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Author Jack London introduced readers to the exotic area by writing a fascinating account of the real life adventures of Ko'olau the Leper. Koolau had taken refuge in Kalalau Valley with his wife Pi'ilani and their son after officials refused Pi'ilani's request to accompany him in exile to Molokai's Kalaupapa leprosy colony. The family could not bear to be parted. In 1893, the government... |
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reportedly sent over two-dozen armed soldiers and police into Kalalau in an attempt to capture Ko'olau and other resisters. Fighting back, Ko'olau shot and killed the deputy sheriff and two of the soldiers. After this bloody encounter, the authorities left Ko'olau and his family to live out his remaining days in the valley. Koolau the Leper died four years later from the dreaded disease. |
