If there is a guide you should ask for advices about Hawaiis, it surely is Dean Karamehmedovic a.k.a Aloha Dean.
During the last years, he "panoramized" all the U.S. archipelagic state, and fell in love for one island in particular: Molokai, which is famous for several things. The first one has to do with the beauty of the landscape and of its coasts. Originated from two volcanoes, the island has a peculiar geology, with the highest sea cliffs in the world - a guinness world record - which were used as scenery for Jurassic Park III. A part of the island is encircled by 40 km of coral reef, which stands for the longest one in the US. The treasures anyhow, aren't over: fish ponds (a.k.a. loko iʻa), Kiawe and Ohi'a lehua trees, coastal dunes, lushious rainforests, axis deers, wild pigs, Drosophila and Damselflies are scattered all around the island, along with eucalyptus trees, cypresses and guavas. Several other species, as - for example - a number of birds unfortunately vanished due to several factors, among which avian diseases and habitat destruction.
The national historical park of Kalaupapa - which can only be visited by mule - preserves a leper colony, which was constituted back in 1866 and used until 1969 to isolate people suffering from the Hansen's disease. Even though today the sicks aren't forcibly relocated there, some still live in the place, where Father Damien established in 1866, in order to help them. If the disease attracted worldwide attention, it's thanks to this charismatic and compassionate caregiver, who transformed a place to die in a place where hope could still burn in the hearts of the people.
Yes, the island is definitely inspiring, inviting and friendly; rich of unforgettable beaches and smiling people, who will be able to make you feel at home.
And, as they say: Aloha kākou.
click here to view Molokai Mule RideThe journey begins from the Mule Barn with a mule guide briefing. You'll learn your mule's name and the Mule Skinners (guides) will teach you how to ride and control the mules.
You will be riding down 1,700 feet of the most spectacular as well as the highest sea cliffs in the world (recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records). The boundless beauty you will experience as you traverse down the 2.9 mile trail, with 26 switchbacks, leaves most folks absolutely speechless.
Kalaupapa is on a sea level peninsula that is completely isolated from the rest of Molokai by a sheer mountain face. Kalaupapa can only be reached by a very small airplane, or by hiking or riding a mule down the almost vertical trail. Hiking down is great, going back up is not for wimps.
click here to view Kalaupapa peninsula
St. Francis was built in 1908 and is of masonry construction with Gothic windows and a rear tower. St. Francis Catholic Church is prominently located directly across from the historic landing where barges continue to dock as they did throughout the century.
click here to view St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa
Kalawao lookout, at the base of the highest sea cliffs in the world, dropping about 1010 meters into the Pacific Ocean (recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records).
click here to view Kalawao lookout
Father Damien had lived in Kalawao 12 years when it was confirmed that he had contracted Hansens disease. Damien was 49 years old when he died April 15, 1889, at Kalawao with Mother Marianne at his bedside. He was buried in the cemetery next to his church, St. Philomena. The people of Kalawao had lost their strongest voice.
click here to view Father Damien's grave site at Kalawao
Halawa valley is the only valley easily accessible by guided hikes only. This is one of Hawaii true natural wonders, a half mile wide and three to four mile deep, backed with cliffs and two towering waterfalls.
click here to view Halawa Valley Lookout
One of the longest and finest beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. This beach extends over three miles of coastline and is more than 300 yards wide.
click here to view Popohaku Beach Park
Dean's Website VTHawaii.com features Virtual Reality Tours from Oahu, Kauai, Big Island Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Lanai with 1160 VR scenes, over 1000 of them are fullscreens. You can find the latest new published panoramas here.
Links:
Blessed Damien of Molokai
VTHawaii.com/
BestHawaiiMap.com/
http://HawaiiMarineLife.com
Previous Guest Artist article on Aloha Dean:
ALOHA DEAN AND VTHAWAII
