Can You Visit Kalaupapa Right Now?

If you want to visit the leper colony on Molokai, you’ll need a permit from the Hawaii State Department of Health first. The trail is currently restricted to county residents and visitors with approved permits, so flying into or out of Kalawao County is your only option right now.

Make sure you have all the proper documentation before traveling; without it, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to enter or leave Kalaupapa National Historical Park at all. There are still plenty of tourists visiting the area every day – don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

You can find more information about obtaining a permit here: www.health .hawaii .gov/diseases/leprosy/visit_kalaupapa

Can You Visit Kalaupapa Right Now?

To visit the Kalaupapa and Molokai leper colony, you will need a permit from the Hawaii state department of health. You can only visit the trail if you are a resident or visitor of Kaua’i County, and have an approved permit from HDOH.

Flying into and out of Kalawao county is your only option right now – flying in or out of any other part of Hawai’i may not be possible at this time due to restrictions put in place by HSDOH. Be sure to apply for your permit as soon as possible.

There is no guarantee that permits will be available when you want them, so don’t wait. We hope that these closures will be temporary and that we can reopen access to the trails sooner rather than later.

Is Kalaupapa open to visitors?

Kalaupapa Trail is restricted to residents of Kalawao County and visitors with approved permits from the Hawaii State Department of Health. There are a limited number of permits issued each year, so be sure to apply early.

The trail is not open to the public all year round but there are specific times during which it’s accessible – check out their website for more information. Be prepared for long waiting periods in order to obtain a permit; plan ahead and factor this into your visit plans.

If you’re unable to get access due to residency or health restrictions, don’t despair – there are other stunning spots on Kaua’i that you can explore without crossing paths with lepers.

Is the trail to Kalaupapa open?

The Kalaupapa Pali Trail is now open to guided tours after repairs were recently completed. Visitors will be able to view the restored areas of Haleakala and Kalawao National Parks while on the trail.

Reservations are highly recommended for this popular attraction, as it can get busy during peak season. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks because the views are definitely worth it.

Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to take lots of photos along the way.

Is Kalaupapa closed?

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 at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

If you’re looking for information on the park’s current status or activities, be sure to check their website regularly. The park offers tours every day from 8am to 4pm in Hawaiian language only; reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited Visitors can also explore the grounds on their own by taking trails that wind through lush forests and over rugged cliffsides.

Can you drive to Kalaupapa?

Kalaupapa is an extremely isolated place, and as such, there is no road access into the peninsula. To get to the park, visitors must travel by air, mule, or on foot.

The only way to visit Kalaupapa is if you are able to arrange transportation beforehand. If you want to visit Kalaupapa but don’t have any transport available, be prepared for a long journey.

Although it’s not easy getting there -Kalaupapa is definitely worth visiting.

Are there still lepers on Molokai?

A tiny number of Hansen’s disease patients still remain on Kalaupapa, a leprosarium established in 1866 on a remote, but breathtakingly beautiful spit of land on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Thousands lived and died there in the intervening years, including a later-canonized saint. Today Kalaupapa is home to about 40 people with Hansen’s Disease – a very small fraction of its original population who contracted leprosy from untreated exposure to the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae while living and working on the plantation over 150 years ago.

The isolated community has preserved their history through art, music and agriculture while maintaining ties with descendants back on Molokai who continue to care for them today For more information see: aretherestilllepersonmolokaiblog

Can you hike to Kalaupapa?

Although the hike to Kalaupapa is strenuous, it’s an incredible way to see the Na Pali Coast and view ancient Hawaiian ruins. The trail starts at Waimanu Valley and descends through a rainforest before reaching Kalawao Valley.

Hiking the trail takes about three hours round trip with plenty of breaks in between for rest and photo ops along the way. The summit of Kawa’u Peak offers stunning views of Waimea Canyon and Mauna Loa volcano on one side, while you can also see Kauai on another side if you’re lucky.

Considerations should be given to your physical fitness level before beginning this trek – but don’t worry, there are other ways to explore Kalaupapa too.

Can you travel to Molokai right now?

If you are traveling to Molokai, there is no need to quarantine or have an additional test if flying into Maui on Mokulele Airlines. You can also fly into Honolulu and visit Moloka’i without any issues.

Make sure you plan your trip well in advance as the airport on Molokai is small and flights tend to fill up quickly. Be aware that tourist attractions close at 5pm so be prepared for a late night arrival if travelling during peak season.

The natural beauty of Moloka’i will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired after your trip – make sure to write about it all in your travelogue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who lives on Molokai now?

Who lives on Molokai now?

Can you hike to the leper colony on Molokai?

You can’t hike to the leper colony on Molokai because it is currently restricted to residents and visitors with approved permits.

How do I get to Kalaupapa?

Visit the Kalaupapa National Historical Park website for more information.

Who built the Kalaupapa Trail?

Who built the Kalaupapa Trail?
Starting in 1873 major improvements were made due to the arrival of Father Damien and the interest and support of the next two Hawaiian Kings, William Charles Lunalilo and David Kalakaua.

Are there still any leper colonies?

There are still leper colonies, but they’re being managed more responsibly. Nowadays, people who are infected with leprosy must stay in isolated areas where there is no risk of transmitting the disease to other people.

How many patients still live in Kalaupapa?

According to the Kalaupapa National Park website, as of 2018 there are 16 registered patients remaining in Kalaupapa.

When was the last leper colony closed?

Kalaupapa village was founded in 1866 for those suffering from Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. It was closed in 1969.

Who brought Leprosy to Hawaii?

I begin my life at 33. I pray for your protection.” Father Damien arrived at Kalaupapa settlement in 1873, the same year Norwegian physician Hansen identified Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) as the cause of leprosy.

How do I get from Maui to Molokai?

Get on a local airline and fly to Molokaʻi.

What island is Kaunakakai on?

Kaunakakai is on the island of Molokaʻi.

To Recap

Sadly, no – the Kalaupapa peninsula is now an extinct volcano and restricted area. However, you can visit the nearby town of Hilo on the east coast of Hawaii.