Kalaupapa, Hawaii, Kalawao County is a haunting ghost town with an intriguing and somber history. Once a bustling settlement, it is a poignant reminder of its past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Kalawao County
Zip Code: 96742
Latitude / Longitude: 21.1836° N, 156.9853° W
Elevation: Approximately 20 feet (6 meters)
Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST)
Established: 1866
Disestablished: Not formally disestablished, but the leper colony ceased operations in 1969.
Comments: Kalaupapa is most famous for its role as a leprosy settlement. Beginning in 1866, individuals afflicted with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) were forcibly sent to the isolated peninsula on Molokai Island.
The settlement became a place of great suffering, resilience, and community. Father Damien, later canonized as Saint Damien of Molokai, is one of the most notable figures associated with Kalaupapa due to his dedicated work with the patients.
Remains: Today, Kalaupapa is preserved as part of the National Historical Park. Several buildings, including churches, homes, and the hospital, still stand, offering a glimpse into the past. The settlement is accessible by a challenging trail or air, maintaining its isolation.
Current Status: Although it is no longer a functional town, Kalaupapa remains inhabited by a few former patients who chose to stay after the settlement closed, along with park service personnel. It is now primarily a historical site and a place for reflection on its poignant history.
Remarks: Kalaupapa is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for endurance and compassion in adversity. Its history attracts visitors interested in understanding and honoring the lives of those who lived there.
The National Park Service manages the area, ensuring that the stories and lessons of Kalaupapa continue to be shared with future generations.
