Kalaupapa National Historical Park Tours

Kalaupapa, once a place of forced isolation, is now a living community that supports the last remaining residents cured of Hansen’s Disease, as well as threatened and endangered species and significant cultural sites. Visitor tours are carefully designed to protect resident privacy, safeguard natural resources, and preserve the cultural sites that make Kalaupapa unique. Access to Kalaupapa is limited to two methods: by airplane or by trail. The programs listed here provide trail only access and operate under a group permit issued to the National Park Service by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. The trail is very tough. Plan for a half-day and check each tour description closely.

Parking will be marked with a sandwich board near the entrance to Palaʻau State Park located at the northern end of the Kalae Highway (470). You will need your own transportation to reach the trailhead, located 9 miles from the Molokaʻi Airport. Renting a car is the most reliable option, as public transit is limited and there are no rideshare services on the island. Taxis are available, but they generally operate on an on call basis.