Discover Hawaii’s Untold History at Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Published on November 23, 2025

Kalaupapa National Historic Park on Molokai’s Remote northern coast, one of the most unique of National Parks, allows guests to discover one of Hawaii’s deepest and most significant historical narratives. Once a quarantined facility of people diagnosed with Hansen’s disease, Kalaupapa is now able to share its history. After almost five years of closure, the park is now offering a one of a kind experience. Although the history is primarily sad, the story of the park is also one of great courage and determination.

A History Shrouded in Seclusion and Tragedy

In the mid-1800s, a fear of leprosy—now known as Hansen’s disease—swept through Hawaii. The Hawaiian government, fearing its spread, exiled those diagnosed with the disease to the Kalaupapa Peninsula. Located beneath towering sea cliffs, the peninsula’s isolated geography made it the ideal location for a quarantine. The disease’s stigma and the government’s forced isolation led to a community of suffering, separated from families and society.

Over the next century, more than 8,000 individuals were sent to Kalaupapa, where most died in isolation. This place became a symbol of suffering, abandonment, but also of survival, and of human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Kalaupapa Today: A Place of Reflection and Remembrance

Kalaupapa’s transformation from a place of exile to a National Historic Park marks a new chapter in its long history. Now, a handful of former patients, who have since recovered from Hansen’s disease, remain. Their decision to stay in Kalaupapa—despite the end of forced isolation in 1969—was driven by a sense of community and the stigma attached to the disease.

Today, only a few residents remain, and they offer a unique perspective on the place’s history, making the park’s tours even more meaningful. With strict controls on visitation, Kalaupapa ensures that these residents’ privacy and dignity are preserved. This limited access, however, only heightens the importance of the experience for those fortunate enough to visit.

A Personal and Emotional Tour Experience

The reopening of Kalaupapa includes the launch of a new tour: the Kalaupapa Saints Tour. This exclusive experience allows guests to walk in the footsteps of those who lived here, learning about both the hardships and the acts of kindness that took place in the settlement. Visitors gain access to key historical sites like Father Damien’s memorial, a beloved figure who worked tirelessly to care for the leprosy patients and is now canonized as a saint.

The tour explores the complex history of Kalaupapa, where visitors can see the beautiful natural surroundings, the remnants of a once-thriving community, and hear personal stories from the remaining residents. The peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the stunning cliffs and the ocean, contrasts sharply with the history of pain and suffering that took place here.

Practical Travel Tips for Kalaupapa

• Tour Availability: Kalaupapa is one of Hawaii’s most remote and least-visited national parks. Due to limited space and the park’s exclusivity, only a small number of tours are available each month. As a result, it’s essential to book well in advance. Tours typically operate from Oahu, with flights to Moloka’i followed by a full day of exploration.
• Cost: Due to the park’s unique nature and logistical challenges, the tours are priced at a premium. The cost for a guided tour can be as much as $625 per person, which includes a flight from Honolulu, a guided tour of the peninsula, and a visit to the historical sites.
• Guided Tours: Since privacy is crucial for the remaining residents, tours are conducted with a guide. These guided visits offer a personal, insightful experience, with stories shared by those who know Kalaupapa best—the survivors and their families.
• Physical Readiness: Visitors should be prepared for an emotional and physically active day. The terrain can be uneven, and the tour can last up to seven hours. Ensure you’re in good physical condition, especially for the flight and on-site exploration.
• Tour Group Size: For an intimate experience, tour groups are kept small. The maximum group size is typically limited to just eight people. This ensures that each visitor can receive a deeply personal, reflective experience.
• Accessibility: Currently, the tour originates from Honolulu, but future plans may allow visitors to depart from Moloka’i directly. This could potentially lower the cost and offer more accessibility to visitors from Moloka’i or other parts of Hawaii.

Why Visit Kalaupapa Now?

Kalaupapa is not only a place of historical significance but also a living reminder of human resilience. For those seeking to understand Hawaii’s history beyond its beaches and resorts, a trip to Kalaupapa offers a profound educational experience. It is a journey into a past that few Americans know about—a place where tragedy, isolation, faith, and kindness all intersect.

By visiting Kalaupapa, you’re participating in the preservation of its history. The tours allow visitors to bear witness to the lives of those who lived through such trying circumstances, with the hope that future generations can learn about and reflect on the human stories that shaped this place.

Kalaupapa National Historic Park is not just a tourist destination—it’s a portal to the past, offering a powerful narrative of human strength and survival against all odds. For those willing to take the journey, it promises to be an experience that’s both humbling and transformative.

Conclusion

People interested in Hawaii’s history and passionate travelers can explore Kalaupapa’s history. Kalaupapa is now reopening to the public and storytelling enthusiasts can visit one of the most isolated and beautiful historical sites in the country. Kalaupapa is one of the few places in the country that provides a rare and intimate look at isolated historical places in the country. Because of the limited availability, booking a guided tour is most likely required for travelers. Educational and historical curiosity as well as personal reflection can be used to describe the one-of-a-kind experience Kalaupapa provides.