Rachel Aouli Kalama Utagawa functions as the protagonist of the novel, first introduced as the youngest child of Henry and Dorothy Kalama, native Hawaiians who live in Honolulu. Her character develops through her journey from a rambunctious child to a person exiled to Moloka’i, to a mature widow, freed from the strictures of exile on Kalaupapa. Her dynamic character reflects the changing fortunes of Hawai’i as it transforms from independent nation to American territory, to the 50th state, all because of forces that unfairly overwhelm and conquer the island nation. Like Hawai’i, Rachel navigates prohibitions given by authority figures, whether her mother, the Health Department, or the Provisional Government.

As a confined inhabitant on Moloka’i, Rachel nevertheless explores life and matures as others do on the freer parts of the island. A dedicated swimmer and surfer, Rachel spends time at the beach, letting the waters wash over her when she can. Even after her toes disappear and her right hand loses much of its function due to her disease, Rachel’s fascination with the water and surfing remain. She grows close to Sister Catherine, even as the two often spar.

Rachel loses track of every one of her family members, except her father Henry and Uncle Pono, who dies at Moloka’i.