Iosepa Pioneers of Aloha

Discover the story of Hawaiians who lived in Utah for a period of 28 years.  Gather with community members, students, and teachers on Sept. 19 at the University of Utah’s Alumni Hall to hear and share stories and experiences of these Iosepa Pioneers of Aloha.

Panelists include Noelette Poulsen (Iosepa descendent), Kamaile Tripp (community advocate), Charmagne Wixom (Iosepa descendent), Kāʻeo Drumright (cinemaphotographer); and Moderator Christine Yee (educator). 

During the reign of King Kalākaua, a group of Hawaiians left the islands in 1889 and journeyed to Salt Lake City, eventually settling on 2,000 acres in Skull Valley that they named Iosepa, the Hawaiian word for Joseph.  They managed livestock, ran a successful farm, built homes, a school, an irrigation system to cultivate crops, and a fish pond.

In February 1899, Hannah Kaʻaepa, a resident of Iosepa accompanied other prominent Utah suffragists to Washington, D.C., to speak on behalf of Hawaiian women, to use their influence to support Queen Liliuokalani in her efforts to secure suffrage for the women of Hawaiʻi.

With the announcement of the construction of the Laie Hawaiʻi Temple, most residents of Iosepa returned to Hawaiʻi in 1917.  “It was with reluctance that they abandoned their beloved town. … [It is remembered] that when the wagons were loaded to take the settlers away, the women refused to ride. Instead, they walked the distance to the railroad station, and with big tears running down their faces, kept looking back at their homes and uttering "Goodbye Iosepa, Goodbye Iosepa".  (Church News Sept 2, 1989)

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Please RSVP for the in-person so we know how many "Broke Da Mouts bowls" to order.

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We are also doing a livestream for anyone who can't join us in-person. Click on the RSVP below and we will send a direct link to your email.