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 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.

Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing

Hawaii's Official Tourism Site - Travel info for your Oahu vacation Choose a Category Calendar of Events Accommodations Activities & Attractions Dining Golf Services & Information Shopping Transportation Travel Professionals Weddings & Honeymoons Free Visitors Guide Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing Aloha Choose an Island All Islands Kauai Oahu Molokai Lanai Maui Hawaii's Big Island Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04 05 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04 05 Help me find... Calendar of Events Accommodations Activities & Attractions Dining Golf Services & Information Shopping Transportation Travel Professionals Weddings & Honeymoons Free Visitors Guide Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing Aloha Alternate Search Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands and it’s easy to understand why – there’s so much to do on Oahu! With Waikiki as a central hub, you can explore the legendary North Shore of Oahu one day, and spend the next day on the east side snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with tons of colorful fish. It’s clear that Oahu offers just the right amount of diversity for the adventurous as well as the cautious visitor. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia while daydreamers can relax peacefully on the beach. Exquisite dining and exciting nightlife also entice people to Oahu again and again. > learn more about Oahu M EETINGS & C ONVENTIONS | T RAVEL T RADE R ESOURCES | M EDIA C OMMUNICATIONS Corporate Information | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | ©2005 Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

Hawaiian Wedding Hawaiian weddings

How to Plan a Hawaiian Wedding - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Family & Relationships Center Wedding Bells How to Plan a Hawaiian Wedding Hawaiian weddings are typically tradition-filled to show respect for the family, ancestors and culture. This ensures luck, prosperity and happiness for the bridal couple. Steps: 1. Include variations of Christian-Protestant traditions in your ceremony - traditional for most Hawaiian weddings. Plan for the ceremony to include a combination of English and Hawaiian. 2. Select a white holoku (Hawaiian wedding dress) for the bride to wear. 3. Choose a white shirt and pants with a colored sash for the groom's wedding attire. 4. Order maile leis (garlands made out of fragrant green leaves) for both of you to wear. The lei symbolizes "aloha" and how ancient Hawaiians communicated with nature. 5. Request that the bride's lei be woven with pikake (white jasmine) and the groom's made from ilima (a flower with very thin yellow-orange petals). 6. Provide leis for the mothers of the bride and groom to wear. Triple strands of pikake are a good choice. 7. Follow an early Hawaiian tradition by having someone blow into a conch shell three times at the start of the ceremony to signify the Lord's divine presence. 8. Incorporate ethnic customs that reflect the rich mix of cultures in Hawaii. Look to Filipino, Chinese and Japanese cultures for ideas. For instance, you might incorporate the Chinese tradition of setting off fireworks to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the marriage. 9. Plan a money dance (called a Pandango), which is a Filipino custom used at most Hawaiian weddings. During the bride and groom's first dance, money is taped together and wrapped around the bride and groom. The dance continues until all the guests have a chance to contribute to wish the couple good luck. 10. Fold 1,001 origami (tsurus) cranes out of metallic paper prior to the wedding. The crane lives for 1,000 years and represents good luck, good fortune, longevity, happiness, fidelity and peace. 11. Order a Hawaiian wedding cake made of wheat flour. The wheat, known as the "staff of life," symbolizes the start of your new relationship together. 12. Cut the first slice of the cake together to show your commitment to share whatever path lies ahead. Then feed each other a small piece as a way to show that you will love, honor and respect one another. Tips: It is considered poor taste to mash cake into your partner's face during a Hawaiian wedding. Have the 1,001 cranes professionally mounted and framed so that you can display them at your wedding reception for guests to admire. Tips from eHow Users: Veil optional In a traditional Hawaiian wedding the bride does not have to wear a veil. Instead, she can wear a wreath of fragrant flowers like a crown around her head. Leis can be given instead of boutonnires to the parents and grandparents of the bride and groom. The nice thing is these flowers actually dry pretty well (if done right), and can remain beautiful and fragrant. Rate this tip: View 2 More Tip(s) from Users Please Share Your Tips with Us More Resources: Contribute to eHow: Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic Give Us Feedback on This Article Related eHows: Plan a Chinese Wedding Work With Wedding Vendors Plan a Japanese Wedding Plan a Wedding Things You'll Need: leis hawaiian wedding cakes origami paper origami books conch shells Hawaiian wedding dresses Hawaiian Music Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderately Easy New! -- Related eHows: Plan a Chinese Wedding Work With Wedding Vendors Plan a Japanese Wedding Plan a Wedding Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .

Hawaii vacation rentals Hawaii

Hawaii Vacation Rentals Hawaii - Rent Hawaii vacation rentals, condos in Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu World USA Hawaii vacation rentals Hawaii Destinations Vacation Rentals on Hawaii (521) Show All Vacation Rentals in Big Island (116) Show All Captain Cook (9) , Hilo Area (12) , Kailua Kona (44) , Kohala Coast (27) , Milolii (1) , Ninole (1) , Puna (17) , Waikoloa (4) , Wood Valley Pahala (1) Vacation Rentals in Kauai (123) Show All Anahola (5) , Anini Beach (2) , Haena (3) , Hanalei (4) , Kalaheo (1) , Kapa'a (16) , Kekaha (3) , Kilauea (5) , Koloa (3) , Lawai (2) , Lihue (1) , Moloa'a (2) , Poipu (29) , Princeville (45) , Waimea (1) , Wainiha (1) Vacation Rentals on Maui (133) Show All Haiku (8) , Hana (2) , Kaanapali (11) , Kahana (1) , Kapalua (1) , Kihei (40) , Lahaina (28) , Maalaea Bay (4) , Makawao (3) , Maunaloa (2) , Napili (3) , Olowalu (1) , Paia (1) , Spreckelsville (1) , Waihee (1) , Wailea (25) , Wailuku (1) Vacation Rentals in Molokai (6) Show All Kaluakoi (1) , Kaunakakai (5) Vacation Rentals in Oahu (143) Show All Honolulu (16) , Kaaawa (6) , Kailua (32) , Kaneohe (7) , Kapolei (1) , Makaha (6) , Mokuleia (5) , North Shore (35) , Waianae (5) , Waikiki (17) , Waimanalo (13) 7 new vacation rentals this week Popular rental searches on Hawaii Property types Houses on Hawaii Condos on Hawaii Cottages on Hawaii Villas on Hawaii Apartments on Hawaii Location type Beach houses on Hawaii Rural houses on Hawaii Downtown villas on Hawaii Vacation themes Romantic condos on Hawaii Luxury condos on Hawaii Budget condos on Hawaii Vacation Rentals with pools Houses with a pool on Hawaii Condos with a pool on Hawaii Apartments with a pool on Hawaii Townhomes with a pool on Hawaii Villas with a pool on Hawaii About Vacation Rentals on Hawaii Hawaii vacation rentals are a popular way to spend your Hawaii vacation, whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon or a vacation for the whole family. Hawaii is known worldwide as a tropical paradise, with its gorgeous warm weather, its lush greenery, and its miles of pristine beaches. There’s plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun: renters can look forward to sailing, golfing, fishing, snorkeling…the list goes on! One of the best parts of a Hawaii vacation is experiencing the unique personality of each island. Big Island, or Hawaii proper, is home to the stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kauai, the “garden isle”, is less developed and more peaceful than its sister isles. On Oahu, visitors can find some of the world’s premiere surfing sites, as well as the modern city of Honolulu. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation home, or a romantic secluded condo, begin your search for Hawaii vacation rentals by clicking the links above. Home Property Search Property Search Geographic Search Pet Friendly -- Special Offer -- New Listings My Favorites About A1 Vacations About Us Using the Site Renting FAQs Resource Links -- Contact Us Disclaimer Terms & Conditions Privacy Press Inquiries Site Map Owners/Managers List Your Property Listing Info Owner Login Product Demo Help for Owners/Managers Owner FAQs Advertiser Guides Accept CC Payments Sales Tax Filing Testimonials Login Help Using the Site Renting FAQs Help for Owners/Managers Owner FAQs Advertiser Guides -- Listing Info -- Contact Us Destination World , USA , Hawaii All Properties on Hawaii --Big Island --Kauai --Maui --Molokai --Oahu Show Map About A1Vacations Privacy Policy Site Map © 1996—2005 A1Vacations.com, All rights reserved. View My Favorites