The trail to Kalaupapa descends 26 switchbacks with a nearly 2,000 foot elevation change over 3.5 miles. The trail is considered strenuous. Hiking the trail is physically demanding and careful consideration should be given to your physical fitness level before beginning the hike.

Can people visit Kalaupapa?

Visitation is restricted in accordance with Hawai’i State Law. All visitors must have a permit, which can be acquired via Kekaula Tours or Saint Damien & Mother Marianne Cope Molokai Tours. The number of visitors allowed into the park is capped at 100 per day.

Is Kalaupapa open to the public?

Kalaupapa National Historical Park is home to an active community of people, including patient-residents, some clergy, and State and Federal employees. Because it is still a living community, there are no opening or closing hours. Visitation is restricted in accordance with Hawai’i State Law.

Is Kalaupapa trail open?

COVID-19 CLOSURE: As of April 2021, the Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) has restricted the entrance of tours to Kalaupapa (per authority under HRS 326) and will not be approving those entry permits at this time due to the Kalaupapa patients being a high-risk population to COVID-19.

How do I get to Kalaupapa?

Today, the serene Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a place of preservation and education and is only accessible by mule ride, hiking tour or airplane from the small commuter Kalaupapa Airport (LUP). Kalaupapa cannot be reached by car.

How many lepers left on Molokai?

The remote Kalaupapa peninsula on the Hawaiian island of Molokai housed a settlement for Leprosy patients from 1866 to 1969. When it was closed, many residents chose to remain. Over the years, more than 8,000 leprosy patients lived on the settlement.

Who owns Molokai island?

Guoco Leisure Ltd
In September 2017 the company that owns Molokai Ranch, Singapore-based Guoco Leisure Ltd, put this 55,575 acres (22,490 ha) property, encompassing 35% of the island of Molokaʻi, on the market for $260 million. Due to the fight against development and tourism, Molokaʻi has Hawaiʻi’s highest unemployment rate.

Where is the Halawa Valley?

Molokai island
Halawa Valley, valley, northeastern Molokai island, Hawaii, U.S. On the northeastern flank of Kamakou summit (4,961 feet [1,512 metres]), it is a deep verdant gorge 1.75 miles (2.8 km) long and 0.5 mile (0.8 km) wide.

Where can you hike Molokai?

With most land privately held, the only real hiking opportunities on Molokai are the Kalaupapa Trail (permit required), Halawa Valley by guided tour, or in two hard-to-access Nature Conservancy preserves.

How do you get to Kalaupapa National History Park?

How many lepers live on Molokai?

Kalaupapa, on the island of Molokai, is Hawaii’s leprosy colony, where 8,000 people were sent into exile over the course of a century. Six of these patients still live sequestered, out of the 16 total patients who are still alive. They range in age from 73 to 92.

Do I need a permit to visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park?

Hawai’i State law requires all individuals to secure a permit prior to entering Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Visitor permits can be secured through one of two tour companies: 1. Kekaula Tours LLC / associated with the Mule Ridecan arrange and sponsor permits for their clients on a fly-in, mule ride or a hike-in package.

Can a child visit Kalaupapa?

Persons under 16 years of age are not permitted to visit Kalaupapa. There are no medical facilities at Kalaupapa. Any emergency medical response can take hours and may require a helicopter flight to Oahu or Maui.

What facilities are available at Kalaupapa?

There are no dining or shopping facilities available at Kalaupapa. Guests of residents need to bring their own food and sundry supplies, and plan on taking their trash with them when they leave. Snacks and soft drinks are available to visitors at the local bar.

How difficult is the trail to the park to hike?

The 3.5 mile trail to the park is extremely steep and challenging with uneven surfaces. Rock and mudslides on the trail are common. Hiking the trail is physically demanding and careful consideration should be given to your physical fitness level before beginning the hike. Read more about trail safety here.