When Father Damien, a Belgian missionary came to Kalawao in 1873, he found only basic, makeshift shelters constructed out of whatever materials the isolated leper community could find. Father Damien dedicated himself to helping the Kalawaoians to build 300 frame structures to house and serve the 1,100 strong community. When the community gradually shifted to Kalaupapa, many of the buildings eventually fell into disrepair, and were destroyed. Today all that is left standing are a few building foundations, stone walls, cemeteries and most notably two Catholic churches - Siloama Congregational Church and St. Philomena Catholic Church. Siloama is the first church erected here, made from white wood with sage green metal roof, featuring a modest steeple topped with a gold bulb, this church is still practicing today. The nearby St. Philomena is a gothic style church with a turreted tower and arched windows. It is also the resting place of Saint Damien, where you can pay tribute to this brave and selfless man at his grave. The town is a touching tribute to the resilient people who strove to make the most out of a sad situation, and the generous missionaries who helped them.