Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the exact turn, you most likely would drive right by them. Small Kakahai'a Beach Park is
little more than a picnic table on the shoreline. The first noticeable sight you will reach is
St. Joseph's Church
right around mile marker 10. Although Father Damien is famous for
having reached out to the patients of Kalaupapa, he would also frequently make the ardu-
ous trek over the mountains down to the southern coastline where, in 1876, he constructed
St. Joseph's Church as a place of Christian worship. There is a statue of Damien standing
outside this small, recently restored building. Given the general lack of modern develop-
ment, it isn't hard to imagine what the area would have looked like when the first nails
of the church were pounded in 135 years ago. For a quick peek inside, check the doors;
they are often unlocked. In an effort to convert Hawaiians to Christianity, it's believed that
Father Damien purposely chose this spot in Kamalo to provide an alternative to the Puili
heiau,
which lies just inland.
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church
Also constructed by Father Damien in 1874,
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church
sits on
the inland side of Highway 450 14.5 miles east of Kaunakakai in the middle of an expans-
ive field of finely cut grass. This is the more scenic of the two famous churches. Deep val-
leys form a rugged backdrop for the steeple, and coastal views stretch across the Ni'aupala
fishpond to the island of Maui in the distance. Mass is still held on Sundays at 7am.
