Moloka'i (The Friendly Isle)
Shaped like a shoe at only 38 miles long and 10 miles across, Moloka‘i is the fifth largest of the eight main islands of Hawai‘i, and is located just 25 miles southeast from the island of O‘ahu. Many of the 7,400 residents are of native Hawaiian ancestry, preserving their culture through their rural lifestyle and love of their land. Their warmth has earned the island the name “The Friendly Isle”. The symbolic island color is green, and the island flower is the kukui blossom.
Although small in size, Moloka‘i features the world’s highest sea cliffs along its northern coast, isolating the town of Kalaupapa, the Hansen’s Disease settlement, located on a small, 13-square mile peninsula (pictured in the home page slide). Historically, victims of Hansen’s Disease were forced by the Hawaiian government to live in this isolated colony. It wasn’t until 1969 when the ban was lifted, that residents were free to leave. There are no active cases of Hansen’s Disease today, but some patients still choose to live in Kalaupapa. During the period of quarantine, Father Damien, a Catholic Priest, and Mother Marianne Cope, a Catholic nun, dedicated their lives to helping the people there. Both have been canonized as Roman Catholic Saints for the selfless care they provided and the miraculous healings that have taken place there in recent years.
Grace Episcopal Church is the only Episcopal church on the island and is located in Ho‘olehua.
For a listing of all churches, including the one on Molokai, please visit the Our Churches page.
Although small in size, Moloka‘i features the world’s highest sea cliffs along its northern coast, isolating the town of Kalaupapa, the Hansen’s Disease settlement, located on a small, 13-square mile peninsula (pictured in the home page slide). Historically, victims of Hansen’s Disease were forced by the Hawaiian government to live in this isolated colony. It wasn’t until 1969 when the ban was lifted, that residents were free to leave. There are no active cases of Hansen’s Disease today, but some patients still choose to live in Kalaupapa. During the period of quarantine, Father Damien, a Catholic Priest, and Mother Marianne Cope, a Catholic nun, dedicated their lives to helping the people there. Both have been canonized as Roman Catholic Saints for the selfless care they provided and the miraculous healings that have taken place there in recent years.
Grace Episcopal Church is the only Episcopal church on the island and is located in Ho‘olehua.
For a listing of all churches, including the one on Molokai, please visit the Our Churches page.
