Kalaupapa Trail in Kalaupapa National Park – Island of Molakai

Kalaupapa is an extremely isolated place, surrounded on three sides by ocean and two-thousand foot cliffs on the fourth. Consequently, there is no road access into the peninsula. Kalaupapa cannot be reached by automobile and there are presently no food and beverage services. The trail to Kalaupapa descends 26 switchbacks with a nearly 2,000 foot elevation change over 3.5 miles. The trail is considered strenuous. Hiking the trail is physically demanding and careful consideration should be given to your physical fitness level before beginning the hike. Trail conditions can be wet and muddy in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. Footing can be slippery. A rain jacket is recommended as well as a brimmed hat and sunscreen. Visitors who hike the trail should carry plenty of water.