Once the decision was made, and the law passed, the government proceeded to purchase lands and move the Hawaiian residents to other homes. The village of Kalawao on the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula thus became home to thousands of leprosy victims subsequently moved here from throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawai`i_fs actions brought attention to the mysterious and dreaded disease that reached epidemic proportions in the islands in the late 1800_fs. With new cases threatening to eradicate the native population and no knowledge of what caused the disease, officials were desperate. At the time, there was no effective treatment and no cure. To government officials, isolation seemed the only answer.
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 focused the attention of the world on the problem of this disease and the plight of its victims. After Damien's death in 1889, the people of England established a fund and a commission for the scientific investigation of the disease.
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.
The park can be reached by air through commercial and charter flights from Honolulu, O`ahu, and from Hoolehua, Moloka`i. Flights to Kalaupapa Airport (IATA: LUP) can be arranged through Pacific Wings (#1.888.575.4546); Moloka'i Air Shuttle (#808.567.6847); and Paragon Air (#1.800.4228.1231).
Some visitors arrive by private boats and tie to buoys near the dock at Kalaupapa.
Visitors may also reach the Kalaupapa peninsula by hiking or riding mules down the steep Kalaupapa Trail from the topside trailhead located off Highway 470 near Pala'au State Park and the Kalaupapa overlook. The trail links topside Moloka'i to the Kalaupapa Settlement and has a 1700 foot elevation change, is three miles long and has twenty-six switchbacks. At the bottom of the trail, visitors must connect with the commercial tour.
Damien Tours, owned and operated by a Kalaupapa resident, offer commercial tours of Kalaupapa daily, except Sundays and holidays. Call #808.567.6171 for tour reservations and information.
Mule rides on the Kalaupapa Trail can be arranged through Moloka'i Mule Rides, Inc., a National Park Service concession. For reservations call #808.567.6088 or #1.800.567.7550
There is no entrance fee for the park, nor are there fees for any park facilities. There are costs involved with the commercial tours, mule rides and air flights.
All visitors must obtain a permit from the Hawai'i State Department of Health to enter the Kalaupapa Settlement. The commercial tour company arranges the permit for their customers. Guests of residents have their permits arranged by their sponsor. No children under the age of 16 are allowed in the Kalaupapa Settlement. Reservations are required for commercial tours of the settlement, mule rides on the trail and air flights. Visitors are encouraged to make these reservations in advance.
The nearest camping facility is located at Pala'au State Park, topside Moloka'i.
How do you get out? Well, basicaly the same way you got in. If you came down the Kalaupapa Trail on a mule . . you went out the same way, over all those switch-backs [26 in all] and the only other way, besides by sea, would have been to fly in and out on a charter. Before the trip began, the guides gave us some instructions which included a day pass, issued by the State of Hawai_fi, to enter the colony and to leave the colony. We were told that pictures of anything may be taken with one exception. We would not be allowed to photograph a resident. The fine for doing so is $500.00. Believe me that got everyone_fs attention. Also, each mule has a name and you would be required to commit the mule_fs name to memory. I began to get apprehensive at this instruction as many of the mules had long Hawaiian names . . . I lucked out! My mule_fs name was Chevy. We were told, and this made good sense too, that it is easier for the guide to call out the mule_fs name than to try to remember your name. I must admit I was quite taken with Chevy_fs size. I don_ft know why, but I thought a mule was just a overgrown donkey. He was big! and I mean big. Once we were all mounted and preparing to depart for the trail, we were given a final instruction and this was what it was: _gThe mules know exactly where they are going, just sit down and relax. Stay straight saddle and enjoy the views._h This is the way to go in and out. Be sure you make a reservation!