The cliffs of insanity

No, I didn't know about that one. I just received a sequel to "Molokai", as a gift... "Daughter of Molokai"... Hope you can try the original again. It was a hard read (and I have no ties to the islands, so can't possibly understand how you feel), but I thought it very important, and riveting. Best to you!

You probably know this but he’s written at least 1-2 other Hawaii books. I’m spacing on the name, but I believe one is called Honolulu

No, it was the Brennart one. Read it 26 years ago but kept my copy and have loaned it out numerous times. Incredible story, told with talent and great sensitivity... (Oh, great, I sound like some commercial, but still!!!...) Anyway - thank you for the post.

Pretty picture.

For all I can tell, this is just a macro shot of gravel from the parking lot.

They do use these cliffs as a backdrop in Jurassic Park II

That book made me cry. I couldn’t finish it. My great great great grandma got mentioned in the first couple pages though which was cool. Alan Brennart does great research.

Unless youre talking about the Bushnell Molokai book, which is also good, but not a moving story like the other one

We drove around the NW side on pur honeymoon. Can confirm, it was basically a single lane goat trail at parts. Lots and lots of chickens and pigs running around. Very steep on both sides of the road.

The views were incredible. I don't know if I'd do it again, but it was worth the drive..

My aunt: “going up was fine but going down was awful”. I still have no idea what she’s smoking. Going down was a piece of cake. Going back up was brutal

It’s about a dozen, but you got to meet two on the trip there. Unfortunately one of them, Boogie, passed away a couple years ago. He was an extremely kind person

One stop light

So big we can’t see the top

Life, uh… finds a way!

If you ever get the chance to go to Molokai, you have to take the pilgrimage down to Kalaupapa. You traverse down those cliffs on 26 switchbacks, and enter what used to be a “leper colony” starting in about the 1870’s. Today we call leprosy Hansen’s Disease, and there are still a dozen or so patients with Hansen’s Disease who live in the Kalaupapa settlement. You will get to meet at least one of the patients (you cannot catch the disease just from meeting and shaking hands with a person who has it). You tour around the whole Kalaupapa peninsula, and it’s just an incredible experience. 10/10. Down to one of the most isolated communities In the world. If you are catholic, I recommend the journey even more strongly, and you’ll see why once you get there.

Bring lots of water, you have to hike back up the trail afterwards. You used to be able to take a mule or horse down, but I dont think they have that option right now. For those who are not fit enough to make the hike, you can also fly into the peninsula (you aren’t allowed to stay the night), but if you are able to do the hike, I recommend it. The views are amazing. Those are the only two ways in and out of the Kalaupapa settlement. Once the last Hansen’s disease patient dies, it will become a national park that’s much more accessible.

The CLIFFS OF INSANITY!

So beautiful!

Thanks for the info, I hadn't thought of leper colonies for a damn long time.

You keep using that word... I do not think it means what you think it means.

Believe it or not, I actually saw a wedding taking place on the Cliffs of Moher. It was a windy, blustery day and I kept thinking, "Please don't let them be blown off the cliff."

Is the red line!!

Probably more accurately titled "Some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world"

Mitre Peak in Milford Sound is 5560' (1690m) tall almost vertical drop into the sea.

Yea, the whole 'east' side of the island and I believe the far north west corner as well.

You can see the roads on google earth and the road on the east side becomes one lane for much of it and looks like it hasn't been repaved since it was created.

There is just nothing on that side of the island so few people go there. But am sure it would make an amazing drive. It's on my list of things to do when I win the lotto and won't worry about destroying a rental car

It was still being used by the last two survivors (I believe it was two)

It was basically set up so they could use it for their entire lives and the last two people have yet to die off. Who knows what will happen at that point.

It's in an amazing location, so maybe retirement home for rich people or natives or something. Who knows. No one asked me.

Is there any tradition of throwing dead bodies off the cliffs?