Little Hawaii, lost in Utah

 Located at the north end of Skull Valley, you find a small slice of Hawaiian heritage left over from the past. After sending missionaries out to Hawaii to preach the gospel, converts from the the islands began to migrate east to the mainland to join with the main body of the church. At first, the islanders were not permitted to leave their native homes, but as time progressed, the restrictions of emigration were changed and soon Utah had a population of native Hawaiians. Their arrival was not welcomed by the majority of the population. There were prejudices against them and the church had to find them a place to settle.  

 In 1889, 3 former missionaries and 3 converts began to search for a home for the newest arrivals to Salt Lake. The site finally chosen was located west of Salt Lake in Skull Valley. The area was owned by the church and officially called the Iosepa Agriculture and Stock Company. The first group arrived in the valley on August 28th, 1889 and drew lots for land. This day is called Hawaiian Pioneer Day and each year relatives revisit the area. The area was hard on the native Hawaiians who were not used to such a harsh,  unforgiving climate. They built canals to bring water from the Stansbury Mountains to water their fields and even built a small lake to use for harvesting fish. The small town had issues of disease including leprosy which further alienated them for the main population. By 1915, 228 people lived in the town. 

With the announcement of the construction of a temple in Hawaii, the Hawaiians returned in mass to Hawaii. There is controversy on why the majority returned to Hawaii. The church did pay the passage for those who could not afford it, but it is unclear as to why all went back. According to one historian, the answer lies in the personal papers of then President Joseph F Smith. When asked, the church will not release the papers to be studied. Archaeologists as well as historians have met with constant issues when trying to do research on the area. Today the area is marked by the cemetery and a few modern buildings. We spent maybe 15 minutes there before being chased out by mosquito's. The damn things were everywhere we wanted to go. Perhaps on a day where it is hot beyond belief we can return and spend more time exploring the area. The place is well kept by relatives of the former residents and some of these people even choose to be buried there. This year on August 28th, a time capsule will be unearthed and opened. I think that would be a great time to return. Jeep on my friends.