Planning your visit to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka`i may take just a little more time because of its physical isolation.Kalaupapa cannot be reached by automobile. No roads lead to the park because of the surrounding ocean and steep cliffs.
The park can be reached by air from O`ahu, Maui, and from Ho`olehua, Moloka`i. Flights into Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) can be arranged through Pacific Wings (1-888-575-4546), Moloka`i Lana`i Air Shuttle (808-567-6847), and Paragon Air (1-800-428-1231).
You may hike or ride mules down the steep Kalaupapa Trail, accessed off highway 470 near Pala`au State Park and the Kalaupapa overlook, to reach the peninsula. At the bottom of the trail you will connect with the commercial tour of Kalaupapa.
The trail conditions can be wet and muddy in the winter, and hot and humid in the summer. Footing can be slippery. A rain jacket is recommended, as is a brimmed hat and sunscreen. Visitors who hike the trail should carry plenty of water.The mule rides are arranged through Moloka`i Mule Rides, Inc., a National Park Service concession (808-567-6088 or 1-800-567-7550).
Damien Tours, owned and operated by a Kalaupapa resident, offers a commercial tour of Kalaupapa (808-567-6171). These tours operate Monday through Saturday, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
There is no entrance fee for the park, nor are there fees for any park service facilities. Overnight guests pay nominal lodging expenses. There are costs involved with the commercial tours, mule rides and air flights.Kalaupapa National Historical Park is administered in cooperation with several Hawai`i state agencies. All visitors to the park must receive a permit from the Department of Health to enter the Kalaupapa settlement. The commercial tour company arranges the permit for their customers. Guests of residents have their permits arranged by their sponsor. No children under age 16 years of age are allowed on Kalaupapa. Reservations are required for commercial tours of the settlement, mule rides on the trail, and air flights. Visitors are encouraged to make these reservations in advance.
ADDRESS:
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
PO Box 2222
Kalaupapa, HI 96742
TELEPHONE: (808) 567-6802
Email us at <kala_interpretation@nps.gov>
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