An ancient religious site (heiau meaning "temple"), over 320 ft long and 120 ft wide, this is one of Hawai'i' largest heiaus.
It is thought to be the oldest one too. Historians believe it may have originally been three times its current size.
Father Damien de Veuster landed on the Kalaupapa peninsula on May 10, 1873. Stepping off the boat with only his prayer book, Father Damien's arrival was like those of the people he had come to serve. The sight of hundreds of patients, many in the advanced stages of leprosy, living pell-mell in makeshift houses, was shocking and frightening. Having no house of his own, Damien spent his first nights under a pandarus tree.
During the next 16 years, he absorbed himself in the lives of the Kalaupapa's people, acting not only as priest but as doctor, nurse and carpenter. His example and perseverance gave hope to the patients and called worldwide attention to their needs.
After a five year struggle with the disease, Damien died here on April 15, 1889.
This is the only church built by Father Damien in the state of Hawai'i that is still in its original condition.
All the churches he built were the same size and with the same features.
