Shannon Benine

Belt of Venus, Kalaupapa Airport (Lae Ho’olehua), 2016

A powerful winter wave, characteristic of the 50-foot surf that can strike the northern coast, crashes near the Kalaupapa Airport (Lae Ho’olehua). The massive surf frequently impacts the runway, often requiring pilots to execute extreme maneuvers to avoid salt spray during takeoffs and landings. Above the horizon, the pink glow of the Belt of Venus is visible, an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs opposite the setting sun, resting above the dark arc of Earth’s shadow. The image captures the dynamic, challenging environment of the peninsula. 

The Pali (Sea Cliffs), 2018

An aerial view of the Pali (sea cliffs), which run along Molokaʻi's northern coast and are recognized as the highest sea cliffs in the world. This geological feature naturally sealed off the Kalaupapa Peninsula, creating the remote conditions used by the government to establish the settlement. The sheer cliffs emphasize the immense scale of the natural barrier separating the community from the rest of the island. 

Trail to Kalaupapa, Ho’olehua, 2013

The Kalaupapa Trail is a steep and challenging land route, descending approximately 1,700 feet from the Hoʻolehua plain via 26 switchbacks. While most patients arrived by sea from the other Hawaiian Islands, this trail was the only land connection and historically represented the geographical separation from Molokaʻi for those forcibly sent to the settlement. Today, the path is used almost exclusively by workers and authorized visitors to the settlement. 

Lansen, Kalaupapa Slaughter House, 2016

Lansen, a Native Hawaiian whose family resides on the island of Molokaʻi, is photographed at the Kalaupapa Slaughter House. This historic facility was part of the settlement’s infrastructure for livestock management and meat production, which included a dairy and hog ranch. Today, the facility remains utilized by park staff and local hunters to process deer and wild boar as part of the management of invasive species that threaten the peninsula's native environment. 

The Pali Trail (with view of Kauhakō Crater), 2013

The Pali Trail descends the sea cliffs via 26 strenuous switchbacks. The path is the only land-based access point connecting the Kalaupapa Settlement on the North Shore ("Backside") with the rest of Molokaʻi ("Topside"). This photograph documents a point on the rugged trail where the dense foliage opens to frame the flatlands of the peninsula, including the Kauhakō Crater. 

Ao Hoʻoweliweli (A Threatening Cloud), Kalaupapa, 2013

The sheer Pali (sea cliffs), which tower nearly 4,000 feet high, are shrouded in a dramatic cloud formation that exemplifies the Hawaiian term "Ao Hoʻoweliweli" (A Threatening Cloud). The visible rain and constant cloud cover over the mountains underscore the raw, challenging environment of the peninsula. 

Kalaupapa Hospital Ruins, Post-Fire, 2013

The concrete and stone foundation of the former Kalaupapa Hospital, which served the patient population until its closure, stands today as ruins after being destroyed by a fire in 1990. The exposed foundation, the final architectural remnant of the facility, is set against the dramatic, towering backdrop of the Pali (sea cliffs). 

Father Damien's Hands, St. Joseph Church, Kamalo, 2016

A detail of Father Damien's bronze hands resting on his cane, part of the commemorative sculpture located in the cemetery of St. Joseph Church, Kamalo (Molokaʻi Topside). The sculpture emphasizes the physical toll of his labor and Hansen's disease, and serves as a visual parallel to the relic of his hand that was returned to the Kalaupapa settlement's grave site.

Former Tour Bus, Kalaupapa, 2013

This abandoned old school bus was once used for community tours of the settlement. It remains on the peninsula, being reclaimed by vegetation, as it is too large to be removed during the annual August resupply by barge. This obstacle highlights the extreme logistical challenges of waste management in the community.

Unmarked Grave, Kauhakō Crater Graveyard, 2013

A prominent, unmarked headstone stands at the rim of the Kauhakō Crater, framed by local lava rock. The grave site provides a commanding view over the Kalaupapa settlement, the Pacific Ocean, and the towering Pali (sea cliffs), visually underscoring the vast scale of this historic place of exile. The anonymity of the marker represents the thousands of unrecorded deaths that occurred on the peninsula. 

Uncle Eddie, Kalaupapa, 2016

A portrait of Uncle Eddie (Edward Ku‘ulei “Uncle Eddie” Kaahea), one of the surviving patient-residents of the Kalaupapa settlement, taken on the porch of his home. Having been sent to the settlement in his youth, his portrait documents the physical effects of Hansen's disease (leprosy), which can cause visible changes to the face, eyes, and skin. As a long-time resident, Uncle Eddie is one of the final living links to the community's history of forced isolation and endurance. 

Contested Landing Site, Kalawao, 2016

The shoreline at Kalawao, on the windward side of the peninsula, marks the location where the original settlement was established in 1866. This narrow strip of land, nestled against the sheer Pali (sea cliffs), was the first site of patient residences and historic religious structures, including Siloama Church and St. Philomena Church. 

Broken Stairs (Former Loading Site), Kalawao, 2018

Pieces of concrete stairs lie scattered among the rough, unforgiving lava rock on the Kalawao shoreline. This area once served as a former loading and receiving site for supplies and, historically, new patients arriving by boat to the isolated settlement. The damage shown is a visible reminder of the constant battle between the fragile man-made infrastructure and the powerful, persistent environmental forces of the northern Molokaʻi coast. 

St. Philomena Church Cemetery, Kalawao, 2013

The cemetery surrounding St. Philomena Church in Kalawao, the original settlement site, serves as the resting place for many of the individuals sent to Kalaupapa for isolation. The church and grounds are strongly associated with Saint Damien de Veuster (Father Damien), who ministered here. The stone markers and tombs contrast with the lush, isolating backdrop of the Pali (sea cliffs), underscoring the many lives lived and lost on the peninsula. 

St. Philomena Church, Kalawao, 2013

The St. Philomena Church stands in the Kalawao settlement, the original and more isolated side of the Kalaupapa peninsula. Constructed and served by Saint Damien de Veuster (Father Damien) in the late 19th century, the church remains a central landmark and a powerful symbol of the long history of faith, service, and spiritual community established within the settlement. 

Ka Pā Hoʻokaʻawale (Wall of Separation), Former U.S. Leprosy Investigation Station, Kalawao, 2013

Concrete posts stand as remnants of Ka Pā Hoʻokaʻawale (The Wall of Separation), a physical barrier built to segregate the settlement. These posts were part of the fence line demarcating the U.S. Leprosy Investigation Station, established in 1908. The fence physically separated the area where research, treatment trials, and administration occurred from the rest of the patient settlement, symbolizing the division between the doctors and administrators and the isolated patient community. 

Paʻakai (Sea Salt), Kalaupapa, 2016

A hand holds a cluster of natural sea salt (paʻakai), collected from a shallow tidal pool on the Kalaupapa shoreline. Salt harvesting is a traditional practice in Hawaii, and the pristine, remote nature of the Kalaupapa coast makes it an ideal environment for this. The ability of residents and locals to collect salt and other resources speaks to the enduring connection between the people and the natural bounty of the peninsula. 

Pōhaku Kuʻi ʻai (Poi Pounders), Kalaupapa Museum, 2016

A collection of ancient Hawaiian poi pounders (pōhaku kuʻi ʻai) photographed from the Kalaupapa Museum Archive. These stone implements were traditionally used by Native Hawaiians to mash taro root into poi, a cultural staple food. The preservation of these tools documents the long-standing Native Hawaiian communities that existed on the peninsula for centuries prior to the establishment of the isolation settlement, connecting the site's history to its rich indigenous past. 

Fisherman's House, Kalawao, 2015

A rustic house, used by a local fisherman, stands on the edge of the ʻaʻā lava flow shoreline in Kalawao. This remote structure, set against the dramatic backdrop of the sea cliffs and ocean, represents the ongoing connection of some Kalaupapa residents to the traditional Molokaʻi lifestyle and the necessity of self-reliance for those living on the peninsula. 

Kirk, Kauhakō Crater, 2016

This portrait of Kirk, a Native Hawaiian working for the National Park Service at the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, is photographed on the rim of the Kauhakō Crater. This extinct volcano forms the entire peninsula. Kirk's role is integral to the preservation of the land and the memory of the patient-residents, bridging the historical settlement with the future stewardship of this unique and sacred place. 

Old Woman’s Cave (Entrance), Kalawao, 2015

This photograph captures the entrance area of Old Woman’s Cave in Kalawao, a significant site associated with the kamaʻāina (Native Hawaiian residents) who inhabited the peninsula prior to the isolation era. The lava cave, with its unique structure, is considered to have historically served as a coastal lookout for monitoring sea traffic and approaching canoes from warring tribes. The natural opening frames a beam of light, highlighting the path into the darker interior chambers. 

Tombstone Tree, Papaloa Cemetary, 2015

Located in the Papaloa Cemetery in Kalaupapa, this striking image captures a tree whose roots have grown to envelop a historic tombstone. The tree serves as a powerful symbol of the passage of time and the overwhelming influence of nature within the historic settlement's landscape. The Papaloa Cemetery holds the remains of many patients isolated on the peninsula. 

Goto Bathhouse Ruins, Kalawao, 2013

The ruins of the Goto Bathhouse stand in the Kalawao settlement, where the original settlement site was established. The bathhouse was built during the early 1900s, reflecting the belief held by some doctors and administrators at the time that warm baths (hydrotherapy) and immersion in salt water could help alleviate symptoms of Hansen's disease (leprosy). Today, the crumbling concrete structure, heavily surrounded by encroaching jungle, serves as a poignant reminder of past treatment methods on the peninsula. 

Uncle Boogie, Kalaupapa Bookstore Steps, 2016

A close-up detail of Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa, one of the surviving patient-residents of the Kalaupapa settlement, seated on the steps of the Kalaupapa Bookstore where he worked. Known for his friendly and outgoing nature, he often enjoyed interacting with visitors and tourists. The photograph documents the physical effects of Hansen's disease (leprosy), showing the resulting neuropathic damage to his hands and lower leg, and the necessity of wearing specialized, orthopedic footwear designed to prevent further injury and assist with mobility. The image serves as a powerful testament to the daily realities of life for the remaining residents. 

Siloama Congregational Church Outhouse, Kalawao, 2013

This outhouse is located near the historic Siloama Congregational Church in Kalawao. The weathered structure, with a sign indicating it was designated for “PATIENTS,” is a stark visual artifact of the segregation and separate facilities mandated for individuals diagnosed with Hansen's disease (leprosy) within the Kalaupapa isolation settlement. A second sign for "KOKUA," the Hawaiian word for helper, is also visible in the background, further indicating the divided nature of the community's early infrastructure. 

Siloama Congregational Church, Kalawao, 2013

The Siloama Congregational Church stands in Kalawao, the original and more remote site of the Kalaupapa isolation settlement. Built in 1866 by the first Native Hawaiian patients, it is the oldest Christian church on the peninsula and was the primary place of worship before the settlement's population center moved to the village of Kalaupapa. The churchyard contains some of the oldest graves of the community. 

Hoʻokupu (Offering), Siloama Church Cemetery, Kalawao, 2013

A Hoʻokupu (traditional Hawaiian offering) of lei rests upon a tombstone in the Siloama Church Cemetery. The cemetery, which contains some of the oldest graves of the patient community, is a site of continual spiritual significance. The presence of the fresh and worn lei demonstrates the ongoing tradition of respect and remembrance for the patients and early Native Hawaiian residents who lived and died on the Kalaupapa Peninsula. 

Rea’s Bar, Kalaupapa, 2013

The exterior of Rea’s Bar, a small, rustic structure that once served as a central social gathering spot for the Kalaupapa patient-residents. Run by resident Richard “Rea” Panee, the bar was a beloved institution, providing a vital space for recreation, community connection, and shared experience within the settlement. The structure’s current, weathered condition reflects the slow passage of time in the village. 

Baldwin Home Grotto, Kalaupapa, 2016

The remnants of the Baldwin Home Grotto, built from native lava rock, served as a religious shrine for the young male residents of the historic Baldwin Home for Boys. This structure was one of many informal religious sites on the peninsula designed to provide spiritual comfort to the patients. Today, the grotto is a preserved ruin in an overgrown state, marking the location of the former home's grounds. 

Father Patrick Killilea, Kalawao, 2018

A detail of Father Patrick Killilea, the last resident Catholic priest who continues to hold services at the settlement. He is seen holding a cross and wearing an aloha shirt featuring images of Saint Damien of Molokaʻi. This photograph documents the enduring presence and spiritual service of the Catholic Church at the Kalaupapa settlement. 

John N. Martina's Tomb, Kauhakō Crater Graveyard

The tomb of John N. Martina (1845–1888), a documented resident from the isolation era, is located in the Kauhakō Crater Graveyard (Pā ʻIlihuna). The structure, which sits adjacent to a second tomb, is built into the landscape using local lava rock and is backed by a dry-laid stone wall. This image documents the specific architectural and geological materials used for burials in the early settlement years. 

St. Francis Church (Formerly Our Lady, Health Of The Sick Church), Kalaupapa, 2018

The St. Francis Church, formerly known as Our Lady, Health of the Sick Church, stands in the main Kalaupapa village. Built in 1889 and later rebuilt after a storm, this church served as the primary place of worship for the majority of the patient-residents after the settlement expanded beyond the original area of Kalawao. Today, the church remains a central spiritual and social pillar for the remaining patient community and the workers of the peninsula. 

Backside (from the Pacific), North Shore, 2018

A view of the Kalaupapa coastline from the Pacific, capturing the sheer scale of the Pali (sea cliffs) as they plunge nearly 4,000 feet directly into the ocean. This rugged coast features dramatic weather shifts and is subject to strict National Park Service vessel restrictions, prohibiting entry within 1,300 feet of the shoreline without a special permit. Despite these regulations, the surrounding waters are continuously utilized by local residents for fishing, maintaining a vital connection to the traditional maritime resources of the peninsula. 

Sister Alicia Damien Lau, St. Philomena Church, Kalawao, 2018

Sister Alicia Damien Lau, a Catholic sister visiting the settlement, is photographed against the northern wall of St. Philomena Church during the St. Marianne Cope Feast Day celebration. She wears an Aloha shirt with a printed pattern that visually links her to the spiritual heritage of the religious figures who dedicated their lives to caring for the patients at the Kalawao settlement. 

Former Store, Kalaupapa, 2013

The Kalaupapa Store served as a vital, long-running utility that provided patient-residents and staff with essential goods and sundries within the settlement. The building is partially covered by a unique, makeshift facade featuring a collection of old Hawaii license plates from vehicles used in the community over decades. This informal display acts as a colorful, accidental archive of the settlement's daily life and history. 

Backside (from the air), Kalaupapa Peninsula, 2016

An aerial view captures the dramatic geography of the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The peninsula, which is the flat land in the foreground, was formed by the flow of the Kauhakō volcano, and is separated by the towering, near-vertical Pali (sea cliffs) that rise over 3,000 feet. The photograph emphasizes the geographical barrier that enforced the quarantine for decades, also showing the isolated offshore islet of Mokuʻaeʻae and the distant Kalaupapa Lighthouse at the peninsula's northern tip. 

Fern, Backside, Kalawao, 2016

Dense foliage, including large ferns, covers the Backside of the peninsula in the Kalawao area. This region is ecologically distinct, often receiving heavier rainfall that fuels the encroachment of tropical vegetation over the historical grounds and ruins of the original settlement. The resilient plant life symbolizes the overwhelming, natural forces of the undeveloped environment, which remains pristine due to its history of quarantine. 

Former Patient’s Foot Molds No. 2, Kalaupapa Museum, 2016

A composite image of plaster foot molds (positive and negative forms) of a former Kalaupapa patient, photographed from the Kalaupapa Museum Archive. These molds were created to fabricate custom orthopedic footwear for patients whose feet had been damaged by Hansen's disease (leprosy), a necessary intervention to prevent further injury and preserve mobility. The molds are intimate and tangible records of the physical hardships endured by the residents. 

Worker's House, Kalaupapa, 2013

A brightly painted house stands in the main village of Kalaupapa. This residence, maintained by the National Park Service, provides housing for one of the essential workers or staff who currently live on the peninsula. These workers are responsible for providing medical, logistical, and administrative support to the surviving patient-residents, continuing the long history of care and service in the isolated settlement. 

Winter Surf, Kalaupapa, 2016

The relentless winter surf pounds the rocky northern shoreline of the Kalaupapa Peninsula. Seasonal storms frequently generate massive waves, which historically prevented boats from landing. In the modern era, these storms often damage the vulnerable Pali Trail, leading to temporary closures, and routinely cause power and communication outages that severely disconnect the community from the outside world. 

Ancient Hawaiian Grave, Papaloa Cemetery, 2014

This structure marks the site of an ancient Native Hawaiian burial, likely belonging to the kamaʻāina (Native residents) who inhabited the Kalaupapa Peninsula for centuries before the isolation settlement was established in 1866. This type of burial, marked by a cairn or mound of lava rock, stands as a reminder of the long history of human presence on the land. 

Keoki’s I’O (Hawaiian Hawk) Carving on an Opihi (Limpet) Shell, Kaunakakai, 2018

Keoki, a self-taught Native Hawaiian artist based in Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi, holds a piece of his intricate shell carving, featuring an I‘ō (Hawaiian Hawk) on an Opihi (limpet) shell. The carving reflects traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship and motifs. Keoki also performed his own traditional-style tattooing, which is visible on his arm and includes imagery connected to his heritage on the Big Island. 

Recreational Room, Kalaupapa, 2016

This preserved historic building is located adjacent to the McVeigh Recreation Hall in the Kalaupapa settlement area. The structure is part of the extensive revitalization and construction program of the 1930s that significantly improved communal amenities for patients. Captured near sunset, the building is framed by the towering Pali (sea cliffs), which appear as a stark, dark mass in the diminishing light, emphasizing their immense scale and shadow-casting presence. 

The Pali (Sea Cliffs) at Night, Kalaupapa, 2015

Through a long exposure at night, this photograph reveals the base of the massive Pali (sea cliffs), which define the landward boundary of the settlement. These cliffs, considered the tallest sea cliffs in the world, rise nearly 4,000 feet and physically isolate the peninsula, which is locally referred to as "Backside" (the North Shore), separating it from "Topside" (the main portion of Molokaʻi island). 

Map of Molokai, Alexander Willis, 1897

Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus,Ohio June 27 – September 28, 2014
3, 32 x 40 inches, archival inkjet prints