Plan Your Visit

Welcome to Kalaupapa National Historical Park!

The park was established in 1980 to preserve the memories and experiences of the people forcibly sent here. The park's mission is to provide a well-maintained community that ensures the present patient-residents of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives peacefully and comfortably. The park also supports education concerning Hansen's disease (leprosy), a disease shrouded in fear and ignorance for many centuries.

Hawai'i State law requires all individuals to secure a permit prior to entering Kalaupapa National Historical Park. For general visitors, permits were available through a guided tour. Currently, there is no active permitted tour operator, and no tours are available at this time. Park staff are working closely with the Hawaii State Department of Health staff to welcome a limited number of visitors to the park again. Please continue to check this website for updates.

In addition to the strictly limited access to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, please be aware of several critical pieces of information:

  • Persons under 16 years of age are not permitted to visit Kalaupapa.
  • There are no medical facilities at Kalaupapa. Any emergency medical response can take hours and may require a helicopter flight to Oahu or Maui.
  • There are no dining or shopping facilities available at Kalaupapa. Guests of residents need to bring their own food and sundry supplies, and plan on taking their trash with them when they leave.
  • 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. 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.
  • Overnight accommodations are available only to guests of residents.
 
The view of the peninsula through a fence
Current Conditions

Alerts, closures, restrictions, and hazards.

A runway stretches towards large cliffs
Directions and Transportation

How to get to Kalaupapa

An aerial view of a peninsula with ocean on the right side and cliffs behind the peninsula..
Basic Information

Visiting, permits, general info, and more!

Hiking boots, a red ball cap, and a pack with water, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Safety

There are significant safety risks when visiting Kalaupapa and no medical facilities. Learn more before your visit.

a few people look at an informational, wayside sign
Things to Do

Make the most of your visit.

A yellow bus a road
Guided Tours

Persons wishing to visit Kalaupapa must book a guided tour.

Two informational wayside signs at an overlook
Nearby Attractions

Moloka'i has many fantastic public lands to visit as do the other Hawaiian Islands.

Storm clouds over pali, islands, and the ocean
Operating Hours & Seasons

While the park is never closed, visitation is strictly restricted to guided tours.

Sunset over the ocean and tall pali, cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions about the park and its history.

 

Last updated: May 31, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 2222
7 Puahi Street

Kalaupapa, HI 96742

Phone:

808 567-6802

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