Moloka’i, Hawaii: Sacred Homes, Beauty, and Dance

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Moloka’i, Hawaii:
Sacred Homes, Beauty, and Dance

Today, we will explore the cultural vibe of Moloka’i. This is a story of people who were badly mistreated by an ignorant King but worked together to build a lasting community based upon respect, work, and hope for the future. They didn’t tear each other apart or plan revenge. Now they are wealthy and own some of the best real estate in the world.
- Cris

Day 1: Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Enduring Spirit, Sacred Ground

The park was established in 1980 to preserve the memories and experiences of the people forcibly sent here. When Hansen's disease (leprosy) was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha V banished all afflicted to the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. The park's mission is to provide a well-maintained community that ensures the present patient-residents of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives peacefully and comfortably. The park also supports education concerning Hansen's disease (leprosy), a disease shrouded in fear and ignorance for many centuries. The only way for visitors to tour this park is through a Licensed Guide and there currently are not any Guides. Keep watching for updates. Leave your phone in your backpack because people live here and no photography is permitted without permission of the residents.

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Day 2: Cultural Art

Moloka’i Arts Center

Indigo dyes, pottery, mosaic painting, working with colored slips - take a cultural art workshop at the Moloka’i Arts Center and create your own souvenir. Breathe deeply and enjoy being away from the people and things that are problems. Look around - everyone is smiling and it’s beautiful.

Day 3: Hula School

Molokai is one of the best places to watch and learn hula. The island is actually regarded as the birthplace of hula. According to legends, Laka was the goddess of hula. She gave birth to the dance in the sacred grounds of Ka’ana, and the dance has been practiced by locals since then. Her death completed the cycle of hula’s rebirth and renewal.

Thus, the island of Molokai has been referred to as Molokai Ka Hula Piko, or Molokai, The Center of Dance. Every May, the communities get together to celebrate the birth of hula, in a festival called Ka Hula Piko. Dance is the main showcase of the celebrations. There are many performances, feasts, plus opportunities to learn hula.

To the people of Molokai, hula has been a way to look back and honor the legacies of their ancestors. Hula is a graceful dance that fuses movements and chants. It merges water’s fluidity and the fire of life – an aptly vibrant dance for a kind and tempered people.

Sweet Isolation and A Nap

Mochi: Sweet, delicious history
Molokai from the air: No people!
Naptime: How do turtles nap?

Day 4: Fresh, Delicious Food

Kaunakakai Farmer’s Market

Explore Kaunakakai, Molokai’s main town, known for its slow pace and authentic Hawaiian atmosphere. Visit the Kaunakakai Farmer’s Market (usually open on Saturday mornings) to browse local produce, handmade goods, and Hawaiian delicacies such as musubi, mochi and kulolo. It’s a great opportunity to interact with locals and support the community. Imagine what it would be like to live here?

In the spirit of relaxation, there will not be an issue of Espresso Boarding tomorrow. Relax and go outside.

See you Thursday.

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