View of Kalaupapa Peninsula from Overlook
The Kalaupapa peninsula was once a prison for those inflicted with Hansen's disease. Approximately 8000 people were forced to live their lives in isolation here. Tylor Tanaka

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

National Historic Site · Hawaii · National Park Service

When Hansen's disease (leprosy) was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha V banished all afflicted to the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. Since 1866, more than 8,000 people, mostly Hawaiians, have died at Kalaupapa. Once a prison, Kalaupapa is now a refuge for the few remaining residents who are cured but were forced to live their lives in isolation.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
8085676802
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Asian American Heritage · Incarceration · Pacific Islander Heritage · Science, Technology and Innovation · Tragic Events

Activities & features: Guided Tours · Living History · Museum Exhibits

Photos

  • View of pali (sea cliffs) on the north shore of Molokai
    Tylor Tanaka
  • View of residences along Damien Road
    NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
  • View of the sunrise over the north shore of Molokai
    NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
  • View of Black Sand Beach and Awahua Bay
    NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
  • View of rock walls and native Hawaiian archeological sites at Kalaupapa.
    Ricki Cooke
  • Siloama Church at Kalawao settlement
    NPS Photo / T. Scott Williams
  • View of St. Damien's Grave at Kalawao with ocean in background.
    NPS photo / Carrie Mardorf
  • View of Paschoal Hall also known as the Kalaupapa Social Hall
    NPS Photo / Carrie Mardorf

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12