Kalaupapa

On January 6,1866, 12 men and women became first of thousands forced into exile on the Kalaupapa Peninsula - Hansen's disease colony otherwise know as a leprosy. Forced isolation at Kalaupapa ended at 1949. Today leprosy, which affects upper respiratory track, nerves,eyes and skin is easily curable. Current residents of Kalaupapa have been free to leave, but choose to stay in the place they called home.