Iosepa

Sarah, Darci, and Amelia in front of the Iosepa Memorial.

In the 1880's, a group of Mormon Polynesians were moved to Skull Valley, Utah so that they could be closer to the LDS temple. Unused to the desert soil and freezing temperatures, many of the Hawaiians starved or froze to death. They were not immune to diseases, so many died through sicknesses as well. By 1915, Iosepa had disbanded, and the Hawaiians went back to their homeland. By that time, the La'ie temple on Oahu had already been announced. Now, it is only a ghost town. A big celebration is held every memorial day. Last year, I had the opportunity to perform their with my halau!