Kalaupapa National Historical Park - General Park Information

The primary story being told at Kalaupapa National Historical Park is the forced isolation from 1866 until 1969 of people from Hawai'i afflicted with Hansen's disease (leprosy) to the remote northern Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of Molokai.

The first group of Hansen's disease patients were sent to Kalawao on the eastern, or windward side of the Kalaupapa peninsula on January 6, 1866. The churches of Siloama, established in 1866 and St. Philomena, begun in 1872 and associated with the work of Father Damien (Joseph DeVeuster) are located at Kalawao. Father Damien's life and death among his people foccussed the attention of the world on the problem of this disease and the plight of its victims.

Situated on the leeward side of the peninsula, Kalaupapa Settlement is still home for several surviving Hansen's disease patients whose memories and experiences are cherished values. Once a community in isolation, Kalaupapa now serves as a place for education and contemplation. The site became a national park in 1980 dedicated to preserving the memories and lessons of the past.

This park is complicated to manage since the lands, waters, and historic buildings are not owned in fee simple by the National Park Service. This section has copies of the many agreements and leases with various religious organizations, the State of Hawaii departments, and the Hawaiian Homes Commission. These are the bases that thus far allow Kalaupapa to function as a National Historical Park.

Spectacular north shore sea cliffs, narrow lush valleys, a conic volcanic crater, verdant rain forest, lava tubes and caves, off-shore islands and coral reefs all exist within the national park boundary. Several of these areas provide rare native habitat for threatened or endangered Hawaiian plants and animals. For example, Hawaiian Monk seal pups have been born on Kalaupapa's beaches. These endangered mammals require solitude; Kalaupapa's physical isolation provides perfect habitat to support these births and subsequent care.

Hawaii enjoys moderate temperatures year-round. Rain increases in winter; some summer days are hot and humid. Tradewinds are fairly constant. Temperatures range from the 70's in the winter to the 90's in the summer.