Visiting Hawaii's Tragic & Remote Leprosy Colony 

A couple of years ago I was doing research on voter turnout and noticed there was a county with 0% voter turnout. Worried I had an error in my dataset I looked into it further. Turns out it was Kalaupapa. Also turns out that in the election I was studying there wasn’t a polling station on the island despite it having almost 100 voting age residents. So the governmental neglect and disenfranchisement that infuses the history of Kalaupapa clearly continues.

I've fallen down the rabbit hole that is "Ask a Mortician." As a Native Hawaiian, you're pronunciation is superb. I've also learned many things about Kalaupapa. Mahalo nui!

"the separating sickness" .. that's just fcking heartbreaking 😔😢

A little story: Fr. Damien of Molokai was bestowed the honor of "Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kalākaua" by King Kalākaua. His sister, Crown Princess Lili'uokalani (who would one day become the last Queen of Hawaii) came in person to Molokai to give the medal to Father Damien. When she arrived, she was surrounded by several children who asked her if she was their mother, and she was so moved by them that she answered that she was. She was too overcome by emotion later on to even read the speech she had prepared for the occasion.

When I was a very young child (I am 63) my grandmother was part of an out reach to the Lepers. Her part of that mission was the hand crocheting of thousands of feet (perhaps miles) of soft cotton bandages for the colony. She did that until her death in her eighties. The tiny stitches on a crochet needle that was tiny as well, were awesome; and soft as a rose petal.

I choked up on hearing the ending Hawaïenne song and the camera panning the mass grave site. Keep on showing the true stories of the dead and their history

I love Moloka’i with all my heart. The locals are very kind and friendly. The Aina is breathtaking and beautiful. It was always my dream to visit Kalaupapa since childhood. I grew up Catholic was baptized and confirmed. I wanted to take Damien as my confirmation name but in 1985 he was not a saint yet. I always wanted to follow his example by loving and taking care of people who are considered on societies fringes. Today, I’m a psychiatric nurse, as soon as I got my BSN I paid my respects to St. Damien and offered thanks for giving me direction in my life.

If you're ever frightened riding an equine down a cliff just remember that where we have two legs a horse\mule has four. They much more stable than you'd think.

I feel about this the way I felt when I went to an American Indegenuous People's Art museum. I had never been taught the horrible pain and suffering that Native Americans were put through until I saw their art. My art teacher is Cherokee, and she was the one who taught me about her people's history. It made me cry to see what my American education never showed me. American education likes to put rose tinted lenses over history lessons, making the white man seem less bad. With what happened to these Hawaiian people, and what happened to Native Americans should never be forgotten. We need to understand and remember these people, and make sure that they didn't die forgotten and exiled from their own land. I pray that they rest in peace.

I was born and raised on Maui and was well into my 30's before I visited the island. It's a beautiful island with a tragic history.

My great-great granduncle & his wife were sent to Kalaupapa in 1905. I'm one of the few fortunate ones because national park employees were able to identify his grave. For the record, Ka 'Ohana o Kalaupapa are currently fundraising to build a memorial to the patients of Kalaupapa. They are working hard to identify patients, & their families/living descendants for the purpose of creating a fitting memorial to them.

From what I've read, Fr. Damien of Molokai transformed the lives of the of the people he served. He helped them build houses, insisted that supplies be provided to them, and treated like valued and beloved family members. He restored their dignity, their hope, and their quality of life, though they were prisoners. He chose to live among them and serve them; truly a saint. : )

My senior year of high school my extra curricular class hiked down into Kalaupapa, stayed for a week with the small remnant of remaining residents, helping to clean the area, hiked around the valley and learned of this history of my people. We reluctantly hiked back up after a very teachable time. Every once in a while I go through photos of that trip with fond memories. Class of 1978 Roosevelt High School Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

I’m so glad I know about this, now, and I can go and research more. I feel somewhat guilty I’ve managed to spend 24 years without having even heard of this exile. It’s horrifying that it ever happened, and yet so fascinating. I want to know these peoples’ stories.

Mahalo nui for showing respect to such an important yet sad part of the Kanakas (HAWAIIANS). Our history lives on when it is honored in truth and you my friend gave these kupunas much respect and truth...so thank you for your Aloha.

My mother caught the measles when she was pregnant with my older brother in the 70s. The Dr's wanted her to get an abortion because the baby could be severely deformed. She refused to have an abortion. She carried the baby for 7 months and lost him. He was born too early but wouldn't have survived if she carried him to full term. He was born alive and lived 3 hours. He was severely deformed. The Dr's told my dad to not let my mom see him because it would be to hard for her to see him in that condition. He died never knowing his mother's touch. When he died mom didn't even get to say goodbye. They took the baby and had him buried without a funeral. Dad was in the navy and stationed in Mississippi. My grandfather drove from Kentucky to take the baby back home to Kentucky to bury him. My mother never got over the devastation of losing my brother. She was never allowed to go to his grave. We children never knew were my grandfather buried him. Not until my baby brother died 30 years later. Billy was buried next to the baby my mother was buried on the orher side of him. They are finally together. My point to my story is vaccinate your children so no one else could ever suffer of losing a child the way my mother did. My mother also contracted the measles when she was at a Dr's office for an appointment. She got sick from just waiting in the waiting room and being around someone that was sick with the measles. If this had never happened to my mom her life and our families life would have been very different.

New information every video! That man's voice was so beautiful.

I can't believe in 26 years I have never learned this. Why aren't we taught in accuracy? My heart aches, and I am also grateful that you've made this. So thank you 🖤

I'm from Belgium and we are taught at school about Pater Damiaan. He did actually a lot for the people at the island, helped building homes and even a school (if I remember correctly). He kept his distance in the beginning so he wouldn't catch the illness, but after some time he became close to the people and so he died eventually of the same illness that killed his friends. If I remember correctly in Belgium he had good opportunities inside the church but he wanted to help the poor and sick so he traveled to Molokai.

"There once was a bird named Enza. I opened the window and in flew Enza." Bird Flu epidemic nursery rhyme.

My feelings regarding Hawai'i are mine and I won't sully the board with them. However, this is a tragic story and a forgotten part of history that needs to be told. Much like a holocaust, these people, without say or input, were ripped from their families and forced to survive....or die--which ever came first. They were innocent victims who defied the odds and made a community for themselves. They deserve to be remembered. Thank you for doing that for them.

As someone born and raised in Hawaii (like yourself), I love all the videos in which you mention Hawaiian history and culture!

My grandfather was a sailor on the "Mercator" and was part of the voyage to pickup Father Damiaans remains. It's really interesting to learn more about the colony themselves since Belgian schools mostly focus on Damiaan.

There's the history I learned in school, and then there's the history (Trail of Tears, Japanese Internment, the Leper Colony on Molokai) that I only ever heard about from my mother. It's two completely different worlds.

The man was singing i deadass starting tearing up. It sounded so emotional.

I'm a nurse who works in Critical Care in the Midwest (Southern Indiana) and have recently had a situation in which a funeral director (from Kentucky) pressured a family to embalm, even though they didn't want to. He told them that they MUST make a decision immediately and that they cannot have an open casket funeral without embalming. After the family got off the phone, I explained some of what I've learned form you, that embalming is not a legal requirement for an open casket and that she could have told him that the decision could wait until their planned meeting the next day. Luckily, this woman seemed to be a pretty strong character and could hold her own. But I really worry for my other family members in similar situations who maybe can't afford embalming but still want an open casket funeral. I would love to be able to point these families to resources early in the dying process and while your channel always comes to mind, I'm never sure where to start. Do you have any videos that deal with the rights surviving loved ones in detail that I can point people to? If not, could you make one? This subject is so dear to me as I cannot understand how one could take advantage of families in their most vulnerable state. Thanks!

As I was born and raised in Belgium, we constantly learned about this from when we were a kid to when we were in our early teens. Father Damien/Saint Damien of Molokai is well known to us and we've seen his maternal house and learned all about his work and what he did for those with leprosy, including building a church etc and deciding to live with them. He had about 16 different professions there and aside from being a priest, he was a carpenter and a teacher, a doctor and many more things to the people of Molokai.

That man singing at the end really drove the images into my head, of the families and children, bound for agony and death. heart wrenching, thank you for covering this

"He's a saint now. Good for him." Dying!

I get it, you can’t put everything about all of American history in a class year. But I have been learning American history for 13 years of my American schooling life. And never have I known that this was a place that existed or what took place. In fact, all I really learned about Hawaii is that Dole pineapples are grown there and it was established as a American state late in “America’s life” so to say. American schooling system teaches extensively about the Holocaust (not denouncing the severity of that, not my point but stay with me) but gloss over Japanese internment camps in WWII and Native American troubles and deaths that are STILL HAPPENING TODAY. There are some things like this don’t even get mentioned. I believe it’s because, the holocaust for example, was done (largely) by another country and we can point and then and say “they are bad people”. But we have built ourself a up to seem like the best of the best that we are embarrassed by such things as this that we don’t teach it and pretend it never happened. But that’s the problem, we need to teach that things like this DID happen and my ancestors (white people) were the ones who did it. It is incredibly heartbreaking that this is given no Recognition in places that are supposed to teach. Thanks for this video I learned something that was never and will never be taught to me.

i'm honestly surprised that so many people in the comments say that they've never learnt about this in school! I live in Belgium and here it's kind of standard curriculum (obviously also because of Father Damian but whatever). We even have a very well known charity that provides medical aid and stuff for people that suffer from leprosy today!! Its called 'de damiaanactie' (roughly translates to The Damian Action)

I moved to Kaneohe in 1969 from Japan. Never knew about the leprosy colony until after I left for CA in 1971. Now that I'm much older, I wish I had spent more time learning about the history of the countries that I had the privilege to live in.

Lovely, haunting singing at the end.

We were taught about Father Damien in Elementary school. I'd almost nearly forgotten about him and the colony, so I'm thankful you brought it up!

That is heartbreaking.. separating families, not even letting them say goodbye. That is my worst nightmare.

To hear the man sing with such passion and strength reminded me of a saying - I can't remember where I heard it - that "the dead speak through the songs of the living". I can hear them when he sings. May those souls return to their homelands, to their ancestors, to their families. May their souls be safe and free and at peace.

The history of western colonization of Hawaii is very dark. You can see the damage to this day, in the form of rapid gentrification and foreign property consumption. Born and raised in Honolulu, and it's a damn shame I can barely recognize the place.

As a Canadian whose great grandmother was taken from her family into a residential school only 90 years ago, this hit home in the worst colonial way. So many different indigenous populations suffered across the globe. Thank you for sharing this devastating yet fascinating death history lesson. x

thank you, my grandmothers first cousin (Sarah Miala Meyer Benjamin) was a patient there until her death. 2 years ago i spent 5 days there and it was very life changing for me. thank you for telling of the plight of these forgotten people

I know EXACTLY what you mean about the mental confusion of a place of horror also being beautiful!! I felt that way while visiting the Port Arthur prison colony in Tasmania!! It just chilled me to realize such horrors took place and so many lost their lives in terrible ways among such natural beauty!

This is fascinating. I had never even heard of this colony. Brilliant video, Caitlin. So informative. 🖤

Caitlin you keep getting better and better, you would deserve a TV program of your own, brava!!!

GOOD LORD THAT MANS VOICE! I feel like i can feel the thousands of lives that suffered crying out through his passion. INSANE and SO awesome.

There is actually a book on it titled "The Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai". I haven't read the whole thing, but it's pretty interesting and heartbreaking. So if you found this interesting, I recommend reading that book.

I saw this so quickly❤️❤️ love your videos!!! A video on Saartjie Baartman's corpse??

Oh yes, the sweet rotting smell of good ol' colonization. You never change

Thank you for presenting a piece of Hawaii’s history. I’m always so interested in learning about Pacific Islander culture. It’s crazy how it’s so rare to find information about your own culture, but you’re always learning about others.

I lost a friend a few weeks ago and I wanted to learn more about death. I can’t remember exactly what I asked RU-vid but your videos popped up and I have become so interested in all your videos since then. You tell so many interesting stories about history. I just wanted to say thank you 🙏🏻 And your bubbley personality is awesome!

For anyone who wants to get an intimate picture of the life of leprosy patients during the time when they were still being exiled instead of treated, I highly recommend Molokai by Alan Brennert. It's about a little Hawaiian girl who gets sent to Kalaupapa at age 7 and her life after her diagnosis and exile. Such a beautiful book.

This is so fascinating, and depressing.. But thank you for sharing this! Love learning history.

May they rest in peace and their souls be comforted in the remains be treated with extreme compassion and respect

The ending of this video is haunting... Hits harder than anything else I've watched on the channel. Beautiful, thorough, and respectful as always, Caitlin.

Thank you for spreading awareness for this dark period in our history.

We were taught the story of Molokai and the outcasts with Hansen's Disease in grade school. Father Damien's life of service for the hopeless was a model of unconditional love. I read about his life long ago; he was not surprised by the onset of symptoms when he became sick. I'm glad you posted this tribute to the courageous people who created a life for themselves on Molokai after separation from family and community. May they find peace in the arms of the Lord.

I love how these beautiful people have risen above the circumstances inflicted on them. Thank you for sharing your experience there. Truth and beauty will never be destroyed. Only the stories can be manipulated.

I flew there several years ago with special permission and the Sheriff took us on a tour in a school bus. It was very special to me because Father (now St. Damien) was my hero in Catholic high school who built the colony and a church there and supported the people, finally succumbing to the disease itself. We were told incredible stories. The Sheriff, who had the disease himself, said that Damien was the right man, at the right time, in the right place to serve the people there. I will never forget my visit there. The whole history of the disease and what Damien did is very interesting.

In Brazil, in the 60s (during the military dictatorship in Brazil), the government did something similar here. It's called Hospital Colônia. Aprox 60 thousand people were killed there.

Please do a video on the Philadelphia experiment! It's so creepy and fascinating

I remember reading a fictional account of a child who was sent to the island. The story of her after being treated and then finding her child again was heart breaking. Also you saying "obviously I didn't film them", after speaking with a surviving inhabit of the island is the reason I will keep watching you proudly.

I don’t usually make comments on things but I absolutely love your videos and this one in particular. As a Paramedic I am regularly around death so having a death plan etc has never been a concern of mine as I and my family know what we want and talk about it regularly. The people who lived and died here really got me thinking about how amazing the human spirit is, they had this horrible disease and had many horrible symptoms but even with the pain, agony, and death all around them they still came together as a community and lived normal(ish) lives and that is incredible to me. Thank you for the wealth of information you provide and everything you do

He’s a saint now. God for him! 😂😂😂 I couldn’t help but laugh about how you said that. I love St. Damien of Molokai he’s one of my favorite saints and I’m happy you mentioned him!

Thank you, Caitlin, for sharing this information and history and for honoring those who were and those who still are on Kalaupapa.

Hey Shaka Sista!! Loved the Video you did. Went there twice. When I was in the Army in the 70s. The people there were. Very nice,cool and so Brave too. Glad you brought up Da Kind FATHER Damien!! He Cared and helped the People so Much. And lost his Life. Because of his Huge Heart!

Mahalo for telling this story in a very considerate way. Your pronunciation was very good!

Much appreciated story of Kalaupapa. I live on Oahu, but never heard a great deal of details of what happened there on Molokai.

god, that man singing at the end just rips your heart out. such pure emotion.

Father Damien, what a living example of unconditional love, humility, and lovingkindness. Thank you for sharing his and the shared story of all those on Molokai who were separated from family and friends due to this now easily treated disease.

I just found this video and wanted to thank you for sharing this with the world. I consider myself a history buff and I had no idea about any of this. The way you present the information is so respectful of those who were displaced or lost their lives here and so informative while also reminding us to continue to learn lessons from our past. I love your channel!

Heartbreaking story wonderfully told thank you your videos are amazing

I was always fascinated with kalopapa as a kid! I grew up in Hawaii too, but have never made it over to Molokai

One of my favorite Patron Saints, Marianne Kope (on top of being a Patroness of Hawaii alongside Damien is the Patroness of Outcasts) actually worked in Molokai!

There is an excellent novel titled “Molokai” by Alan Brennert. It’s set in the colony and spans a couple generations. Highly recommend if you interested in this subject, in Hawaii or history in general or just enjoy good fiction.

"He's a saint now, good for him." But is he incorrupt?

I’m 26 years old and I had no idea this happened. It breaks my heart. God rest their souls. ❤️

This should be taught in our schools, this is a part of history that everyone should learn. Thank you for sharing this with us cause I didn't know anything about this

every time I watch this video I get emotional. I myself am a native Hawaiian (from Oahu, so also very close to Kalaupapa) and was always so disappointed that nobody from mainland ever learned about this in school. Truly another travesty that was inflicted on the native hawaiians. Mahalo nui ❤️aloha nui loa

'He's a saint now. Good for him.' Hahahahaha

Hawaii is such a beautiful place and holds a special spot in my heart, having just visited it once, the people there have endured so much, but have such beautiful spirits. Thank you for sharing this story!

i had this vid playing in the background but as soon as the singing started at 8:01 i instantly started crying. thank you for sharing this video, i’m glad i have been educated and now know more about the history of the Hawaiian people. respect ❤️

This is an AMAZING story! Your coverage honored this subject and the people involved. Well done.

Your life n job is so fascinating thank you for sharing it with us

"why is it so beautiful with so much death..." collateral beauty.

Both heart breaking and beautiful. Thank you for documenting this for us.

The closing short Hawaiian chorus was beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you so much for including it.

Thanks for covering this as a legacy of settler-colonialism. So few people actually know the history of the lands we occupy and the violence it takes to create and maintain the status-quo we have today.

I knew about this because of the story of St. Damien. There's a great movie about him starring the guy who played Farimiar in Lord of the Rings.

I love that when you share these tragic tales of history you include commentary on the resilience & triumphs (how ever many or few there may be) of the native people & communities who suffered. I all the more admire how these families/communities have grown & recovered from their more unfortunate histories, they at the very least deserve credit for such strength 🖤

The man's song at the end was beautiful and haunting.. it nearly brought me to tears

Aw, Caitlin, this is an amazing video with a beautiful ending. I always enjoy your videos, but this one feels especially special and sacred. Thank you for educating and honoring those who passed while being so respectful and considerate.

Friday night with a glass of wine and a new Caitlin video? Yes please!!

As a child I went to Hawaii with my family and thought everyone was talking about a leopard colony. I couldn't figure out why that was something sad. I felt super dumb when I figured out what people were talking about.

Thank you for including the polynesian song in the end.... i love hearing their lamguage and i fear that it has been dying ... at least to the outside eye. I like to hear it being used especially in this context to remember the suffering of so many long silenced voices.

This is the saddest thing I’ve heard in a long time,thanks you for all the things you each us about, that I probably would never have known. I love your videos and really do appreciate them. Much Love.

It is so beautiful there, crazy that such sickness and sadness happened. Thank you for sharing!! ☺

I just want to say that I love your channel! It is so informative in an entertaining way. I was never one to be interested in history at school, but I could binge watch your videos for hours. Thank you!

This is a beautiful tribute video. Always with just enough humor, just enough humility, with a respect for the facts and the people involved.

@Askamortician I finished Smoke gets in your eyes, and i absolutely loved it. i'm already half way through rereading it lol. I absoloutely love what you do, and Iv'e even been able to have a serious talk about my new view on death with my parents, and i think they have a different perspective on it too. Keep up the good work, you are making a hell of a change! :)))))

This is such a sad but interesting video! Im going to use this topic for my college research paper. Thankyou so much for going over history in a culture that is almost lost!

Another informative and well-presented video from my favorite channel!! I love everything you air about history!

What a Beautiful meaningful video. Thank You Caitlin