Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement and National Historical Park
Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement and National Historical Park, National Historical Park in Molokai, United States
The secluded Kalaupapa peninsula contains historic buildings, medical facilities, and cemeteries from the former Hansen's disease settlement established in 1866.
From 1866 to 1969, over 8,000 individuals affected by Hansen's disease were exiled to this isolated peninsula under Hawaii's quarantine laws.
Belgian priest Father Damien dedicated his life to caring for the residents at Kalaupapa, working at the settlement from 1873 until his death in 1889.
Access to Kalaupapa requires advance reservation, sponsorship from authorized tour operators, and visitors must be at least 16 years old to enter the park.
The settlement's surviving residents maintain permanent rights to live within the National Historical Park, preserving their connection to this significant location.
Location: Kalawao County
Inception: December 22, 1980
Operator: United States National Park Service
Website: https://nps.gov/kala
GPS coordinates: 21.17780,-156.96000
Latest update: May 16, 2025 13:43
The Hawaiian Islands offer beaches with white, black, and red sand, formed through volcanic activity and coral erosion. Coastal areas display tide pools, sea caves, and lava formations. Inland, hiking trails lead through rainforest valleys to waterfalls and historic Heiau temples, which served as ceremonial sites for the Polynesian inhabitants. The volcanic geology has created lava tubes, craters, and calderas that are now accessible to visitors. Botanical gardens preserve native plant species, while archaeological sites like ancient settlements and petroglyph fields provide insights into pre-European history. The islands also feature limestone caves with marine fossils and reefs suitable for snorkeling.
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