In the mid 19th century, Hawaii faced a crisis in the form of an outbreak of Hansen’s disease, otherwise known as leprosy. This disfiguring, isolating and deathly disease meant that communities sent it suffering victims to live in an exclusive community located in Kalaupapa. One day, a Belgian missionary Saint, Father Damien, became the hero of the community when he reached out to them out of the kindness of his heart, building churches and assisting them selflessly for the next 16 years, before he too succumbed to the disease in a tragically poetic representation of his complete dedication to the leper community.

Today, the town has become a place of rich cultural heritage that is well-preserved an aims to educate the public on what went on here. There is still a small number of cured elderly survivors who continue to call it their home. If you’re interested to learn more about the lesser known side of Hawaiian history, this is the place for you.