The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1893-02-21
A VISIT TO "KALALAU," KAUAI.

tackled by leprosy, that brief sketch
of the place and its surrounding, etc,
may interest your readers.
Kalalau is situated on the northern
extremity of the Island of Kauai,
and can only be reached by two
mountain passes-one from the west
ern side of the island via Waimea,
perpendiculsrly down the mountain
by sort of hsnd-over-hand motion,
clinging on to roots of shrubs, etc. /;
the other from Haens, along the en-
tire seaside slopes of the mountains.
Both are exceedingly dangerous, and
known only to residents in Kalalau
and their families. Possibly land
ing by sea may be effected during
the months of April and May, but
even at that time it is considered
fool hardy. On arrival at the port of
Hanalei, the nearest point at which
the inter-island steamers call, travel
can be done on horseback as far as
Haena-the place at which the caves
so much spoken of can be seen. Hav-
ing arrived at this point, and engaged
the services of some native going to
Kalalau, the long and tiresome Jour
ney of climbing the mountains and
passes on foot commences.
After two hours travel, one finds
himself at the nice little valley of
Hanakapiai, which is leased by Mr..
Deverell here there are two COM
Portable grass huts which come in
very acceptably for a few minutes
rest. Continuing our journey for
another two and half hours of very
dangerous passes overlooking the
sea, the valley of Hanakoa presents
itself. There are several Janapese
living here who cultivate taro, and
who although isolated appear very
contented.
From this valley onward, the most
dangerous and precipitous passes
have to be crossed, one particularly
of about forty-fve feet in length,
with a toe-hold of only two inches
along a perpendicular mountain;
there are notches cut out in the rock
in which a dear-life grip is held, and
natives appear to cross here
fearlessly, yet glance below of a
direct drop into the sea of seven to
eight hundred feet would test the
nerves of the stoutest hearts.
Another two hours and our weaHi-
some journey is at an end, and with
fingers torn by thorns and blistered
feet we arrive at our destination.
The range of mountains here forms
a horseshoe shape, bounded at either
end by the sea-within lies the beau
tiful valley of ''Kalalau," a valley
which surpasses any other on these
islands in beauty and grandeur.
Oranges, lemons, bananas, coffee,
taro, ETC., ETC., grow most luxuriantly,
and provided as the natives are with
3 copious supply of mountain
streamlets, as well as cattle, horses,
pigs and ducks, all crea-
lure comforts are obtainable and it
would seem as if better spot could
not have been selected in which the
poor afflicted creatures might pass
heir days of misery There are
lightweight souls all told in "Ka-
alau"-of which twenty have lep-
,osy in its worst stages. The re-
naming sixty-eight (relatives of the
iick) perhaps are more or less |
ainted, but from all exterior appear
lnces there are many whose skin |
appears spotless and without a
indeed more healthy look
ng than many of their sisters and |
brethren in Honolulu. A more
lappy and contented village of ma
ives could not be found, daily and
lightly there are luaus with singing
nd dancing, when beverage made
rom the ii root is INDUCED in. The
lex never mix promiscuously with
heir well relatives-that is-for my
xperience-but so far as l could
scertain they kept and lived by
themselves at the head of the valley.
There are ten very nice and neatly
uilt wooden houses, clearly and
Omfortably furnished and fifteen
rash huts. There is small native
lace of worship and school, con-
ucted by a native whose efforts
Gem to be effective.
En- finale it is worth mentioning
nat only natives pure and simple
re residents in "Kalalau," and the
esire of the people is that their
United brethren thus segregated
Isy be allowed to pass their days of
isery within reach of their families
nd provided with such creature
,mforts as can be obtainable in this
Vely and picturesque valley.
ASTIGosE.