The Kalaupapa peninsula was once a prison for those inflicted with Hansen's disease. Approximately 8000 people were forced to live their lives in isolation here.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
National Historical Park · HI
When Hansen's disease (leprosy) was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha V banished all afflicted to the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. Since 1866, more than 8,000 people, mostly Hawaiians, have died at Kalaupapa. Once a prison, Kalaupapa is now a refuge for the few remaining residents who are cured but were forced to live their lives in isolation.
Park report
Alert: Park Closure
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesKalawao County Restrictions
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPhones Are Not Operational
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesArrival by Boat
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesUnmanned Aircraft
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available3 activities
Park Name
InfoKalaupapa National Historical Park
Designation
InfoNational Historical Park
State(s)
InfoHI
Phone
Info8085676802
kala_superintendent@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoKalaupapa National Historical Park is home to an active community of people, including patient-residents and State and Federal employees. Because of this, there are no park opening or closing hours, though tours are only given during daylight hours. Visitation is restricted in accordance with Hawai'i State Law. All visitors must have a permit.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Themes & Topics
InfoAsian American Heritage, Incarceration, Pacific Islander Heritage + 2 more
Weather Info
InfoHawaii enjoys warm temperatures year-round, although site conditions at the park can vary depending on weather and time of year. The rainy season is in the winter with the more hot and humid days in t
Getting There
InfoKalaupapa is an extremely isolated place, surrounded on three sides by ocean and two-thousand foot cliffs on the fourth. Consequently, there is no road access into the peninsula. Kalaupapa cannot be r
Location
Info21.1731° N, -156.9512° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website