Who is Haleola from Moloka'i and what is their importance? Moloka'i_(novel) English & Literature Haleola | Moloka'i

Rachel calls this character her adopted aunt, but she is more of a mother figure to Rachel. Haleola is from the island of Maui, and she goes to the settlement on the Kalaupapa Peninsula when her husband is diagnosed with leprosy. Haleola is a kahuna, or traditional Hawaiian healer, and she helps many of the settlement's residents. Haleola is knowledgeable of Hawaiian folklore and tradition, and she shares this with Rachel over many years. Haleola often tells Rachel stories of her home, and Rachel remembers these stories when she visits Maui years later. Rachel remembers all of Haleola's folk tales and becomes in turn a skilled storyteller. Despite hardship, Haleola remains kind and caring to everyone, and this greatly influences Rachel's character.