The canonization of Father Damien is only a week away, and hundreds of people from Hawaii are making a pilgrimage for the event.

First stop for many of them is Belgium, and that's where KHON2 reporter Gina Mangieri is right now.

Taking a walk never felt better.

After more than 16 hours on airplanes from Hawaii,the island travelers set foot in Brussels Belgium.

"We have beautiful weather for Belgium. It's not raining, that's what I like, and everybody's on time," said Randy King of Seawing Tours.

Everybody including european media eager to get to know the people from Kalaupapa.

"You cannot escape though, that's one true thing," said Gloria Marks, Kalaupapa resident.

The excitement is all around.

"They've been waiting years and years, and in Kalaupapa, Father Damien is what it's all about," Rick Hoo, a Kalaupapa Hairdresser.

All about for Hawaii but also here in Belgium

I know that father Damien is the most popular Belgian who ever lived

they're very much into the celebration as we are in Hawaii

On the way around the city, we stopped at the basilica where Damien was beautified. It was a return visit for many on this tour.

I got to receive communion from the pope, so coming back here is so so it's like chicken skin 31

As it will be for days to come as people from both places in Damien's life reunite to celebrate his saintly legacy.

Just the connection between Tremelo and Kalaupapa,they really look at that as strong ties. A lot of Belgians have come to Kalaupapa and they're really looking forward to seeing a lot of the people they met before coming to their home now.