Kalaupapa National Historical Park

National Historical Park · HI · nps.gov page

View of Kalaupapa Peninsula from Overlook — 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.Photo: Tylor Tanaka

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.

Larger map

News

Kalaupapa National Historical Park to Offer Public Tours 2026-06-24
For the first time, Kalaupapa National Historical Park will offer public tours starting July 9, 2026. The tours will be provided twice a week, and reservations can be made beginning June 26.

Photos

View of pali (sea cliffs) on the north shore of Molokai — Kalaupapa National Historical Park contains some of the world's tallest sea cliffs, which formed a natural barrier to the Hansen's disease settlement.Photo: Tylor Tanaka

View of residences along Damien Road — Patients lived in a combination of group homes and single family residences at Kalaupapa.Photo: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams

View of the sunrise over the north shore of Molokai — Kalawao with its rocky shoreline was the landing spot for the first Hansen's disease patients sent to Kalaupapa.Photo: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams

View of Black Sand Beach and Awahua Bay — Black Sand Beach is one of several sandy beaches at Kalaupapa, most known for its sea turtle nesting habitat.Photo: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams

View of rock walls and native Hawaiian archeological sites at Kalaupapa. — Kalaupapa is also home to one of the most well-preserved archeological complexes in all of Hawaii.Photo: Ricki Cooke

Siloama Church at Kalawao settlement — Siloama Church was the first church established at Kalawao in 1866. It is one of two remaining buildings at Kalawao today.Photo: NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams

View of St. Damien's Grave at Kalawao with ocean in background. — Saint Damien is one of two Catholic saints at Kalaupapa who came to serve the Hansen's disease patients in the late 19th century.Photo: NPS photo / Carrie Mardorf

View of Paschoal Hall also known as the Kalaupapa Social Hall — Paschoal Hall, also known as the Kalaupapa Social Hall, served as the community's recreational center with movies, entertainers, and dances.Photo: NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf

View of grave markers at Papaloa Cemetery in Kalaupapa — Kalaupapa is the final resting place for approximately 8000 people. Papaloa Cemetery is the largest cemetery located along the west shoreline of the peninsula.Photo: NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf

View of Kana'ana Hou Church through gates — Religion was a prominent part of patients' lives at Kalaupapa. Protestant, Catholic, and Mormon churches were established at both Kalawao and Kalaupapa settlements.Photo: NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf

View of warehouse and store at the Kalaupapa Pier — The Kalaupapa Pier, warehouse, and store were the lifeline of the settlement during the 20th century. Historically, shipments of goods and supplies were sent to Kalaupapa weekly.Photo: NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.