Construction on the Moloka'i (Kalaupapa) Lighthouse began in Jun 1908. It replaced a temporary light that was positioned on top of a thirty-four-foot mast at the peninsula point. That light was fixed with a red lens-lantern but was only in service for one year beginning in Mar 1906.
The Kalaupapa Lighthouse sets on twenty-two-acres of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, Hawaii. Building was completed in 1909 and its second-order Fresnel lens first lit on 1 Sep 1909. The white flash of light was provided by an incandescent-oil-vapor lamp which shined 213-feet above the water. The tower is 132-feet high and is the tallest lighthouse in HI. It is also the only other eight-sided lighthouse in the United States. (The other eight-sided tower is Cape Meares in OR. Reference Blog post 31 Mar 16.) The stairs leading up to the fourth landing, inclusive, are constructed of concrete and from there on up to the lantern room the staircase is made of cast-iron. A total of 189 steps.
Unlike construction workers building other lighthouses in the U.S., all workers on this lighthouse were required to obtain permits from the Board of Health to enter or leave the area. This requirement was because the Kalaupapa Peninsula was also home to those banished there after having been diagnosed with leprosy. The banishment law began in 1865.
The Kalaupapa Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
After Jan 1985, the second-order Fresnel lens was removed and replaced by a rotating beacon.
This is one of many beautiful and unique lighthouses in Hawaii that I have not been privileged to visit.
2 comments:
I was stationed on the U.S.Coast Guard ship Kukui, WAK 186, and in August 1966 anchored of Kalaupapa point to send in our 50 feet LCMs to pickup the lighthouse keeper and check the automated lighthouse. Many of the crew (myself included) were allowed to visit the lighthouse , village and residences. A great experience that I will always remember as a 19 year serviceman.
Hi, Sam;
Thank you for sharing your very interesting comment. I'm glad my post of the Kalaupapa Lighthouse brought back a good memory for you.
Al Bates
Post a Comment