Kalaupapa NHP

Kalaupapa National Historical Park is located on the island of Molokaʻi in Hawaiʻi. The park is home to a variety of historic sites, including the Kalaupapa Leper Colony and the Kalawao County Jail. The National Historic Park is a sobering reminder of the efforts taken by the government to control leprosy, or Hansen's disease. In the late 1800s, patients with severe symptoms were forcibly relocated to the isolated peninsula, cut off from the rest of society. The goal was to prevent the spread of the disease, but it also had the effect of ostracizing those who were suffering. Between 1866 and 1969, approximately 8,000 people were banished to Kalaupapa. Today, there are only a handful of Hansen's Disease patients remaining in Kalaupapa and they have chosen to remain in isolation. The National Historic Park was established in 1980 to preserve the historic culture and landscapes of Kalaupapa. Visitors can explore the sites through a variety of ranger-led tours and activities. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and events.