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Kalaupapa National Historical ParkKalaupapa Views
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Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Getting Around
 
 
Plane at KALA airport

Kalaupapa cannot be reached by automobile. No roads lead to the park because of the surrounding ocean and steep pali cliffs. The park can be reached by air from Oahu, Maui and Ho'olehua, Moloka'i located topside. Flights to Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) can be arranged through Pacific Wings (#1.888.575.4546); Moloka'i Air Shuttle (#808.567.6847); and Paragon Air (#1.800.4228.1231).

 
Damien Tour Bus

Visitors may also reach the Kalaupapa peninsula by hiking or riding mules down the steep Kalaupapa Trail from the topside trailhead located off Highway 470 near Pala'au State Park and the Kalaupapa overlook. The trail links topside Moloka'i to the Kalaupapa Settlement and has a 1700 foot elevation change, is three miles long and has twenty-six switchbacks. At the bottom of the trail, visitors must connect with the commercial tour. Father Damian Tours, owned and operated by a Kalaupapa resident offers visitors a tour of Kalaupapa Settlement and Kalawao. (#808.567.6171)

 

 
muleride

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 well as a brimmed hat and sunscreen. Visitors who hike the trail should carry plenty of water.  Mule rides can be arranged theough Moloka'i Mule Rides, Inc., a National Park Service concession. (#808.567.6088 or #1.800.567.7550)

 

Pali Cliffs  

Did You Know?
Sea cliffs rising two thousand feet above the peninsula and ocean separate Kalaupapa from the rest of the island of Moloka'i. In 1972 this area was designated as the North Shore Cliffs National Natural Landmark, recognized as a significant example of sea cliffs in the nation's natural heritage.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST