Reservation Era Begins 1850-1878

1866

Hawaiian leprosy patients are sent to Moloka‘i Colony

Kalawao Leprosy Colony on Moloka'i. Image: Hawai'i State Archives
Kalawao Leprosy Colony on Moloka'i. Image: Hawai'i State Archives

The first leprosy patients are forced into quarantine at Kalawao on Moloka’i; approximately 3,000 follow over the next 18 years. “In 1866, the first boatload of patients was torn from their weeping relatives and departed from Honolulu en route to Kalawao. Upon arrival, they found that the so-called hospital had no beds, that medicines and doctors were in short supply, and that food shipments were undependable. Living in sordid conditions and cast out from society, most of the victims gave in to depression, hopelessness, and alienation. Soon, the worst elements were running the settlement with the rest subject to their whims. No attempt whatsoever was made to cure the dread disease.” - Joseph G. Mullins, “Hawaiian Journey” (Native Voices, “1866: Hawaiian leprosy patients sent to Moloka‘i Colony”).

Traumatic Event