Things To Do Near Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kalaupapa Historical National Park offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of Kalaupapa's distant inhabitants on pre-arranged, guided tours that include historical information about its cemeteries, architecture, and landscapes. The park's museum collection and archaeological artifacts are also featured, in addition to geological resources that explain the volcanic composition of the area. During your exploration, you will likely see many of the park's 30 federally protected endangered species that include plant and marine life. Molokai mule rides on the Kalaupapa Trail offer another amazing way to check out the breathtaking views of the island as you go on a 2,000-foot descent into the park from the rugged sea cliffs above.
Hiking Trails
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Kalaupapa Trail
Kalaupapa Trail is a challenging out-and-back hike with an elevation change of 2,000-feet through rugged, mountainous terrain and along the northern coast of Molokai. On this difficult trek, expect 26 switchbacks and possibly muddy or wet conditions during the winter and humid summer months. Due to the Kalaupapa Trail's level of difficulty, consider your level of physical fitness before attempting this strenuous hike, and bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and protective gear such as a hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket if you do choose to trek this beautiful trail. Be sure to check for closures before heading out.
Location
Near the end of Kalae Highway 470, Kalaupapa, HI 96742
Length
3.5 miles
Intensity
Difficult
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Kalaupapa Overlook Trail
Kalaupapa Overlook Trail is located at the very end of Kalae Highway 470 in Pala'au State Park, where you'll find the trailhead marker in the parking lot. This trail is on a paved pathway that's a straight shot to the overlook. Once you reach your destination, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the ocean and the Kalaupapa Village below, along with a series of markers explaining the fascinating history of Kalaupapa.
Location
Pala'au State Park parking lot, Highway 47, Ho'olehua, HI 96729
Length
0.1 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Pala'au State Park
Pala'au State Park is a sacred, 233-acre area that is believed to increase fertility. Exploration within the park leads you through eucalyptus and ironwood forests to its most prominent feature, Phallic Rock, and the start of the Kalaupapa Overlook Trail, which is located in the parking lot area. Camping is available with a permit, and there are plenty of picnic areas near the woods.
Location
Kalae Hwy, Kualapuu, HI 96757
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Papohaku Beach Park
Head to the west side of the island for an unforgettable experience at Papohaku Beach Park, one of Hawaii's largest white-sand beaches. Here, you can spend a day or two playing in the sand and sea on a lightly trafficked, three-mile stretch that features campsites, showers, and restroom facilities. Feel free to barbecue steaks or burgers on the grills provided by the park before enjoying a spectacular Hawaiian sunset.
Location
West End Mile 14.9 Kaluakoi Road, Maunaloa, HI 96770
Museums
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Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
Molokai Museum and Cultural Center inhabits a restored sugar mill and features a variety of portraits of current and historical residents of Kalaupapa, educational videos about the history of the late 19th-century mill, and a sizeable gift shop where you can pick up locally made crafts. Exhibits of petroglyphs and plantation-era furnishings are some of the highlights you'll see as you enjoy a self-guided tour of this small yet unique museum.
Location
1795 Kalae Hwy, Ho'olehua, HI 96729
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Kualapuu Market
Kualapuu Marketis one of Molokai's oldest mom and pop stores in the Hawaiian Islands and features delicious produce, frozen treats, and fresh meats and cheeses, in addition to first aid and cleaning supplies.
Location
311 Farrington Road, Ho'olehua, HI 96729
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Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nut Farm
At this one-of-a-kind, five-acre farm, you can pick up oodles of fresh macadamia nuts from the tree and sample Purdy's sensational macadamia blossom honey. Stick around to learn how to crack a mac, and walk among the trees or "fruits of the land."
Location
2240 Lihi Pali Ave., Ho'olehua, HI 96729
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Makana Nui Hawaiian Gift Shop
Makana Nui Hawaiian Gift Shop is a great place to grab a few authentic Hawaiian sarongs and surf gear as well as hand-crafted jewelry and woven baseball hats.
Location
15 Kaunakakai Pl., Kaunakakai, HI 96748
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Molokai's Eating Landmark
Known as Molokai's Eating Landmark, Kualapu'u Cookhouse serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a menu filled with plates of corned beef hash, fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, and country fried chicken steak with fries on the side, of course. You'll also enjoy your rustic surroundings in the traditional-style plantation building that's become a staple for locals and visitors.
Location
102 Farrington Ave., Kualapuu, HI 96757
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Paddlers Restaurant & Bar
Paddlers Restaurant & Bar offers a relaxed dining atmosphere that features a full bar, live music, and dancing. Some of Paddlers' tastiest dishes include the Tomato Jam Burger, Chili Pork, and Spaghetti Hongos.
Location
10 Mohala St., Kaunakakai, HI 96748