Kalaupapa National Historical Park

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View of Kalaupapa Peninsula from Overlook
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.
View of pali (sea cliffs) on the north shore of Molokai
Kalaupapa National Historical Park contains some of the world's tallest sea cliffs, which formed a natural barrier to the Hansen's disease settlement.
View of residences along Damien Road
Patients lived in a combination of group homes and single family residences at Kalaupapa.
View of the sunrise over the north shore of Molokai
Kalawao with its rocky shoreline was the landing spot for the first Hansen's disease patients sent to Kalaupapa.
View of Black Sand Beach and Awahua Bay
Black Sand Beach is one of several sandy beaches at Kalaupapa, most known for its sea turtle nesting habitat.
View of rock walls and native Hawaiian archeological sites at Kalaupapa.
Kalaupapa is also home to one of the most well-preserved archeological complexes in all of Hawaii.
Siloama Church at Kalawao settlement
Siloama Church was the first church established at Kalawao in 1866. It is one of two remaining buildings at Kalawao today.
View of St. Damien's Grave at Kalawao with ocean in background.
Saint Damien is one of two Catholic saints at Kalaupapa who came to serve the Hansen's disease patients in the late 19th century.
View of Paschoal Hall also known as the Kalaupapa Social Hall
Paschoal Hall, also known as the Kalaupapa Social Hall, served as the community's recreational center with movies, entertainers, and dances.
Photos: National Park Service

About Kalaupapa National Historical Park

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.

Quick Facts

State Hawaii
Designation National Historical Park
State Code HI
Weather Hawaii 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…

Location & Map

Kalaupapa National Historical Park is located in Hawaii.

Operating Hours

Kalaupapa 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.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Guided Tours Living History Museum Exhibits

Getting There

Kalaupapa 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 reached by automobile. To get to the park, visitors must travel by air or on foot. See the park's Direction and Transportation webpage for additional information.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 7 Puahi Street, Kalaupapa, HI, 96742
Phone 8085676802
Email kala_superintendent@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Asian American Heritage Incarceration Pacific Islander Heritage Science, Technology and Innovation Tragic Events

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