Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There was once a time when Kalaupapa wasn't shrouded in the stigma of leprosy. During
the days of ancient Hawai'i, this northern peninsula was occupied by original settlers who
lived in much the same way as those elsewhere in the state. All of that changed, however,
when the first confirmed case of Hansen's disease was reported in Honolulu in 1848. Al-
though those living in Kalaupapa at the time didn't know it, this remote peninsula on Mo-
loka'i's northern shore would become an outpost of desperation and a place where the hu-
man spirit was tested on a daily basis.
Now registered as a National Historic Park, Kalaupapa is one of the most powerful day
trips you can take in the islands. There are three ways in to Kalaupapa (hike, mule ride, or
fly). All require the services of
Damien Tours
(808/567-6171, 10am Mon.-Sat.) as your
guides around what remains of the settlement. The cost of $50 is for those who choose to
hike in on their own, and the fee is incorporated into the prices of the mule ride and air
tours. All participants will spend a couple of hours learning the history of the isolated pen-
insula, and lunch is enjoyed at Kalawao—the first landing site of the original lepers at the
base of Hawai'i's tallest sea cliffs. Visitors will also get the chance to visit
St. Philomena
Church,
the house of worship from which Father Damien displayed his overwhelming
courage in the face of insurmountable odds. From this humble Kalaupapa house of wor-
ship, you'll learn the story of how this Belgian-born priest improved the living conditions
of patients and dedicated his life to their salvation and betterment.
Those wanting to ride in on a mule can contact
Moloka'i Mule Ride
(808/567-6088,
www.muleride.com
,
8am-3pm Mon.-Sat., must be over 16 years old and under 250 lbs.,
$199) for a switchbacking tour down the sea cliffs that ranks as one of the best adventures
on the island.
For those who would prefer to fly in,
Pacific Wings
(808/567-6381 or 888/575-4546
toll free,
www.pacificwings.com
) and
Mokulele Airlines
(808/567-6381 Moloka'i or 866/
260-7070 toll free,
www.mokuleleairlines.com
)
offer flights connecting Honolulu and
Kahului with topside in Ho'olehua, where you can catch a connecting flight with
Makani
Kai Air Charters
(808/834-1111 or 877/255-8532,
www.makanikaiair.com
)
. If you are
traveling from Honolulu, Makani Air offers flights directly to Kalaupapa. Space is lim-
ited on flights to Kalaupapa and prices and schedules change regularly, so inquire directly
about current availability and rates. When booking a tour from an outer island, air tick-
ets are often included as a package tour bundle. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to visit
Kalaupapa as part of a day trip on the Lahaina to Moloka'i ferry.
