This sweeping landscape captures the majestic, isolated beauty of the Kalawao district on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, Molokai. The composition is anchored by the stark white steeple of Siloama, Church of the Healing Spring, established in 1866. Nestled among lush, overgrown vegetation, the original church was established for patients with Hansen’s disease.

The viewer’s eye is drawn from the vibrancy of the lush foliage, framed by the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean with a view toward the formidable cliffs and deep valleys of Molokai’s most inaccessible coast. The mist-shrouded, verdant ridges are the highest sea cliffs in the world, framing the profound geographic isolation of the peninsula.

In 2025 Richard Cooke offered to contribute the use of his iconic images to my new series of paintings showing both popular and remote landmarks on the stunning, mysterious island of Molokai, Hawaii. Six of the paintings in the series are loosely based on Richard Cooke’s photographs. Before drones, Richard took this photograph by attaching his camera to a very long pole.

A large reproduction of the painting is on display at the Molokai Airport.

Kalawao is included in Kalaupapa National Park, although access to the park, including the Kalaupapa Trail, the settlement, and Waikolu Valley, are currently restricted to residents of Kalaupapa and visitors with approved permits issued by Hawaii State Department of Health or by arranging to go on a tour during limited daily hours.