Hawaii. 1872. The beautiful archipelago in the Pacific is still a kingdom although the British and the Americans are growing in political clout. Protestants and Catholics compete for power. To solve the endemic leprosy, sufferers are relentlessly exiled to Molokai, a barren isle off the coast of Hawaii. There, they live on part of the island, screened off by a high and steep rock mass: the Pali. MEYER, the chief administrator, lives away from the lepers, ignoring them as much as possible. In miserable surroundings, abandoned by the outside world, the sick survive on whatever food is left after the strong fight for the meagre portions dropped off for them. On Hawaii, Prime Minister GIBSON, BISHOP MAIGRET and Damien's superior, FATHER LEONOR FOUSNEL try to alleviate the lepers' fate. Father Damien is the first priest to go to Molokai: a young man of 33 years, eager, devout, and a little unsure of what he is about to experience. His bishop's last words are that "HE MUST NOT TOUCH ANYONE." WILLIAMSON, a nurse in Honolulu now affected by the disease, is Damien's first contact with the colony. Little by little, he earns the trust of the lepers. Eventually, his appeals for nuns and supplies start resonating worldwide: in Honolulu to make his confession, he is welcomed by reporters and by PRINCESS LILIUKALANI to the displeasure of both Gibson and the Catholic clergy. When young Dr. KALEWIS comes to Molokai with a new medicine, hope soars. Much to Damien's dismay however, he will not stay on Molokai - but he does visit regularly. When it becomes known that Damien can now only make his confession from a boat, Princess Liliukalani decides to visit Molokai with a large party. Taken for a tour of the colony, the Princess makes no secret of her admiration for Damien, but is appalled at the squalor her people are living in. She promises to get him help. Even when Dr. Kalewis discovers the first symptoms of leprosy on Father Damien, his energy does not abate. In Hawaii, the people resist the degradation lepers are made to suffer, and unrest increases. When Brother DUTTON arrives on the island, Father Damien does not hold out his hand to welcome him, as he knows he's ill, yet Dutton shakes it. A new era begins. The hospital is extended and again, Father Damien asks his superiors for help. At last, nuns led by the stately SISTER MARIANNE arrive in Hawaii. There, minister Gibson urges them not to go to Molokai, and he escorts them to the beautiful local hospital where they are to take up residence. But Sister Marianne is not to be swayed; she will go to Molokai. In Honolulu to continue his struggle, Father Damien is welcomed as a hero. Before meeting with his superiors, he is subjected to a humiliating examination for an alleged sexual disease. Now a very sick man, Damien returns to Molokai, armed with yet more promises. There, in spite of the damage caused by a heavy storm, the lepers still hope for a better life, inspired by Damien's unrelenting energy and concern. Damien is even asked to marry Strawn and Celia. At last, the arrival of sister Marianne and her nuns bring him some respite. A hopeful rest has come over Molokai, but Father Damien's final hour is imminent. When he crumbles during Mass, he is taken to his own hospital to die. All the residents have gathered at the entrance, to pray for their Father ...