The Kalaupapa Store

This store is the last remaining one to provide groceries and supplies to residents

NPS Park Cultural Landscapes Program

Quick Facts

Location:

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Amenities

3 listed

Benches/Seating, Food/Drink - Snacks, Parking - Auto

There is only one store located in the settlement to buy groceries. For decades this store was only open to patients. Other residents, the workers and kokua (helpers) had another store from which they could get all their supplies. The dual stores highlight the consistent segregation between patients and staff.

The store looks more or less the same as it did when it first opened. The patients remember one of the more noticeable changes: cigarettes. When the store initially opened, it sold cigarettes but stopped because of the health problems that are associated with it.

The store receives most of its wares from the barge. In the late 60’s the barge came two or three times a year. Whatever the barge brought was kept in the warehouse near the pier or left in front of the store. Now the barge comes in only once a year, though the store receives some items, like vegetables, more regularly on small planes. However, the store orders most of what it needs in bulk from the barge.

Prices are reasonable and affordable for the patients, subsidized by the state. Before the subsidized prices, patients were given weekly rations for store money which was $20 per person. If the store does not have the item that residents want, they can special order the item from the supermarket or order it for barge day.

Visitors may enter the store, but are only able to purchase one candy bar and one soda per day. This rule allows food and supplies to remain for patients and residents.