Molokaʻi & Kalaupapa National Historical Park

About

Molokai's Kalaupapa National Historical Park sits on a flat, leaf-shaped peninsula jutting out from the base of some of the world's tallest sea cliffs. This isolated spot served as a forced settlement for people with Hansen's disease (leprosy) from 1866 to 1969. Today it stands as a memorial to over 8,000 individuals who were sent here, many never to return home.

The park tells a deeply human story. Father Damien, now Saint Damien, arrived in 1873 to minister to the residents and eventually contracted the disease himself. His legacy, along with that of Mother Marianne Cope and countless patients who built lives here against impossible odds, makes Kalaupapa one of the most emotionally powerful historic sites in the United States.

Visiting Kalaupapa is unlike any other national park experience. The peninsula is accessible only by small aircraft, a steep 3.5-mile mule trail down the cliff, or by hiking the same switchback trail on foot. There are no roads connecting it to the rest of Molokai. This remoteness is part of what makes the place so striking - the same geography that once imprisoned its residents now protects their memory in remarkable quiet.

Guided tours are required for all visitors. Knowledgeable guides share stories of the settlement's history while leading groups through the remaining churches, cemeteries, and buildings. You'll see Saint Philomena Church, where Father Damien preached, and the gravesites that dot the windswept grounds.

The broader island of Molokai offers its own rewards. It's the least developed of Hawaii's main islands, with a small-town feel and uncrowded beaches. Kaunakakai, the main town, has local shops and restaurants. The Molokai Museum and Cultural Center provides additional context about the island's history.

Because access is tightly controlled and visitor numbers are limited, planning ahead is essential. Book tours and flights well in advance. The park operates on a seasonal schedule, and weather can affect small plane flights. Check with the National Park Service for the most current visiting procedures before you go.

Accessibility

Kalaupapa National Historical Park presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely remote location and rugged terrain. The peninsula can only be reached by small aircraft, a steep 3.5-mile mule trail with 26 switchbacks, or hiking down the same cliff trail on foot. None of these access methods are wheelchair accessible.

Within the settlement itself, some areas have paved or flat surfaces. The park does offer wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, accessible picnic areas, and service animals are permitted. Assistive listening devices, Braille signs, and large-print signs are available at certain facilities. However, much of the historic site involves uneven ground, gravel paths, and terrain that may be difficult for mobility device users.

There is no overnight parking at the settlement. Visitors must park at the Kalaupapa Overlook or other external locations before descending to the park. All visits require a guided tour, and tours involve moving between spread-out historic sites.

For visitors who cannot make the descent, the Kalaupapa Overlook on topside Molokai provides panoramic views of the peninsula and interpretive signage about the settlement's history. This overlook is reachable by car.

On the broader island of Molokai, accessibility varies. Hawaii's state resources include transportation options and equipment rentals for travelers with disabilities. Contact the Hawaii State Department of Health's disability services for a comprehensive list of mobility equipment rental providers.

Given the park's unique access constraints, anyone with mobility concerns should contact Kalaupapa National Historical Park directly at (808) 567-6802 before planning a visit. Staff can discuss current conditions, accommodations, and whether the trip is feasible for your specific needs.

More accessible places in Hawaii

• Nā Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon (Kauaʻi)
• Maui Ocean Center (Wailuku)
• Bishop Museum (Honolulu)
• Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu)
• ʻIolani Palace (Honolulu)
• Dole Plantation (Wahiawa)

Photo credits

• Molokaʻi & Kalaupapa National Historical Park - hi-kalaupapa-national-historical-park-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Molokaʻi & Kalaupapa National Historical Park - hi-kalaupapa-national-historical-park-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Molokaʻi & Kalaupapa National Historical Park - hi-kalaupapa-national-historical-park-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)