DK Travel : Maui : Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka’i

Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka’i

No one has rated this yet.

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

Surrounded by the Pacific on three sides, Kalaupapa is a flat, isolated peninsula at the base of sheer sea cliffs rising almost 2,000 ft. The infamy of this beautiful patch of land stems from its role as a colony for Hansen’s disease (leprosy) patients in the late 19th and 20th century. Kalaupapa was established as a national park in 1980 and is dedicated to educating visitors with regard to a disease that has been shrouded in fear for centuries.

Kalaupapa Peninsula
For more on Moloka’i, (see Moloka’i and Lāna’i) Kalaupapa is still home to the few former patients who have chosen to stay, so access is strictly regulated

Top 10 Sights

1. Kalaupapa Overlook

1. Kalaupapa Overlook

Perched on one of the highest sea cliffs on Earth, the overlook provides a panoramic view of the Kalaupapa Peninsula from Pālā’au State Park. The five-minute walk though woods from the parking lot to the overlook is studded with informative signs.
2. Kauleo Nānāhoa (Phallic Rock)

2. Kauleo Nānāhoa (Phallic Rock)

Accessed from the Kalaupapa Overlook, a short trail from the parking lot leads to the natural rock formation, Kauleo Nān-āhoa. Literally translated as “the penis of Nānāhoa” (a legendary character and symbol of sexuality), it’s believed the stone helps women become as fertile as the land.
3. Kalaupapa Trail

Sheer cliffs form the barrier that isolates the peninsula from the rest of Moloka’i. Essentially a mule trail, the path was carved into the sheer cliffs in 1886. Today, the trail from “topside” Moloka’i to Kalaupapa is used by mule riders and hikers prepared to hug the near-perpendicular cliffs.
4. Moloka’i Lighthouse

4. Moloka’i Lighthouse

Formerly one of the Pacific’s most powerful beacons, the oil lamp atop this 138-ft octagonal tower was first illuminated in 1909. Three keepers’ dwellings were built nearby, but by 1966 the lighthouse no longer required nightly attention, and the last keepers departed.
5. The Damien Monument

A Celtic cross, erected in 1893, stands in the settlement as a memorial to the world-famous Father Damien.
6. Judd Park

Located next to the site of the first Hansen’s Disease hospital, the park is a pleasant stop-off for lunch on the Damien Tours route. The bluff provides a fabulous view overlooking Moloka’i’s sheer north shore sea cliffs.
7. St. Philomena Church

7. St. Philomena Church

The most stirring site on Kalaupapa is the last of several churches built on Moloka’i by Father Damien. The priest was laid to rest here, though only his right hand remains, as the rest of his body was taken back to Belgium in 1936.
8. Kalawao

On the east of the peninsula, Kalawao is the original settlement. Patients later resettled in the west of Kalaupapa, nearer the trail to “topside” and close to good anchorage.
9. Kauhakō Crater

Formed by the eruption that created the Kalaupapa peninsula, Kauhakō Crater contains a small lake. Legend has it that goddesses Pele and Hi’iaka dug for fire here and, disappointed at finding water instead, moved on to make their home on the Island of Hawai’i.
10. Damien Tours

10. Damien Tours

To access Kalaupapa, you must take one of the tours offered by Damien Tours. The peninsula can be reached by air, or by foot or mule along the trail from “topside” Moloka’i. Visitors must be at least 16 years old.

Practical Information

To visit, you must book in advance with Damien Tours. Lunch is included with the mule ride, but if you fly in, take food and water. Visitors must be at least 16 years of age. Mon–Sat but only by prior arrangement with Damien Tours 5676171 National Park Service Kalaupapa National Historical Park Box 2222, Kalaupapa, HI 96742 5676802