven Seas Royal Caribbean Seabourn Silversea Viking River Windjammer Windstar (continued from top of page) Today, come to Hawaii for the unexplainable, the utterly magical, and find bright anthuriums growing wild, volcanic peaks soaring to 14,000 feet and vibrant poinsettias when it isn't even the holidays. For all their similarity, each island has its own distinct personality. Like Hawaii, the big island, with Kilauea's crater where some say Pele, the fire goddess, lives. Maui, with remote swimming spots so beautiful, they were once reserved solely for Hawaiian royalty. And Honolulu, where the cliffs and waterfalls are often visited by spectacular rainbows. Yet there is one thing that all of these islands hold in common. It's called 'aloha,' the spirit of welcoming. back to featured cruises | back to top of page About Us | Security | Privacy | News | Affiliates | Travel Agents ©2002-2003 CruiseDirect, Inc. All rights reserved. CruiseDirect Terms of use | Privacy Policy Featured offers are for select dates only, are subject to availability, and are based on double occupancy. Your exact price depends on time of actual booking. All prices are in $US. To convert into other currencies, please see our currency converter . 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Hawaii Resort

Meeting Facility at Waikiki Beach Hawaii Resort & Spa A meeting facility with more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function: the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. home meetings & events -- -- Let us show you exclusive offers & updates tailored to your interests. RFP meeting services meeting rooms hot dates catering floor plans -- Request a Proposal Fact Sheet Floor Plans Capacity Chart Book a Meeting Whether you are planning a meeting for 10 or an event for 1,000, we have the perfect mix of team support, catering and audio/visual equipment at our facility to ensure a flawless gathering. The elegant Kona Moku Ballroom and Waikiki Ballroom along with numerous other meeting rooms provide an ideal setting. Plus all our meeting facilities have been renovated with new carpeting, lighting, fixtures, ceiling and wall coverings. For perfect outdoor events, our new 4,000 square foot Pualeilani Terrace is perfect for dining functions and theme parties. Our professional staff is ready to assist you in planning the perfect meeting, convention, or theme event. Please call us at: 1-808-921-5185. home resort overview accommodations check rates reserve now packages specials meetings & events weddings spa olakino things to do resort dining resort activities news press room take a tour contact privacy policy site map 2552 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-3699 RES 1.800.367.5370 PH: 1.808.922.6611 FAX: 1.808.921-5255 ©2005 Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Developed by Symbolic

Hawaiian gifts and beautiful

Hawaiian flowers - tropical flowers and tropical plants from plumeria to orchids Hawaiian flowers - tropical flowers and tropical plants from plumeria to orchids. We ship the finest freshest Hawaiian flowers, tropical flowers and tropical plants to customers everywhere the world. Maui Goose of Hawaii brings you the finest tropical hawaiian flowers and plants, the coveted plumeria lei and so much more. All our tropical flowers and plants are grown in Hawaii where we lovingly create a stunning array of arrangements and leis, exotic orchids and bridal bouquets for weddings, personal Hawaiian gifts and beautiful corporate gift baskets. We ship our tropical plants, Hawaiian flowers, leis and exotic creations to customers in all corners of the world. All plants, lei and arrangement flowers and are fresh from our farms in Hawaii. Since 1995, Maui Goose has been dedicated to bringing you the finest products with the highest quality customer service. When an occasion calls for something very distinctive and very special, Hawaiian flowers, plants. leis and gifts from Maui Goose are not forgotten. As you open the box of Maui Goose flowers, the fragrance of our islands greets you like a warm embrace, and the magic of Aloha begins! Select a Place on our Site Home Flowers The Lei Gift Baskets The Goose Express Weddings Quilting ** Specials ** FREE Screen Savers Aloha Gift of the Month Art Links "Say it" in Hawaiian About Us Contact Us Listen to Music Frequently Ask Questions> ---------- FLOWER SHED Fresh tropical Hawaiian flowers and exotic plants, arrangements and bouquets. LEI STAND The traditional plumeria lei as well as exotic custom Hawaiian flower leis. MAUI BASKET BARN Gourmet Hawaiian personal, corporate and wedding gifts. GOOSE EXPRESS Tropical Hawaiian flowers and exotic plants delivered to hotels and cruise ships in Honolulu. WEDDING FLOWERS Tropical Hawaiian flowers, leis and bridal bouquets for your wedding. QUILTERS CORNER Quilts, kits, patterns, seminars, books, videos and more. ALOHA GIFT OF THE MONTH Imagine a gift of tropical Hawaiian flowers, bouquets, plants or leis each month! SPECIAL OFFERS Seasonal specials on Hawaiian flowers, tropical plants, leis and more. HAWAII GALLERY Coming Soon! About Us MauiGoose Customers are Saying Care of Hawaiian Flowers Brochure How to Order "Say It" In Hawaiian Create your gift message in Hawaiian Join our MAUI GOOSE CLUB & receive special offers as well as the MAUI GOOSE GAZETTE. (We never share our customer information.) Your Name: Your E-mail Address: Need help choosing the perfect gift? Call Toll Free: 1-800-877-6832 Or on Oahu 737-4217 (Mail only) 575 Cooke Street #3400 Honolulu, HI 96813 Print out our brochure Click here Our online order system is completely secure! We accept all major credit cards Visit another MauiGoose site www.hawaiianflowers-lei.com | Home | | Flowers | | Leis | | Gift Baskets | | Wedding Garden | | Quilting | | Specials | ©Maui Goose of Hawaii Ltd 1995. All rights reserved. Hawaiian flowers - tropical flowers and tropical plants from plumeria to orchids. We ship the finest freshest Hawaiian flowers, tropical flowers and tropical plants to customers everywhere the world.

Waikiki beach and then

Pacific Beach Hotel - Waikiki Beach Hotel - Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii Navigating your way to the Pacific Beach Hotel is a breeze. The hotel takes up an entire block that stretches between the main Waikiki streets of beachfront Kalakaua Avenue (S) and Kuhio Avenue (N), and between Lili’uokalani Avenue (W) and Kealohilani Avenue (E). Our address is: PACIFIC BEACH HOTEL 2490 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Telephone: (808) 922.1233 Front Desk Facsimile: (808) 922.0129 Reservations Facsimile: (808) 922.8061 Email: reservation@hthcorp.com . The main entrance to the hotel is off Lili’uokalani Avenue, a one-way street that runs from Kalakaua Avenue by Waikiki beach and then inland. Driving from Honolulu International Airport to Pacific Beach Hotel takes approximately 17 minutes in light traffic. Directions from Honolulu International Airport 1. Via H-1 Freeway: Take H1 East/Waikiki exit Get off at the Punahou exit Turn right onto Punahou Street At the first intersection turn right onto Beretania Street Get into the far left lane to turn left onto Kalakaua Avenue Continue on Kalakaua Avenue for approximately 1.5 miles Turn left onto Lili’uokalani (3 rd stoplight from International Market place) - the entrance to Pacific Beach Hotel is on your immediate right. 2. Via Nimitz Highway: From Airport, take Nimitz Highway heading East Stay on Nimitz, Nimitz eventually becomes Ala Moana Boulevard Pass Ala Moana Shopping Center on your left From Ala Moana Blvd, turn right onto Kalakaua Avenue Continue on Kalakaua Avenue for approximately 1.5 miles Turn left onto Lili’uokalani - the entrance to Pacific Beach Hotel is on your immediate right. Current Conditions Temperature 79° F Humidity 58 % Heat Index 81° F Barometric Pressure 30.12 Wind North East 12 mph Wind Chill 79 Dew Point 63° F Weather Station PHNL Five Day Forecast Wednesday High: 77° Low: 75° Thursday High: 76° Low: 75° Friday High: 76° Low: 75° Saturday High: 76° Low: 75° Sunday High: 76° Low: 75°