The strictly limited access to Kalaupapa National Historical Park
requires prospective visitors be aware of several critical pieces of
information before planning their visit.
- Hawai'i State Law requires all visitors to secure a permit prior to entering Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Visitor permits can be secured through Damien Tours LLC at 808-567-6171 or 808-221-2153 or www.damientoursllc.com. For those flying into Kalaupapa airport, hiking the pali (cliff) trail, or riding a mule as part of the tour, permits may have been arranged in advance. Check with your transportation provider and tour company operator on the status of your permit. For guests of residents, this means submitting the proper permit application to the Board of Health Office. Persons that do not prearrange their visit to the park or who have not properly secured a permit will be denied access to the park.
- Persons under 16 years of age are not permitted to visit Kalaupapa.
- There are no medical facilities available in Kalaupapa Settlement.
Any emergency medical response can take hours and may require a helicopter flight to O'ahu or
Maui.
- There are no dining or shopping facilities available in Kalaupapa
Settlement. All food and sundries must be brought in and all trash
taken out. Visitors on Damien Tours LLC should bring their own water and lunch. The mule ride ride concession provides lunch to its
customers. Visitors flying or hiking in must bring their own lunches.
Guests of residents also need to bring their own food supplies. Snacks and
soft-drinks are available to visitors at the local bar.
- Photography of patient-residents and their property is strictly prohibited without their express written permission.
- The 3.5 mile trail to the park is extremely steep and challenging
with uneven surfaces. Rock and mudslides on the trail are common.
Hiking the trail is physically demanding and careful consideration
should be given to your physical fitness level before beginning the
hike. Read more about trail safety here.
- Overnight accommodations are available only to guests of residents.