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Kalaupapa National Historical Park occupies a remote, flat peninsula on the north coast of Molokai, hemmed in by some of the world's tallest sea cliffs — rising more than 1,600 feet — and the open Pacific. From 1866 until 1969, people diagnosed with leprosy (now called Hansen's disease) were forcibly exiled here by the Kingdom of Hawaii and later the Territory and State of Hawaii. At its peak, several thousand patients lived in two settlements: Kalawao on the eastern side and Kalaupapa on the western side.
The park is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Hawaii Department of Health. A small number of former patients who chose to remain after the isolation law was repealed still live at Kalaupapa, and their presence gives the site a living, sacred quality unlike almost any other national park in the United States. Visitors are guests in a community, not just tourists at a historical site.
The peninsula is reachable only by small aircraft, by mule (a concession that has operated intermittently — verify current status before planning), or by a steep 3-mile trail descending 1,700 feet down the cliffside. There is no road connecting Kalaupapa to the rest of Molokai. This physical isolation is part of what makes the experience so powerful and so demanding to plan.
Father Damien de Veuster, the Belgian priest who ministered to patients here from 1873 until his death from Hansen's disease in 1889, is buried at Kalawao and was canonized by the Catholic Church in 2009. His story — alongside those of the patients themselves — is central to understanding Kalaupapa.
Before You Go
Access restrictions
Kalaupapa is one of the most restricted national parks in the United States. All visitors must be at least 16 years old. Entry is permitted only as part of an authorized tour — independent exploration of the settlement is not allowed. You must book through the official park concession operator (verify current operator and availability through the NPS Kalaupapa website or contact the park directly, as operators have changed over the years).
Permits and reservations
Because living residents remain, visitor numbers are kept deliberately low. Reservations should be made well in advance, especially for travel during peak season. Contact the park at least several weeks ahead. The NPS website (nps.gov/kala) is the authoritative source for current tour operators, permit requirements, and any closures.
Health and physical fitness
If you plan to hike the Kalaupapa Trail, be aware it is steep, rocky, and strenuous in both directions — the descent and the return climb. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. Mule rides (when available) require riders to meet weight and fitness guidelines set by the concessioner.
What to pack
- Water (at least 2 liters for the hike)
- Snacks or a packed lunch — food options at Kalaupapa are extremely limited
- Sunscreen, hat, and layers (cliff winds can be cold)
- Camera (photography is permitted in most areas, but follow guide instructions near residents' homes and the cemetery)
- Respectful, modest clothing
Getting There
By air
The most practical entry point for most visitors is Molokai Airport (MKK) in Hoolehua, served by small inter-island carriers from Honolulu and Maui. From Hoolehua, a small charter air service operates flights directly to Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) on the peninsula — verify current operators and schedules locally or through the park, as these are small operations subject to change.
By trail
The Kalaupapa Trail begins at a trailhead on the cliff top above the peninsula, accessible by vehicle from Kalaupapa Lookout near Palaau State Park on topside Molokai. The hike is approximately 3 miles one way and descends roughly 1,700 feet via 26 switchbacks. A valid tour reservation is required before descending — rangers and community members monitor access.
By mule
Mule-assisted descents have historically been offered as a concession but availability has varied. Check well in advance with the park or the current concessioner for current operating status and booking procedures.
Getting to Molokai
Most travelers fly into Molokai Airport from Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) or Kahului Airport on Maui (OGG). Ferry service has operated between Maui and Molokai (Molokai Ferry) in the past — verify current schedule and availability, as service has been intermittent.
Getting Around
Once on the Kalaupapa peninsula, all touring is conducted as part of your organized tour. Ground transportation within the settlement is provided by the tour operator — typically vans or open-air vehicles — visiting the key historical sites including St. Philomena Church (Father Damien's church), the Kalawao settlement ruins, the social hall, and cemeteries.
Independent walking through the settlement outside of tour parameters is not permitted out of respect for residents. The peninsula itself is small and flat, covering roughly 4 square miles, but the confined tour format means personal vehicles or bicycles are not part of the visitor experience.
On topside Molokai, rental cars are available at Molokai Airport and are the practical way to reach the trailhead and lookout. Molokai has limited public transportation, so a rental vehicle is strongly recommended for independent travelers.
Things to See & Do
The guided tour
The organized tour is the heart of a visit. Guides — sometimes including longtime residents or their descendants — narrate the history of isolation, disease, faith, and resilience with a depth and intimacy impossible to replicate through reading alone. Stops typically include St. Philomena Church, Father Damien's grave and original tomb, the Siloama Protestant Church (the oldest church in Hawaii still on its original site), the Bishop Home for Girls, and viewpoints along the shoreline.
Kalaupapa Lookout (topside)
Even visitors who cannot or do not descend to the peninsula can take in a stunning panoramic view from Palaau State Park's Kalaupapa Lookout, about 10 miles from Hoolehua. The view across the cliffs and down to the settlement is among the most dramatic in Hawaii and requires no permit.
Photography and quiet reflection
The site encourages a contemplative, respectful pace. Many visitors find the experience profoundly moving and want time to reflect at the cemeteries, where thousands of patients are buried, many in unmarked graves.
Hiking the trail
For those fit enough, the trail itself is a remarkable physical and historical experience — the same path patients, supplies, and caregivers traveled for over a century. Even the switchbacks tell a story of isolation made concrete.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores on the Kalaupapa peninsula. Visitors should bring all food and water they need for the day. Most tour operators advise packing a lunch and sufficient hydration, especially if you are hiking.
On topside Molokai, the small town of Kaunakakai has a handful of local restaurants, a bakery, and small markets where you can stock up before heading to the trailhead. Options are modest and hours can vary — plan ahead and verify locally. Do not expect convenience stores near the Palaau State Park trailhead area.
Practical Information
Fees and permits
National park entry fees and tour fees apply — check the current fee schedule at nps.gov/kala, as these are subject to change.
Cell service and connectivity
Cell coverage on the Kalaupapa peninsula is extremely limited or nonexistent. Download any necessary maps or information before arrival. Let someone on topside Molokai know your itinerary.
Emergency services
Emergency medical facilities on Molokai are limited; the island has a small community health center. For serious emergencies, air transport to Oahu or Maui may be required. Carry any essential personal medications.
Visas
Kalaupapa is within the United States. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for guidance relevant to your nationality.
Respect for residents
This cannot be overstated: living residents of Kalaupapa chose to remain in their home community. Photographing residents' private homes, entering restricted areas, or behaving in an intrusive or insensitive way is both disrespectful and a violation of park rules. Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Safety
The Kalaupapa Trail is a serious hike. The descent is manageable for most moderately fit adults, but the return climb in midday heat can be exhausting. Start early, bring more water than you think you need, and do not attempt the hike if you have significant knee, cardiac, or respiratory conditions without medical advice.
Ocean conditions around the peninsula are extremely rough. The north shore of Molokai is not a swimming destination — currents are powerful and there are no lifeguards or safe beaches at Kalaupapa. Stay well back from cliff edges, which can be unstable.
Weather on the cliffs can change rapidly. Rain makes the trail significantly more treacherous. If conditions deteriorate, follow guide or ranger instructions. The park or concession may cancel tours or close the trail with little notice during periods of severe weather.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Kalaupapa carries profound cultural weight for Native Hawaiians and for the broader community of people affected by Hansen's disease worldwide. Many of those exiled to Kalaupapa were Native Hawaiian, and their forced removal from families and communities is an episode of significant trauma in Hawaiian history. The site is treated with corresponding reverence.
Father Damien and Mother Marianne Cope (who led the Bishop Home for women and girls and was canonized in 2012) are venerated figures here and in Catholic tradition globally, but the park presents a history that honors all who lived and died at Kalaupapa — of every faith and background.
Visitors should approach Kalaupapa as a sacred place first and a tourist destination second. Loud behavior, casual attitudes in the cemeteries, or treating the experience as primarily a photo opportunity is considered disrespectful. The stories told here — of courage, suffering, community, and resilience — deserve full attention.
