Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At some points the trail is only eight to 10 inches wide, nearly vertical in places, and
it's simply amazing how the mules carefully pick their way down. The mule skinners
happily announce on the second switchback that it's here that some people just get off
and walk back to the barn, not willing to trust their lives to the sure-footed animals. So
settle back and enjoy a natural thrill ride.
You'll need to be quick with the camera if you want to get shots of the amazing views,
because the mules don't stop for photo ops. (Hiking down would offer better chances for
good pictures.) It takes about 45 minutes going down and one hour going up. The ride
back is as challenging as the ride down, but it's definitely easier than hiking. Remember
your mule's name so that the guides will put you back on the right one for the trip up!
Tours include a short riding lesson from real
paniolo
(Hawaiian cowboys), and lunch.
Make reservations well in advance. Round-trip airport transfers are $32 per person (two-
person minimum).
Damien Tours
BUS TOUR
(
567-6171; tours from $60; Mon-Sat)
Everyone who comes to the Kalapaupa Penin-
sula is required to visit the settlement with this tour. Reservations must be made in ad-
vance (call between 4pm and 8pm). Tours last 3½ hours, are done by bus and are accom-
panied by lots of stories about life in years past. If you're not on the mule ride, bring
your own lunch and a bottle of water. You must be 16 or over.
HOLY WATER
It's hot walking down the Kalaupapa trail, but it's far hotter walking back up. In-
stead of lugging a lot of water both ways, or even just bringing it back up with you,
take extra containers and stash them behind rocks at the numbered switchbacks
on your way down. Remember the numbers and retrieve your water on the way
back up.
Getting There & Around
The mule trail down the
pali
is the only land route to the peninsula and can be taken
either on foot or by the mule rides. It is possible to combine hiking and flying.
AIR
