Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Hawaii
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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 hot and humid days in the summer. Trade winds are fairly constant and typically blow from the northeast. Daytime temperatures range from 65–75° F in the winter to 80-90°F in the summer. Nighttime temperatures are often in the 60-70°F range.
🚗 Directions
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, mule, or on foot. See the park's Direction and Transportation webpage for additional information.
Images
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.
Credit: Tylor Tanaka
Kalaupapa National Historical Park contains some of the world's tallest sea cliffs, which formed a natural barrier to the Hansen's disease settlement.
Credit: Tylor Tanaka
Patients lived in a combination of group homes and single family residences at Kalaupapa.
Credit: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
Kalawao with its rocky shoreline was the landing spot for the first Hansen's disease patients sent to Kalaupapa.
Credit: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
Black Sand Beach is one of several sandy beaches at Kalaupapa, most known for its sea turtle nesting habitat.
Credit: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
Kalaupapa is also home to one of the most well-preserved archeological complexes in all of Hawaii.
Credit: Ricki Cooke
Siloama Church was the first church established at Kalawao in 1866. It is one of two remaining buildings at Kalawao today.
Credit: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
Saint Damien is one of two Catholic saints at Kalaupapa who came to serve the Hansen's disease patients in the late 19th century.
Credit: NPS photo / Carrie Mardorf
Paschoal Hall, also known as the Kalaupapa Social Hall, served as the community's recreational center with movies, entertainers, and dances.
Credit: NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf
Kalaupapa is the final resting place for approximately 8000 people. Papaloa Cemetery is the largest cemetery located along the west shoreline of the peninsula.
Credit: NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, Apr 17
Patchy rain nearby
High: 71.3°F | Low: 69.1°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 15.4 mph
Rain Chance: 80%
UV Index: 2.8
Sunrise: 06:07 AM
Sunset: 06:47 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.5°F
Cloud Cover: 80%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Apr 18
Patchy rain nearby
High: 71.1°F | Low: 69.7°F
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 17.4 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 2.7
Sunrise: 06:06 AM
Sunset: 06:48 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (1%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.7°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Apr 19
Patchy rain nearby
High: 70.8°F | Low: 69.8°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 15.9 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 1.8
Sunrise: 06:05 AM
Sunset: 06:48 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.4°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
7 Puahi Street
Kalaupapa, HI 96742
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2222
7 Puahi Street
Kalaupapa, HI 96742
📞 Voice Phone: 8085676802
📞 Fax Phone: 8085676729
✉️ Email: kala_superintendent@nps.gov