• View of the Kalaupapa Peninsula

    Kalaupapa

    National Historical Park Hawai'i

Plan Your Visit

Kalaupapa Peninsula Airview
Kalaupapa Peninsula
 
WELCOME TO KALAUPAPA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK!
 

Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established on December 22, 1980. Now more than thirty years old, the park is dedicated to preserving the memories and experiences of the past so that valuable lessons may be learned. The park's mission is to provide a well-maintained community ensuring the present patient residents of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives there. The park also supports the education of present and future generations concerning Hansen's disease or leprosy, a disease shrouded in fear and ignorance for centuries.

Note: State law requires all individuals to secure a permit prior to entering or visit Kalaupapa from the Hawaii State Department of Health. Permits will be secured by Damien Tours for individuals booking with them. Persons that do not prearrange their visit to the park with Damien Tours (808) 567-6171 will be denied access to the park. There are no medical facilities at Kalaupapa. The 3.5 mile trail to the park is extremely steep and challenging with uneven surfaces. Only very physically fit persons should attempt the trail.

Did You Know?

Mother Marianne Monument

Mother Marianne Cope nursed those suffering from leprosy in Hawai'i for 35 years.  She arrived at Kalaupapa in 1888.  Her philosophy of personal dignity in the face of death came almost a century before its adoption as the foundation of the hospice movement.