CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia CommonsLandmark· Molokai· Hawaii
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
21° 10.7′ N · 156° 57.6′ W
The low peninsula beneath Molokai's highest cliffs where, from 1866 to 1969, Hawaii exiled some 8,500 people with Hansen's disease; Saint Damien and Saint Marianne Cope served here, and a few patient residents still live in the settlement.
Practical
Wikipedia: settlements operated 1866-1969, population peaked about 1,100 in 1890; park established by Congress in 1980. Visitation is restricted to protect residents' privacy, and general visitors must join a permitted guided tour (NPS, July 2026). NPS ran its first public tour on July 9, 2026 and then paused future tours while it reassesses access, so check the park (808) 567-6802 before planning. Visitors under 16 are not permitted. From the water, the settlement, Molokai Light and the 1,600 ft cliffs make a striking sight; Coast Pilot 10 notes a special permit is required to land unless on state business.
Best for
History, seen respectfully from the overlook or the sea